Samples Manager

Fireclay Tile is here to revolutionize the tile and design industry. By implementing an innovative digital platform paired with unmatched artisan-crafted products and client service, we've made it easier than ever to specify and purchase beautiful, sustainable tile sourced and handcrafted in the US. Our tireless commitment to innovation, transparency, and sustainability has not gone unrecognized. We aim to grow 25-35% annually and are the first tile company recognized as a B Corp for how we use Business as a Force for Good. With an innovative product, an ambitious team, and an inspiring mission, we're changing the way you think about tile. Come join the makers who support the dreamers!

The Team You’ll Work With …

As the Sample Fulfillment & Operations Manager, you will be an integral part of our talented Operations team, collaborating to deliver world-class sampling experiences that drive brand loyalty and sales growth. You will lead the daily operations of the Sample Department, including picking, packing, staging, labeling, and inventory control, playing a key role in ensuring sample orders are fulfilled accurately, professionally packaged, and aligned with brand quality standards. This role offers the opportunity to build a culture of continuous improvement from the ground up, scale critical carrier and partner relationships, and directly impact the customer journey. Reporting to the VP of Manufacturing, this position is located onsite at our factory in Aromas, CA. Our culture thrives on professional development, ongoing training, and opportunities for growth within the organization. This is a salary position and pays $55,000 - $90,000.

What You’ll Achieve …

• Sample Fulfillment Excellence: Lead daily operations, manage processing attainment for pick-and-pack workflows, monitor order flow to eliminate bottlenecks, and establish clear department priorities based on customer need, sales urgency, marketing campaigns, and production availability.
• Rigorous Inventory & SKU Control: Own the end-to-end inventory management of all active, inactive, discontinued, new launch, and promotional sample SKUs. Maintain organized bin storage, implement cycle counts, remove obsolete SKUs, and proactively communicate out-of-stock risks or replenishment needs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Partner Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for Client Success regarding sample issues, manage B2B replenishment systems for showrooms and Material Bank, and partner with Production, Warehousing, and Marketing to manage item changes and ensure seamless go-to-market execution.
• 5S & Continuous Improvement Leadership: Drive 5S implementation and sustainment as a core operating process. Build standard work instructions, use root-cause problem solving for fulfillment errors, and partner with the Technology team to optimize order routing, clay card accuracy, and tracking within the CRM and order management systems.
• Team Leadership & KPI Accountability: Lead, coach, and cross-train Sample Department team members through daily huddles and skill development. Own and regularly report on department KPIs, including fulfillment attainment, pick accuracy, inventory precision, and 5S audit performance to drive a culture of ownership.

What We Look For in You …

We are looking for someone who is process-driven, highly organized, and proactive, with a strong eye for quality and efficiency. You are excited to build and optimize department-level workflows from the ground up and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and continuous-improvement-focused environment.

• 3–5 years of people management experience in a fulfillment, warehouse, or operations environment, with a proven track record of coaching and developing team members.
• Bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish are required.
• Proactive communicator who takes ownership of outbound updates; able to notify Fireclay Sales and Client Success contacts of delays or alternatives within 24 hours without waiting for an inbound inquiry.
• Familiarity with digital workflows, including ERP, WMS, CRM, inventory management systems, order fulfillment systems, or data reporting tools.
• Experience in carrier relationship management (including FedEx and USPS account management, service level agreements, delivery performance tracking, and claims resolution).
• Lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement training is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to identify trends, workforce staffing needs, and operational constraints.

Why Fireclay?

Beyond the role itself, here’s what makes Fireclay Tile a special place to work:

• Our Mission: We are on a mission to do good by crafting products intentionally, collaboratively, and transparently. We are the makers, who support the dreamers.
• Our Values: We live by Kindness, Honesty, Tread Lightly on the Earth, Measure Twice, Cut Once, and Ganas (Desire).
• Our Commitment: We are accountable to the B Corp standards, prioritizing People and Planet alongside Profit.  
• Growth and Innovation: We are committed to "25-35% annual growth" and are revolutionizing the tile and design industry.  
• Our Culture: We foster a culture of professional development, ongoing training, and opportunities for growth.
• Our Benefits: We offer a comprehensive compensation package, including medical, dental, vision, 4% 401(k) match, PTO, sick time, and parental leave. Visit Fireclaybenefits.com to view details of our benefits and perks offered. 

Serving as a Fireclay Tile Brand Ambassador, representing our core values including:

Kindness ○ Honesty ○ Tread Lightly on the Earth ○ Measure Twice, Cut Once ○ Ganas (Desire)

Accountable to the B Corp standards, we take care of our People and our Planet while turning a Profit. 

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, stock options, and discretionary bonus. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a teammate receives an offer of employment.

Fireclay provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Fireclay will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please let us know by contacting [email protected].