Incoming Materials Quality Lead

Torrey Holistics; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AMACO is seeking a Supplier Quality Leader to design and manage the supplier qualification framework, direct incoming inspections, and ensure CTQ and ISO 9001 standards are non-negotiable. You will lead investigations, drive root-cause analyses, and implement corrective actions while building supplier capability through Kaizen and A3 problem solving.

In this role you will stand up a supplier scorecard and auditing cadence aligned to AMACO standards, optimize inspection plans, and train teams and

Qualifications

• BS in Ceramics, Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• 5–7+ years in supplier quality or quality engineering in manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience creating a Supplier Quality System.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier qualification, audits, and monitoring per ISO 9001 frameworks.
• Own discrepancy investigations (8D), root cause, and corrective actions.
• Develop supplier capability through Kaizen and A3 problem solving.
• Stand up supplier scorecards, auditing cadence, and measurement methods.

Skills

Supplier QA system

Root cause analysis

Audits & corrective actions

Project management

Statistical analysis

Education

BS in Ceramics, Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Technology, or related

Tools

Minitab

8D methodology

FMEA

Job description

Can you turn supplier variability into process reliability?If you thrive on building systems, leading teams, and partnering with suppliers to eliminate defects at the source, AMACO wants to meet you.Who We AreAMACO has been synonymous with innovation in ceramics since 1919—introducing industry-first clays and glazes and manufacturing trusted electric kilns and potter’s wheels. As a multi-generation, family-led company and ACMI founding member, we champion safety, learning, and continuous improvement across our factory floors and offices.Your MissionReports to: Director of OperationsLead the quality gate at the point of entry. You will architect the framework for supplier qualification and monitoring, direct incoming inspections, and make sure AMACO and Brent CTQ requirements are non-negotiable. You’ll be the first call on discrepancies, driving root-cause, corrective actions, and sustainable fixes while building supplier capability through Kaizen and A3 problem solving.Imagine Your First 90 DaysStand up a supplier scorecard and auditing cadence, aligned to ISO 9001 and AMACO standards. Optimize incoming inspection plans and measurement methods; train your team and key suppliers. Launch a rapid-response playbook with production, procurement, and engineering to contain, correct, and prevent issues.LeadershipSet direction, schedules, and performance expectations for supplier quality staff.Mentor team members in quality science and ceramics fundamentals.AccountabilitiesSupplier Quality System: qualification, audits, monitoring, scorecards, and agreements.Discrepancy owner: lead investigations, 8D/root cause, corrective actions; escalate to the In-Process Quality Supervisor for process-level fixes.Collaboration: ensure production flow while working with procurement/engineering on supplier selection and development.Improvement engine: implement AMACO and Brent Quality System standards; lead supplier corrective action systems and continuous improvement events.How We’ll Measure ImpactSupplier defect rates and incoming failures trending down.Production downtime from supplier issues minimized.Scorecards improving across defects, delivery, and compliance.Corrective actions delivered quickly and proven effective.What You BringBS in Ceramics, Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Technology, or related (AS + significant experience considered).5–7+ years in supplier quality or quality engineering within manufacturing.Hands-on experience creating a Supplier Quality System.Comfort with ISO 9001; exposure to IATF 16949, AS9100, or ISO 13485 is advantageous.SPC/statistics proficiency (Minitab preferred).Ability to create and document standards, including translating attribute criteria into numeric specs.Preferred: ASQ CSQP, CQE, CQA, or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.Proven results in supplier audits, corrective action leadership, and supplier development.Skills & TraitsDeep knowledge of test methods, audits, and supplier quality systems.CTQ application, PPAP, FMEA, and 8D methodology.Persuasive, collaborative leadership and supplier negotiation.Balanced judgment across quality, cost, and delivery.Project management discipline and clear communication.Working ConditionsExpect extended standing and frequent lifting/heavy lifting; conditions vary from hot to cold environments.Physical Demands: Regular talking/hearing; frequent standing, walking, using hands, and reaching; occasional sitting, climbing/balancing, and stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling; frequent lifting/moving up to 50+ pounds; vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.Schedule & TravelFull-time, Monday–Friday, 40+ hours per week, with occasional evening/weekend work. Travel up to 30%.AccessibilityReasonable 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.Also Good To HaveQuality inspection experienceContinuous improvement/KaizenHands-on troubleshootingAPQP familiaritySupplier managementSOP creation and maintenanceQuality control data analysisGrowth MindsetAs AMACO evolves, related duties may be added to support our mission and customers.