Works well with others - Respects co-workers, customers, and suppliers
Positive attitude - Solid work ethic; ability to work independently and collaboratively
Ethical behavior - Demonstrates integrity and honesty
Prompt - Arrives ready for work at the appropriate time
Commitment to safety & environment - Fully understands and practices safety guidelines and procedures
Commitment to Plainsman's success - Supports all strategic and operational goals
POSITION SUMMARY
The
Lab Supervisor & Senior R&D Technician
is responsible for
overseeing, coordinating, and supporting the daily operations of the ceramic laboratory
, ensuring accuracy, safety, efficiency, and consistent quality standards.
The position provides
leadership, mentorship, scheduling, workflow oversight, training, and performance guidance
for all lab technicians, while actively performing
hands-on technical, research, and production testing work
.
The Supervisor works closely with Production, R&D, Quality, and Leadership to maintain and improve Plainsman's clay body, glaze, and raw material knowledge base while driving continuous improvement and innovation.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Leadership & Supervision
Provide
daily supervision, guidance, and support
to lab/studio technicians.
Assign, coordinate, and prioritize workloads to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
Train new and existing technicians in lab procedures, safety, testing methods, and documentation standards.
Conduct regular check-ins, performance feedback, and skill development coaching.
Ensure lab personnel follow all safety, housekeeping, and operational procedures.
Maintain a positive, collaborative lab environment while modeling professionalism.
2. Lab Operations Management
Oversee the overall organization, cleanliness, and workflow efficiency of the ceramic lab and studio.
Maintain all lab equipment, tools, supplies, and testing materials in calibrated, safe working condition.
Ensure consistent and accurate testing of clay bodies, glazes, raw materials, and production samples.
Monitor and uphold quality standards across all lab processes.
Support Production by coordinating testing schedules, moisture checks, process validations, and troubleshooting.
3. Technical Work & R&D Contribution
Conduct clay preparation, wedging, drying, trimming, and handling tasks.
Mix, test, and apply glazes and underglazes, support body and glaze matching.
Load, unload, operate, and maintain kilns.
Participate in experimental design, data collection, analysis, and documentation.
Lead clay body and glaze development initiatives including modifications and formulation improvements.
Characterize raw materials and assess their application in production and new product development.
Perform production testing, quality analysis, and master mix ticket management.
Troubleshoot problems using scientific reasoning, experience, and constructive thinking.
Assess competing technologies and emerging ceramic innovations.
Support technology transfer for new processes and products.
4. Data, Documentation & Reporting
Ensure all technicians follow consistent data entry, naming conventions, documentation, and record-keeping procedures.
Review and validate the accuracy of experimental data before submission.
Provide reports, summaries, and key findings to the General Manager and leadership stakeholders.
Communicate results clearly and in a timely manner to Production, R&D, and Quality teams.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Coordinate work and share insights with Production, R&D, Sales, QC, and Studio operations.
Support customer-facing staff with technical explanations when appropriate.
Contribute to problem resolution for customer issues related to clay bodies, glazes, or performance.
Maintain effective relationships with suppliers, partners, and external resources.
6. Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Champion a safe working environment and ensure compliance with all procedures.
Identify opportunities for operational efficiency, improved workflow, and innovation.
Recommend process improvements, equipment upgrades, or procedural refinements.
Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials.
7. Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Communicate with customers via phone or email to understand and identify issues.
Diagnose customer issues, document customer complaints and provide feedback to General Manager.
Escalate complex issues to General Manager.
Follow up to ensure customer issues have been fully resolved.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts (Ceramics focus) preferred OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum
3-5 years of experience
in a ceramics studio, ceramic production facility, or R&D environment.
Previous
leadership or supervisory experience
is an asset.
Strong technical foundation in clay, glaze, firing, testing, and studio processes.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 kg. Climb up to 20 stairs.
Knowledge of social media, promotion, or customer engagement is an asset.
High energy, positive, collaborative personality; passion for ceramics and materials development.
POSITION EXPECTATIONS & BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
Demonstrates independent judgment and resourcefulness.
Functions as a key knowledge source on Plainsman policies, procedures, products, and studio practices.
Establishes both internal and external networks for technical resource development.
Consistently delivers accurate, high-quality work.
Adapts effectively to changing priorities and unplanned assignments.
Protects proprietary information at all times.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: From $68,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
Dental care
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Extended health care
Life insurance
On-site parking
Paid time off
RRSP match
Work Location: In person
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