Clay & Glaze Manager

Clay and Glaze Manager at Tao of Clay

We’re seeking a motivated, self-directed managerial leader with a passion for ceramics to oversee and facilitate the daily operations of our studio, including clay, glaze, and firing processes. This role works closely with and reports to both the Studio Manager and Founder Josh Herman, and is responsible for supervising and delegating tasks to our team of studio techs.

The ideal candidate will have a deep passion for clay and glaze, along with hands-on experience developing, maintaining, and managing these materials in a studio setting. This role involves physically mixing clay and glazes, requiring the ability to work for sustained periods and to lift up to 50 lbs. In addition to overseeing reclaim processes, clay body development, and glaze production for the studio and guest artist workshops, you will also manage the full flow of work through the kilns. This includes organizing and prioritizing firing schedules, ensuring member and class work is fired on time, maintaining firing quality, and keeping all electric kilns operating safely and efficiently.

This role requires strong technical skills, physical strength, leadership abilities, and a commitment to maintaining the high-quality standards our community relies on.

As part of our team, you’ll contribute to our shared mission of cultivating a vibrant, inspiring space that supports creative exploration. Together, we’ll continue building a community where creativity thrives, craftsmanship is celebrated, and everyone’s contributions are valued.

About Us: Tao of Clay is a vibrant ceramic membership studio dedicated to providing a supportive environment for creatively driven individuals to explore and expand their passion for ceramic arts. We offer a diverse range of courses in throwing, hand-building, and glazing/firing, led by our skilled in-house instructors and guest artists.

At Tao of Clay, we harmonize the artistry of clay with the healing principles of Mindfulness and Organicity. We promote immersing ourselves in the creative process, prioritizing our present experiences, and shaping not only objects but also individual growth. By nurturing both the artist and the art, we foster a passion for ceramics and help people tap into their inner creativity in a welcoming, communal space. As part of our core values, we cultivate a genuine and rich sense of community that is enjoyed by staff, members, and students, which nurtures a sense of ownership of the studio. We regularly host member events that staff attend and facilitate. Altogether, we are a happy community. 

Responsibilities

• Clay Management: In this managerial role, you will oversee studio techs in maintaining the routine reclaim and production of our proprietary clay bodies. Mixing the clay yourself would not be outside your responsibilities. Ensure consistency and quality across all studio clays. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to refine clay systems, recipes, and processes are essential. This role involves physical tasks, including lifting and moving materials up to 50 lbs. Previous experience with clay mixing is preferred but not mandatory. Training will be provided.
• Glaze Management and Development: Mix and maintain all studio glazes to ensure consistency, quality, and proper inventory levels. Lead the development and testing of new glazes in collaboration with CEO Josh Herman. Training will be provided. This role is responsible for preparing all glazes used throughout the studio.
• Kiln Operations: Manage the flow of work through the studio, ensuring that all firings are loaded and unloaded properly and on schedule. Delegate kiln loading and unloading tasks to studio techs, maintaining efficiency and care throughout the process. Oversee kiln maintenance and coordinate repairs as needed. Training will be provided.
• Inventory Management: Monitor and track inventory of clay, glazes, tools, and related materials. Proactively order and restock supplies to ensure the studio remains well-equipped and organized. Collaborate with the Studio Manager to optimize costs and maintain efficient resource management.
• Systems development: Collaborate with the Studio Manager and CEO to continuously improve systems for managing clay, glazes, and overall workflow in the studio. Strong organizational skills are essential for monitoring, tracking, and refining these processes to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Assistance to Members & Students: Offer guidance on studio procedures, equipment usage, and ceramics techniques.
• Administrative Projects: Participate in weekly meetings with the administrative team, offering feedback and recommendations for system and procedure improvements. Involvement in all aspects of the studio across member programs, classes, and events.
• Brand Ambassador: Represent the studio and its values in all public interactions, both in and outside the studio. Support social media efforts and help communicate the studio’s culture, mission, and creative community to a broader audience by documenting studio activities as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• The above descriptions outline the primary responsibilities of this role but are not an exhaustive list of all tasks and skills required. 
• Staff may occasionally be asked to assist the CEO with their work, provided it does not disrupt their core duties. 
• Flexibility is required, as responsibilities may extend beyond regular tasks as needed. The role may involve working evenings and weekends. 
• This position requires physical work, including lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds. The clay and glaze areas are situated in outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces and are therefore subject to varying environmental conditions. These are critical aspects of the role that applicants should carefully consider.
• This job description is subject to change and updates as necessary during employment.

Basic Qualifications

• Ceramics Facility Expertise: Deep understanding and hands-on experience in maintaining a ceramics studio, including the daily operations and upkeep required for optimal performance.
• Ceramics Processes: Proficient in contemporary ceramics techniques, including loading and firing electric kilns, mixing clay and glazes, wheel throwing, and hand-building.
• Equipment Knowledge: Working knowledge of ceramic equipment such as electric wheels, clay extruders, slab rollers, and the programming/maintenance of electric kilns.
• Time Management & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to stay organized, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, maintain attention to detail and safety, and coordinate both short- and long-term projects.
• Physical Organization and Cleanliness: Strong commitment to maintaining a clean, well-organized studio environment, with experience establishing systems for routine cleaning and organization.
• Initiative & Communication: Proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Strong verbal communication skills and experience overseeing or supporting other staff.
• Technical Skills: Proficient with digital tools and platforms, including Google Drive and Google Docs.
• Flexible Availability: Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Drive and Personality: enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and to share knowledge, humility, strong in collaboration, personable, and a positive attitude.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly compensation: $25-30/hr
• Schedule: 25-30 hours per week, nights and weekends
• Start Date: immediate
• Location: 1012 Sicard St., San Diego, CA
• Reports to: Studio Manager and CEO
• Flexibility: Availability to support special events is a plus
• Studio Access: Membership is included. Enjoy the flexibility to create your own work outside of regular studio hours.
• Teaching Opportunities: Develop and teach additional curriculum beyond regular hours. Teaching compensation ranges from $35 to $50/hr, depending on experience.
• Discounts: Receive a 20% discount on supplies.

To apply, please email us at jobs@taoofclay.com.

A complete application should include the following materials:

• Resume/CV
• A letter of intent outlining your potential and enthusiasm for the position
• Portfolio of your work or website link
• Three references with contact information

Applications are being accepted now and will remain open until the position is filled.