What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tooling Manager position at Harvard Group International?
ROLE OVERVIEW
We are partnering with a well-established industrial manufacturer that is building a new, in-house tooling capability to support its North American operations. This role will be based in Birmingham, AL and plays a critical part in strengthening production performance, reducing downtime, and bringing greater control to a historically outsourced function.
The Opportunity
The business is standing up a tooling function from the ground up, and this individual will be responsible for building the capability while supporting active production needs. The Tooling Manager will operate as a hands-on leader, working directly with CNC and EDM processes while establishing the structure, processes, and team required to support long-term growth.
Success in this role will require a balance of technical depth and practical leadership—someone who can step in, solve real-time tooling challenges, and build a function that improves uptime and operational performance over time.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and establish an in-house tooling function, including processes, workflows, and standards
- Design, fabricate, and repair tooling used in metal forming and stamping operations
- Operate and program CNC and EDM equipment to produce precision components
- Diagnose and resolve tooling failures impacting production equipment and uptime
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to extend tooling life
- Partner with plant leadership and engineering to improve tooling performance and manufacturability
- Build and lead a tooling team over time, including hiring and development
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce cycle times
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Hands-on tooling leader with experience in tool & die, machining, or press-based manufacturing environments
- Strong technical expertise in CNC machining and EDM processes
- Experience supporting tooling for stamping, forming, or similar industrial applications
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot tooling issues and improve uptime
- Background building or scaling tooling or machine shop capabilities preferred
- Comfortable operating as both a hands-on contributor and team leader
COMPENSATION
A meaningful compensation package will be developed for the successful candidate that includes a base salary, car allowance, performance-based bonus and comprehensive benefits.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter, preferably in MS Word format, to Derek Bush at Dbush@harvardsearch.com. A fully detailed, formal specification will be sent to “top-level,” qualified candidates.