What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supervisor, Machine Shop position at Winnebago Industries Inc?
Position Summary
The Tool & Die/Mold Shop Supervisor oversees daily operations of the Machine Shops and Mold Shop. Ensuring tooling, dies, fixtures, fiberglass molds, vacuum form molds and related equipment are built, repaired, and maintained to support production needs. This role provides leadership, technical guidance, and scheduling to a team of toolmakers and machinists while driving safety, quality, and efficiency in all shop activities.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
- Lead, coach, and mentor toolmakers, machinists, and support staff.
- Assign daily workloads, prioritize jobs, and manage resource allocation based on production requirements.
- Conduct performance evaluations, promote skill development, and coordinate training programs.
- Foster a positive, safe, and collaborative work environment.
Tooling Management
- Oversee fabrication, repair, modification, and preventative maintenance of tooling, dies, fixtures, molds, and shop equipment.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and specifications to ensure accuracy of manufactured components.
- Review and approve tool designs, recommending improvements for durability and manufacturability.
- Ensure all tooling meets quality standards and dimensional requirements.
Production Support
- Respond promptly to tooling breakdowns to minimize line downtime.
- Coordinate with Tool Design, engineering, maintenance, and production teams to resolve tooling-related issues.
- Plan and schedule maintenance and installation of tooling and equipment.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives for throughput, quality, and safety.
Operational Management
- Maintain work order information and accurate labor records.
- Procure materials, components, and consumables needed for tool shop operations.
- Recommend capital improvements, equipment upgrades, and new technologies.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, company policies, and industry best practices.
Quality & Safety
- Enforce strict safety standards in machine operation, material handling, and workspace cleanliness.
- Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for tooling failures or quality issues.
- Verify that all tools and dies meet quality expectations before release to production.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Associate degree or technical certification in Tool & Die, Precision Machining, Mechanical Technology, or related field (preferred).
- 5–10 years of tool & die experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency with CNC and manual machining processes.
- Strong overall understanding of tooling including metal stamping die construction, weld and assembly fixtures, and all types of metal fabrication. Fiberglass, Plastic vacuum form and rotational mold construction.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAD/CAM data.
- Experience with heat treating, welding, grinding, and precision measuring tools.
Leadership Skills
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated track record of developing skilled trades personnel.
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to machining, stamping, molding, hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems.
- Occasional lifting of heavy objects and operation of shop equipment.
- Required use of PPE and adherence to safety expectations.