In-Process Quality Assurance Lead, Ceramics Manufacturing
7 days ago
Indianapolis
Job Description Reports to: Director of Operations About AMACO Founded in 1919, American Art Clay Company (AMACO) pioneered commercially manufactured clays, lead-free glazes, kilns, and potter’s wheels. As a fourth-generation, family-owned company, we believe making art fosters well-being and enriches communities. We champion continuous improvement from the factory floor to the executive offices and empower every employee to drive safety, quality, customer care, teamwork, respect, and learning. The Role As the In-Process Quality Assurance Lead, you will be the driving force behind consistent, reliable quality across our formulated lab, mechanical, shipping, and manufacturing operations. Your mission: stabilize processes, establish fundamentals, and build a high-performing laboratory function that anchors product quality and continuous improvement. A Day in the Life You start with a walk through production, reviewing SPC trends, confirming CTQ checks are executed with calibrated tools, and aligning with supervisors on the day’s priorities. In the lab, you verify test method adherence and equipment calibration, then coach technicians through new test protocols. Midday, you lead a root-cause session on a Supplier Quality-triggered discrepancy, translate attributes into measurable standards, and draft a corrective action plan. You close the day with a Gemba walk, prep for a virtual review, and update training matrices to lock in consistency across shifts. What You Will Lead • Build a fit-for-purpose Quality Lab: Establish methods, validate tests, calibrate equipment, and train staff., • Process stabilization: Define baseline parameters, standardize data capture, and drive consistency across all shifts., • Inspections & specifications: Ensure CTQ specs are applied with the right methods and instruments during in-process checks., • Discrepancy ownership: Lead investigations and corrective actions for in-process issues surfaced by Supplier Quality; partner with production for durable fixes., • Quality system rollout: Implement the Amaco and Brent Quality System using TWI, standardized test protocols, and training matrices to ensure adherence and data-driven decisions., • Continuous improvement: Conduct audits, lead Kaizen/A3 work, and report insights during Gemba walks and virtual reviews., • Operational leadership: Resolve team issues, monitor scrap and inventory accuracy, run safety audits, and align departments on production and quality objectives. Supervisory Scope, • Manage in-process quality staff across lab and mechanical areas., • Set objectives, build schedules, and deliver performance reviews., • Hands-on mentorship—teaching quality fundamentals and ceramic principles. How Success Is Measured (KPIs), • Reduced in-process defects, scrap, and related customer complaints., • Consistent application of CTQ specs with timely discrepancy resolution., • Improved process stability and cross-shift consistency. Qualifications, • Bachelor’s in Ceramics, Engineering, Material Science, Industrial Technology, or equivalent (Associate’s plus significant experience considered)., • 5–7+ years of supervisory experience in quality, ideally with a lab focus., • Proven experience building or maturing a Quality System and documenting standards., • Expertise translating attribute criteria into numeric standards., • Knowledge of ceramic chemistry, materials testing, and mechanical processes., • Track record of standing up and stabilizing a quality lab., • Familiar with Lean/Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred), SPC, and Minitab., • ERP/QMS familiarity (NAV, Business Central, or SAP). Core Competencies, • Strong command of test methods and equipment in lab and production settings., • ISO 9001 systems, SPC, and structured problem solving (DMAIC, A3, 5Why)., • Balances rigorous standards with data-driven, customer-first decisions., • Process stabilization and standardization across teams., • Hands-on leadership, clear communication, and meticulous documentation. Schedule, Travel, and Environment, • Full-time; Monday–Friday, 40+ hours per week with occasional evenings/weekends as needed., • Up to 20% travel., • Leadership / People Management, • Continuous Improvement, • Manufacturing Instruction (MI), • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), • Supervisory Experience 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. Other Information This description outlines the role at a point in time. Responsibilities may evolve as business needs change.