Tooling Manager

Position Summary

The Tool Room Manager leads tooling operations across Madison-Kipp Corporation's die casting and machining facilities. This role is responsible for the maintenance, repair, modification, and continuous improvement of dies, molds, tooling, fixtures, and related equipment to support safe, efficient, and uninterrupted production.

The Tool Room Manager oversees Tool & Die Makers, Die Repair Technicians, and support staff while partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams to maximize equipment uptime, improve tooling performance, and reduce manufacturing costs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily tool room operations across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Supervise, coach, and develop Tool & Die Makers, Die Repair Technicians, and other tool room personnel.
• Prioritize and schedule tooling repairs, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensure tooling is maintained and available to meet production requirements.
• Coordinate emergency tooling repairs to minimize downtime.
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance programs for dies, molds, fixtures, and tooling.
• Monitor tooling performance and drive improvements in die life, uptime, quality, and scrap reduction.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to support tooling enhancements, process improvements, and new product launches.
• Manage tooling inventories, spare parts, consumables, and external tooling vendors.
• Maintain tooling documentation, repair records, and maintenance histories.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Develop and manage department budgets and support capital tooling investments.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and root cause problem-solving methodologies.
• Build and develop a high-performing team through training, workforce development, and succession planning.

Responsibilities may change as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate degree in Tool & Die, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Journeyman Tool & Die certification strongly preferred.
• 7 years of Tool & Die, Die Repair, or Tool Room experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience supporting high-volume die casting, machining, automotive, or industrial manufacturing operations preferred.
• Aluminum die casting tooling experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of tool room operations, die maintenance, and tooling repair processes.
• Experience implementing preventative maintenance programs.
• Ability to analyze tooling performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Experience managing vendors, budgets, and cross-functional projects.

Work Environment

This position operates in a heavy manufacturing environment. Employees may be exposed to machinery, industrial equipment, chemicals, powered industrial vehicle traffic, noise, and other manufacturing-related hazards. Required personal protective equipment may include safety glasses, hearing protection, safety toe footwear, and hand protection.

Physical Requirements

• Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and stooping.
• Frequent use of hands and arms to handle tools and equipment.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel throughout manufacturing facilities on a regular basis.

Additional Job Application Terms

This job is part of LinkedIn’s Full-Service Hiring beta program. Eligibility is limited to candidates located in and performing services in the United States, excluding those based in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, South Carolina, or West Virginia.

We’re committed to making our hiring process as smooth and timely as possible, and we understand that waiting to hear back can add to the anticipation. If you’re a potential fit, our team will reach out within two weeks to progress you to the next stage. If you don’t hear from us in that time, we encourage you to explore other opportunities with our team in the future, and we wish you the very best in your job search.