Tooling Specialist

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Tooling Specialist is responsible for managing tooling inventory and coordinating all activities related to Geneva piston pin operations. This role ensures optimal plant capacity utilization and alignment with production targets. The Tooling Specialist will be responsible for maintaining records related to tooling operations, performing visual inspections and overseeing the shipping and tooling of items to and from the warehouse. This role will include updating the company databases as appropriate, ensuring accurate materials and tool status.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Primary Function Summary

• Develop and execute material planning strategies to support automotive production schedules, including just in time (JIT) and lean manufacturing principles.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels to prevent shortages or excess, ensuring alignment with build plans and customer demand.
• Collaborate with suppliers and purchasing teams to resolve, deliver, quality, and cost issues, especially for critical components and long lead items.
• Support new product launches and engineering changes by coordinating material readiness and ensuring timely PPAP material availability.
• Analyze usage trends, lead times, and supplier performance to drive continuous improvement and cost reductions incentives.
• Utilize ERP systems and automotive specific planning tools to manage material flow and provide visibility across the supply chain.
• Plan tooling management: ordering, inventory, and monitoring of tooling consumption needed for the core process.
• Maintain on time delivery of tooling: maintain on-time delivery metrics.
• Participate in daily Gemba discussion, tooling focus for all core process areas.
• Coordinate & support engineering, and program management regarding design changes, product improvements and new product introduction; participate in APQP process.
• Verify tooling print dimensional data for functionality prior to process; conduct follow up with engineering: complete ECN process.
• Audit tooling levels for accuracy. Perform inventory cycle counts and reconciliations.
• Manage safety stock levels where appropriate.
• Address any tooling related quality concerns immediately with the supplier.
• Plan and coordinate with production scheduling.
• Review and respond to ERP messages to optimize inventory positions.
• Share in team-wide collective responsibility to achieve value stream goals: safety, quality, on-time, customer service, delivery, and productivity.
• Track progress of production and review factors that may affect schedules and stock levels.
• Assist with SAP data verifications.
• Provide guidance for packaging requirements with production team: Maintain scheduling agreement with packaging vendors.
• Support the Materials Manager with information flow addressing both sales and manufacturing inquiries.
• Communicate with plant management on various internal performance metrics.
• Perform various inventory management transactions, including receiving inventory into ERP database.
• Participate in the plant physical inventory process.
• Work with various departments to resolve production constraints.
• Assist with various projects as deemed necessary.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCEED

• Minimum: Vocational training or associate degree in fields like, Machine tool, Manufacturing Technology.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree Industrial engineering.
• 5 plus years of experience in materials management with the automotive industry.
• Strong understanding of automotive production systems, including JIT, Kanban, and lean principles.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g. SAP) and automotive planning tools.
• Familiarity with PPAP, APQP, and other automotive quality processes.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in tooling, inventory management, or manufacturing operations preferred.
• Proficiency in database and inventory management systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Experience in tooling development and design.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Incentive bonus
• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• Prescription Drug Plan
• 401K
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Short term disability
• Company Paid Lift Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Recognition