Lead Supplier Quality at a Century-Old Creative Materials Pioneer
Since 1919, American Art Clay Company (AMACO) has advanced safe, innovative ceramic materials and equipment—pioneering lead-free glazes, electric kilns, potter’s wheels, and more. As a fourth-generation, family-owned company, we believe art cultivates well-being, skills, and creativity. Our culture prizes continuous improvement, empowerment, and collaboration—from the factory floor to the executive suite.
Reports to: Director of Operations
Role Overview
As the Supplier Quality Systems Supervisor, you will architect and run AMACO and Brent’s end-to-end supplier quality framework—ensuring purchased components and raw materials meet exacting standards. You will direct incoming inspection, hold suppliers accountable to quality, delivery, and compliance requirements, and partner with production, procurement, and engineering to resolve issues quickly and sustainably while nurturing continuous improvement with external partners.
A Day in the Role
- Start by reviewing overnight incoming inspection results and supplier scorecards; prioritize any nonconformances.
- Walk the line with production to diagnose supplier-caused issues and prevent disruptions.
- Host a root-cause session with a key supplier; launch 8D/Corrective Actions and define verification steps.
- Audit a new supplier’s process controls and CTQ adherence; align on PPAP expectations.
- Mentor your team on test methods, measurement systems, and the fundamentals of quality and ceramics.
- Close the day by updating KPIs—defect rates, delivery compliance, response effectiveness—and planning a supplier-focused Kaizen.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and evaluate supplier quality team members and manage schedules and objectives.
- Provide hands-on training and mentorship in quality fundamentals and ceramic-specific testing.
- Conduct performance reviews and support professional development.
What You’ll Drive
- Supplier Quality Program: Build qualification, auditing, monitoring, scorecards, and quality agreements. Define incoming inspection plans and CTQ criteria; train internal teams and suppliers on proper test methods.
- Issue Resolution: Act as the primary contact for discrepancies. Investigate issues, perform root cause analysis (8D), implement corrective actions, and escalate in-process concerns to the In-Process Quality Supervisor when appropriate.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with operations, procurement, and engineering to select, develop, and elevate suppliers. Establish rapid-response containment to protect production.
- System Deployment & Improvement: Implement AMACO and Brent Quality System standards at suppliers; lead supplier Kaizen and A3 problem-solving to enhance capability and performance.
Success Indicators (KPIs)
- Lower incoming defects and fewer inspection failures tied to suppliers.
- Reduced downtime linked to supplier quality issues.
- Improved supplier scorecards (defect rate, delivery, compliance).
- Faster, more effective corrective and preventive actions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in Ceramics, Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Technology, or related field; Associate’s with significant relevant experience considered.
- 5–7+ years in supplier quality or quality engineering in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience building and maturing a Supplier Quality System.
- ISO 9001 proficiency; familiarity with IATF 16949, AS9100, or ISO 13485 is advantageous.
- SPC/statistical analysis skills (Minitab preferred).
- Proven ability to author, formalize, and maintain quality standards and convert attribute criteria into measurable specifications.
- Certifications strongly preferred: ASQ CSQP, CQE, CQA, or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
- Track record of supplier audits, corrective action leadership, and supplier development.
Core Competencies
- Deep knowledge of auditing, test methods, and supplier quality systems.
- Fluency in CTQ, PPAP, FMEA, and 8D root-cause tools.
- Collaborative leadership with persuasive supplier-facing communication and negotiation.
- Balanced decision-making across quality, cost, and delivery.
- Project planning, organization, and clear communication.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Work may involve extended standing and regular lifting, including heavy items, in both hot and cold conditions.
The role requires frequent talking/hearing; frequent standing, walking, handling, and reaching; occasional sitting, climbing/balancing, and stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling. Regularly lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds. Visual abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
Schedule & Travel
This is a full-time role, Monday–Friday, typically 40+ hours per week, with occasional evenings/weekends based on business needs.
Travel: Up to 30%.
Proficiencies
- Hands-on quality inspection
- Continuous improvement methodologies
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving
- APQP
- Supplier relationship management
- SOP creation and maintenance
- Kaizen facilitation
- Quality control execution
- Quality data analysis and reporting
Additional Information
Other Duties: Responsibilities may evolve and change at any time, with or without notice, and this description does not represent an exhaustive list of all activities or tasks.
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.