Tooling Manager

Job Summary

The Tooling Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's tooling operations, including the maintenance, repair, and procurement of tools, fixtures, and specialized equipment, ensuring their optimal performance, quality, and safety, while managing a team of Tooling Engineers, Tooling Technicians, and coordinating with production and engineering departments to meet manufacturing needs.  

Team Leadership:

• Lead and supervise a team of Tool Engineers and Tool Technicians.
• Provide training and development opportunities for team members.
• Foster a culture of safety and quality within the tooling department.

Job Responsibilities

Tooling Maintenance and Repair:

• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for all tooling.
• Manage tool repairs and coordinate with external vendors for complex repairs.
• Monitor tool wear and tear, identifying potential issues before they impact production.

Tooling Inventory Management:

• Track and manage tooling inventory, including storage locations and usage data.
• Optimize tool stock levels to avoid shortages and minimize excess inventory.
• Implement systems for tool check-in/check-out procedures.

Tooling Design and Procurement:

• Collaborate with engineering teams to design new tooling for new products or process improvements.
• Source and evaluate tooling suppliers to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage tooling purchase orders and budget allocation.

Quality Control:

• Establish and maintain quality standards for tooling.
• Conduct regular tool inspections and quality checks to ensure compliance.
• Identify and address quality issues related to tooling.

Process Improvement:

• Analyze tooling data to identify areas for improvement and implement optimization strategies.
• Explore new tooling technologies and incorporate them into production processes.
• Collaborate with other departments to streamline production processes.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Experience with various types of tooling, including molds, fixtures, and gauges.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software for tool design and analysis
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Proven ability to manage budgets and procurement processes
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field preferred
• Experience with composites manufacturing techniques (molding)