Manufacturing Quality Systems Supervisor – Clay, Glaze, and Kiln Products

Shape quality that shapes creativity.

Since 1919, AMACO has helped artists and educators bring ideas to life. We’re a family-owned company where innovation, learning, and respect guide every decision. Join us to elevate the reliability of materials that makers trust every day.

Reports to: Director of Operations

Your Mission

Lead in-process quality across our lab, mechanical, shipping, and manufacturing areas. Stabilize processes, establish the fundamentals, and strengthen a laboratory capability that underpins product quality and continuous improvement.

Your First 90 Days

• Stand up a robust quality lab: validated methods, calibrated equipment, trained technicians.
• Define baseline process parameters and standardize data capture to align all shifts.
• Audit CTQ checks and ensure the right methods and tools are used at every inspection station.
• Lead corrective actions for issues raised by Supplier Quality; close the loop with sustainable fixes.
• Roll out the Amaco and Brent Quality System—implement TWI-based test protocols and training matrices for consistency.

How You’ll Collaborate

• Partner with production leaders during Gemba walks and virtual reviews to surface insights and remove roadblocks.
• Guide Kaizen/A3 activities that reduce scrap and defects while improving flow and customer outcomes.
• Drive alignment on quality and production goals across departments; verify inventory accuracy and conduct safety audits.

Team Leadership

• Manage in-process quality staff in the lab and mechanical teams.
• Set objectives, schedule work, and deliver thoughtful performance reviews.
• Coach fundamentals of ceramics and quality with a hands-on, mentoring approach.

Outcomes You’ll Deliver

• Measurable reduction in in-process defects, scrap, and related customer complaints.
• Consistent CTQ application and timely discrepancy resolution.
• Stable, repeatable processes across all shifts.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Ceramics, Engineering, Material Science, Industrial Technology, or equivalent (Associate’s with significant experience considered).
• 5–7+ years supervising quality teams, preferably in a lab-centric environment.
• Experience creating/developing Quality Systems and documented standards.
• Ability to convert attribute criteria into numeric standards.
• Knowledge of ceramic chemistry, materials testing, and mechanical processes.
• History of setting up and stabilizing a quality lab.
• Lean/Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred), SPC, and Minitab proficiency.
• ERP/QMS familiarity: NAV, Business Central, or SAP.

Core Strengths

• Expertise with test methods/equipment in both lab and production settings.
• ISO 9001, DMAIC, A3, and 5Why problem-solving mindset.
• Data-driven judgment that safeguards quality and profitability.
• Standardization and cross-team process discipline.
• Clear communicator and thorough documentarian.

Workload, Travel, and Conditions

• Full-time, Monday–Friday; 40+ hours weekly with occasional evenings/weekends.
• Travel up to 20%.
• Extended standing; frequent lifting/moving of 50+ pounds; hot and cold environments.

Physical Requirements

Expect regular communication, frequent standing/walking/hand use/reaching, and occasional sitting, climbing/balancing, and stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling. Visual needs include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, plus depth perception and focus adjustment.

Proficiencies We Value

• Leadership / People Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Manufacturing Instruction (MI)
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Supervisory Experience
• Kaizen

Legal

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

EEO Statement:

AMACO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: AMACO is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AMACO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the location where we operate. AMACO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Additional Note

As our products and processes evolve, responsibilities may shift to support continuous improvement and customer needs.