Decorator's Resource
The Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorated Products
Classifieds
Open Positions:
Supplier Quality Supervisor
American Art Clay – Indianapolis, Indiana
Requirements
- 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Supplier Quality Program & Development: 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.
- Discrepancy Resolution: Serve as the first point of contact for discrepancies. Investigate supplier-related quality issues, lead root cause analyses, implement corrective actions, and escalate process issues to the In-Process Quality Supervisor when necessary.
- Collaboration & Supplier Partnership: Work 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.
- System Implementation & Improvement: 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.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- 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.
Contact:
Jamie Burchfield, Director of Operations
In-Process Quality Supervisor
American Art Clay – Indianapolis, Indiana
Requirements
- Bachelor’s in Ceramics, Engineering, Material Science, Industrial Technology, or equivalent (Associate’s degree plus significant experience considered).
- 5–7+ years of supervisory experience in quality roles, preferably in a lab.
- Experience in creating and developing a Quality System.
- Significant experience in creating, developing, and documenting quality standards.
- Experience in converting attribute standards into numeric standards.
- Knowledge of ceramic chemistry, materials testing, and mechanical processes.
- Experience setting up and stabilizing a quality lab.
- Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred), SPC, and Minitab.
- ERP/QMS knowledge (NAV, Business Central or SAP).
Key Responsibilities
- Quality Lab & Process Stabilization: Establish and maintain a fully functional quality lab, develop/validate test methods, calibrate equipment, and train staff. Define baseline process parameters, standardize data collection, and implement training to ensure process stability across shifts.
- Inspections & Specifications: Ensure Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) specifications are applied using proper test methods and equipment during in-process inspections.
- Discrepancy Resolution: Take ownership of in-process issues identified by Supplier Quality, lead investigations and corrective actions, and partner with production for sustainable fixes.
- Quality System Implementation: Drive rollout of Amaco and Brent Quality System, create and implement standardized test protocols (TWI), create training matrices, ensure consistency and adherence to test procedures while making data-driven recommendations.
- Continuous Improvement & Audits: Perform audits, lead Kaizen/A3 activities, and report findings during Gemba walks and virtual reviews.
- Team & Operational Leadership: Resolve employee issues, oversee scrap/inventory accuracy, conduct safety audits, and facilitate cross-department communication on production and quality goals.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Reduction in in-process defects, scrap, and related customer complaints.
- Effective application of CTQ specifications and timely resolution of discrepancies.
Contact:
Jamie Burchfield, Director of Operations
