Tooling Manager

Our client is seeking an experienced Tooling Manager to lead Toolroom operations, tooling strategy, preventative maintenance, new tool builds, repairs, and continuous improvement. This role oversees Tool & Die personnel, tooling schedules, suppliers, budgets, and capacity while partnering with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, and Launch teams. The ideal candidate is a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker with extensive manufacturing leadership experience and a strong background in metal stamping and progressive die systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Toolroom operations across multiple shifts
• Manage new tool builds, repairs, preventative maintenance, and tooling schedules
• Oversee tool design reviews, standards, CAD data, and engineering revisions
• Manage external tooling suppliers and outsourced projects
• Drive tooling improvements using performance data, lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methods
• Support tooling quotations, cost estimates, production launches, and emergency repairs
• Manage Toolroom budgets, staffing, capacity, and resource allocation
• Coach and develop Tooling Engineers, Tool & Die Makers, Apprentices, and support staff
• Partner with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, and Launch teams to resolve tooling issues
• Maintain strong safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance

Qualifications

• Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification required
• 15 years of manufacturing experience, including leadership responsibility
• Strong experience with metal stamping, progressive dies, tool building, and die repair
• Proven Toolroom leadership and skilled-trades team development experience
• Strong knowledge of tool design, blueprints, engineering revisions, and preventative maintenance
• Ability to manage tooling schedules, suppliers, budgets, and production priorities
• Strong technical problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CAD experience, preferably SolidWorks or equivalent
• Experience with PDM systems, CMMS platforms, and tooling databases
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and manufacturing/ERP systems

Work Environment

This position operates in an active manufacturing environment and requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work around production equipment. Regular lifting of up to 25 pounds and occasional heavier lifting may be requied.