Supplier Quality Supervisor

American Art Clay Company (AMACO) was founded in 1919 by Ted O. Philpott. AMACO is known for being the first to commercially manufacture ceramic and non‑ceramic clays, lead‑free glazes, electric kilns and potter’s wheels. AMACO is a founding member of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute, which established safety standards for children’s art materials in 1936. Today AMACO continues to manufacture ceramic supplies with the highest standards of quality and safety.

Reports to:

Director of Operations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

The Supplier Quality Supervisor is responsible for developing and managing a supplier quality program that ensures purchased components and raw materials consistently meet Amaco and Brent’s standards. This role designs the supplier quality framework, leads incoming inspections, and ensures suppliers adhere to quality, delivery, and compliance requirements. The supervisor partners closely with production, procurement, and engineering to resolve supplier‑related issues promptly and sustainably while fostering strong external supplier relationships to drive continuous improvement.

• Manage the performance of the supplier quality staff.
• Set departmental objectives, oversee scheduling, and conduct performance reviews.
• Hands‑on supervisor who enjoys training, developing, and mentoring reports on the fundamentals of quality and ceramics.

• Design and implement supplier quality systems, including qualification, auditing, monitoring, scorecards, and agreements. Define incoming inspection methods, ensure CTQ specifications are met, and train staff and suppliers on correct test methods.
• Act as the first point of contact for discrepancies. Investigate supplier‑related quality issues, lead root‑cause analyses, implement corrective actions, and, if necessary, elevate process issues to the In‑Process Quality Supervisor.
• Collaborate with production teams to address supplier issues on the line and partner with procurement and engineering to select and develop suppliers. Establish rapid‑response processes to prevent production disruptions.
• Roll out AMACO and Brent Quality System standards to suppliers, implement corrective action systems, and lead supplier‑focused Kaizen and A3 activities to improve performance.

• Reduction in supplier‑related defects and incoming inspection failures.
• Reduced production downtime from supplier quality issues.
• Improved supplier scorecard ratings (defect rates, delivery, compliance).
• Timeliness and effectiveness of supplier corrective actions.

• Strong knowledge of test methods, auditing practices, and supplier quality systems.
• Experience applying CTQ specifications, PPAP, FMEA, and root‑cause analysis (8D).
• Collaborative and influential leadership style with strong supplier negotiation skills.
• Ability to balance quality, cost, and delivery in supplier management.
• Results‑driven with strong project planning, organization, and communication skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in Ceramics, Engineering, Material Science, Industrial Technology, or related field (Associate’s degree plus significant experience considered).
• 5–7+ years of supplier quality or quality engineering experience in manufacturing.

Experience in creating and developing a Supplier Quality System.

Proficiency with ISO 9001; familiarity with IATF 16949, AS9100, or ISO 13485 is a plus.

Skilled in SPC and statistical tools (Minitab preferred).

Significant experience in creating, developing, and documenting quality standards.

Experience in converting attribute standards into numeric standards.

Certifications such as ASQ CSQP, CQE, CQA, or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt are strongly preferred.

Demonstrated success in supplier audits, corrective action management, and supplier development.

This job may require you to stand for an extended period of time. Lifting/heavy lifting is required. Must be able to work in hot and cold environments.

While performing the duties, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, stand, walk, use hands to…