Supervisor, Formulated Materials Development (Art & Clay Products)

Job Description

Job Description

Join a creative materials leader

AMACO has championed artists and makers since 1919. Our New Product Development team translates that legacy into modern, safe, high-performing products for studios, classrooms, and industry.

Your impact

• Be the primary day-to-day leader for 2–5 formulation teammates, keeping multiple projects on time and on spec.
• Guide the development of glazes, underglazes, automotive styling clays, Rub N Buff waxes, and Brush N Leaf finishes from concept to manufacturing.
• Run a safe, efficient lab aligned with OSHA, SDS, and environmental requirements; maintain SDS accuracy and strong QC practices.
• Coordinate pilot and production trials; compile manufacturing handoff packages (specs, process parameters, quality acceptance criteria) and troubleshoot issues with Operations and Quality.
• Facilitate brief stand-ups, manage project trackers and phase gates, and serve as the first stop for status inquiries.
• Coach growth: assign work, set expectations, conduct regular 1:1s, and collaborate with leadership on performance and development planning.

Reporting line

Reports to the Director of New Product Development.

What you’ll bring

• Education: BFA or equivalent preferred with studio art experience; coursework or practical exposure to chemistry, materials science, or ceramics science is a plus.
• Experience: 3+ years hands-on work with formulated art materials (glazes, clays, waxes, or similar) in studio or industry; supervisory/mentoring background preferred; proven lab workflow and quality testing experience; comfortable with OSHA and SDS frameworks; scale-up support experience is advantageous.
• Competencies: Strong multi-project organization, proactive communication, willingness to roll up your sleeves, artist’s eye for quality, and fluency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace; Smartsheet/Asana familiarity is a plus.

Work conditions

• Full-time, Monday–Friday; expect 40+ hours with occasional evenings/weekends per project needs.
• No travel expected.
• Frequent standing and lifting/moving up to 50+ pounds; exposure to hot and cold environments.
• Physical abilities include standing, walking, fine motor tasks, reaching, occasional sitting/climbing/balancing/stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling ; visual requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment; clear speaking and hearing required.

Baseline requirement

High School Diploma or equivalent (BFA strongly valued).

Additional note

Duties and responsibilities may shift as priorities evolve; adaptability and continuous improvement are part of our DNA.

Required notices

Classification:

Salary: Exempt

Reasonable 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.