Clay Processing Operations Lead

Launch your manufacturing career in an entry-level leadership role where you’ll learn the craft of clay processing from the ground up. As the Clay Processing Operations Lead, you’ll support day-to-day activity in AMACO’s Crude Clay Division under the immediate supervision of the Crude Clay Supervisor. You’ll be a working leader—planning work, training teammates, running production, and stepping in wherever the line needs you.

A day in the life

You start with the schedule—coordinating assigned personnel and aligning with other departments to hit daily production goals. You check inventory levels, perform cycle counts on labels, boxes, and cartons, and verify all Nav transactions are current so the department runs smoothly. You keep production moving by operating equipment and vehicles, using hand tools, arranging maintenance when needed, and processing requisitions for supplies. Throughout the shift, you document processes, write work instructions, maintain records, prepare shipments by established procedures, and report output and activities. When management needs an update, you present clear, concise information. All the while, you’re training peers, providing direction, and modeling safe, clean work habits in a hot, dusty environment.

Core responsibilities

• Act as the working lead for assigned personnel in the Crude Clay Division; assist with training and daily work direction.
• Assist the Supervisor with daily production, scheduling, and reporting; operate a computer to process reports/forms and manage inventory.
• Coordinate schedules/activities, including training teammates on computer operations; create and maintain work instructions to document processes.
• Perform cycle counts of materials (labels, boxes, cartons, etc.); maintain accurate stock levels and inventory records.
• Operate equipment and vehicles; use hand tools; arrange/execute equipment maintenance and repair as needed.
• Process supply requisitions; prepare merchandise for delivery; package shipments per established procedures.
• Report production output and activities; present operational information to management.
• Complete all required Nav transactions to keep the department effective; document Note to Files for HR.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet schedules and production targets; fill in for the Supervisor when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including the following cross-functional coverage:
• All duties of Job #30 (Bulk Handling Operator)
• All duties of Job #03 (Mix Operator)
• All duties of Job #22 (Material Handler)

Knowledge and abilities

• Familiarity with modern manufacturing practices, inventory control, and stockroom organization (including space optimization).
• Working knowledge of departmental materials, equipment, supplies, and record-keeping techniques.
• Health and safety awareness: proper lifting, housekeeping standards, and safe work around moving machinery.
• Interpersonal skills demonstrating tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Comfort working in a hot environment with exposure to dust, fumes, and changing temperature/humidity.
• Ability to coordinate schedules, train others, and support multi-department collaboration to hit daily goals.
• Proficiency with basic arithmetic; ability to operate a computer terminal and complete Nav transactions.
• Strength in documentation: process instructions, inventory and production records, reports, and HR Note to Files.

Key competencies

• Planning and oversight of Crude Clay operations; receiving, storing, picking up, and distributing materials and equipment.
• Maintaining appropriate stock levels and accurate records.
• Clear written and verbal communication; effective presentation to management.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and sustain productivity while meeting schedules and timelines.
• Teamwork, collaboration, attention to detail, customer service orientation, initiative, autonomy, and high work standards.

Physical demands and environment

• Work performed standing, sitting, and walking; frequent bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching.
• Effective use of speech, vision, and hearing; hand use for simple grasping and fine manipulation.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 75 pounds (and higher with assistance).
• Exposure to moving machinery, temperature/humidity changes, dust, fumes, and gases.

Qualifications

• This is an entry-level role with growth potential.
• Candidate will be required to go through the interview process as well as provide an updated resume.
• In order to be considered for this position, candidates MUST submit a resume to HR if they desire to be setup for an interview. Only signing this job posting DOES NOT qualify you for an interview for this position.
• High school education or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to direct and work with employees at all levels; strong people skills are critical.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn AMACO products and computer systems.
• Ability to read, understand, and comply with Bills of Material and Processing Instructions.
• Solid organizational and time-management skills; ability to multi-task and make decisions within Team Leader responsibilities.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).