Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jewelry Polishing Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively searching for a seasoned and dynamic Jewelry Polishing Supervisor to lead our talented finishing department. In this critical leadership role, you will be the driving force behind the team that puts the final, brilliant touch on our exquisite jewelry pieces. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with an expert eye for detail, a passion for quality, and a proven track record of mentoring artisans and optimizing production workflows. You will be responsible for upholding our brand's reputation for excellence by ensuring every piece that leaves your department meets our stringent standards for perfection. This is a unique opportunity to shape a key stage of our manufacturing process and contribute directly to the beauty and quality of our luxury products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Jewelry Polisher
Lead Bench Jeweler
Finishing Department Team Lead

Advancement To:

Production Manager
Quality Control Manager
Workshop or Manufacturing Manager

Lateral Moves:

Stone Setting Supervisor
Casting Department Supervisor
Quality Assurance Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Supervise, mentor, and lead a dedicated team of jewelry polishers, providing daily guidance and support to ensure adherence to production schedules and quality standards.
Strategically plan, delegate, and manage the daily workflow and job assignments within the polishing department to optimize efficiency and meet strict deadlines.
Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for new and existing polishers on various techniques, including lapping, mass finishing, Tripoli, rouge, and specialized satin finishes.
Perform rigorous in-process and final quality control inspections using loupes and microscopes to ensure all finished pieces meet the company's exacting standards for luster, surface quality, and design integrity.
Troubleshoot complex polishing issues on intricate or high-value pieces, identifying root causes of defects (like porosity or fire scale) and implementing effective corrective actions.
Oversee the regular maintenance, calibration, and repair of all polishing equipment, including polishing motors, dust collection systems, ultrasonic cleaners, and steamers, to ensure operational readiness.
Enforce and uphold all workplace health and safety (EHS) protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation, and safe handling of chemical compounds.
Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive and timely feedback, and identify professional development and cross-training opportunities for all team members.
Liaise effectively with casting, stone setting, and assembly departments to ensure a seamless production flow and proactively resolve any inter-departmental issues affecting quality or timelines.
Track, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as departmental throughput, first-pass yield, rework rates, and labor efficiency to senior management.
Continuously evaluate and refine polishing processes, tools, and workflows to enhance quality, reduce lead times, and improve overall departmental efficiency.
llaborate with the Product Development and Engineering teams to establish optimal finishing standards and processes for new jewelry collections and prototypes.
Provide expert-level guidance and hands-on assistance for polishing particularly intricate, delicate, or uniquely challenging jewelry designs.
Manage and maintain accurate inventory levels of all polishing compounds, wheels, buffs, and other critical consumables, placing orders as necessary to prevent production stoppages.
Oversee the secure handling, tracking, and reconciliation of precious metals (gold, platinum, silver) and finished goods throughout the polishing process to minimize loss and ensure accountability.

Secondary Functions

Create and manage team schedules, including overtime planning and vacation coverage, to align with fluctuating production demands and business priorities.
Mediate and resolve any interpersonal conflicts within the team to maintain a positive, respectful, and highly collaborative work environment.
Organize and lead daily team huddles and weekly production meetings to communicate goals, safety reminders, and policy updates, and to foster team engagement.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of production data, quality inspection results, and team performance metrics within the company's ERP or MES system.
Participate in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives, championing projects aimed at waste reduction and process optimization within the finishing department.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert-level proficiency in a wide range of jewelry polishing techniques, including pre-polishing, lapping, mass finishing (tumbling), and multi-stage high-polish finishing.
Deep, practical knowledge of the metallurgical properties of precious metals, including various gold karats, platinum, palladium, and sterling silver.
Strong mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting, maintaining, and making minor adjustments to polishing motors, dust collectors, and related workshop equipment.
Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, CAD drawings, and manufacturing job orders to ensure finishing meets precise design requirements.
Rigorous quality control inspection skills, with proficiency in using a 10x loupe and microscope to identify and assess surface imperfections.
Experience with inventory management of polishing supplies and consumables.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) and experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.

Soft Skills

Proven leadership and team management skills with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop a diverse team of artisans.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for clearly articulating instructions, feedback, and departmental performance.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly in diagnosing and resolving quality and production bottlenecks.
An extremely keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to achieving the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment.
Bilingual proficiency (e.g., English/Spanish) is highly desirable to effectively lead a diverse workforce.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Vocational diploma or certification from a recognized jewelry trade school (e.g., GIA, New Approach School for Jewelers).
Associate's degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Jewelry Arts / Jewelry Design
Metalsmithing
Manufacturing Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in fine jewelry polishing, with at least 2-3 of those years in a lead, supervisory, or training capacity.

Preferred:

Experience in a high-volume, luxury jewelry manufacturing environment.
Demonstrable experience in process improvement, implementing lean manufacturing principles, and training teams on new techniques.
Proven experience working with a wide range of complex designs and precious metals.