Tooling Manager

The Tooling Manager is responsible for overseeing the design, development, procurement, maintenance, and optimization of tooling and fixtures used in manufacturing operations. This role ensures the availability of high-quality, cost-effective tools that meet production and product quality requirements. The manager leads a team of tooling engineers and technicians, ensuring tooling solutions align with operational efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Tooling Design & Development:

   • Oversee the design and development of jigs, fixtures, dies, molds, and custom tooling.

   • Collaborate with product engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure tooling supports process requirements.

2. Tooling Lifecycle Management:

   • Manage tooling inventory, refurbishment, calibration, and replacement schedules.

   • Maintain accurate tooling documentation, drawings, and revision control.

3. Team Leadership:

   • Lead a team of tooling engineers, technicians, and support staff.

   • Assign tasks, monitor progress, and ensure technical training and development.

4. Tooling Procurement & Vendor Management:

   • Source tooling from internal resources or external suppliers.

   • Manage vendor relationships and evaluate supplier performance for quality and delivery.

5. Cost and Process Optimization:

   • Drive tooling standardization, reusability, and cost reduction.

   • Evaluate and implement new materials, technologies, and processes to improve tool life and reduce downtime.

6. Quality & Compliance:

   • Ensure all tooling meets safety, dimensional, and process capability standards.

   • Support quality initiatives such as PPAP, APQP, and audits as needed.

7. Support Production & Maintenance:

   • Provide troubleshooting and support to resolve tooling-related production issues.

   • Ensure rapid response and resolution for any tooling breakdowns or failures.

Key Focus Areas:

• Tooling Design & Innovation

• Manufacturing Support & Downtime Reduction

• Tooling Lifecycle & Maintenance Management

• Vendor & Cost Management

• Standardization & Continuous Improvement

Required Skills & Competencies:

Technical Proficiency:

• In-depth knowledge of tool design, CAD modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), and manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, molding, stamping).

• Familiarity with GD&T, material specifications, and tolerancing.

Project Management & Leadership:

• Strong ability to manage multiple tooling projects, prioritize work, and lead cross-functional teams.

• Experience working with external vendors and managing technical procurement.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills:

• Strong root cause analysis and troubleshooting ability for tooling failures and production issues.

Communication & Documentation:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with engineers, production staff, and suppliers.

• Ability to generate clear technical documentation and maintain detailed records.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education:

  • B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Tool Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering (required)

• Certifications (Preferred):

  • Six Sigma, Tool & Die Certification, Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP)

• Experience:

  • 8–12 years of experience in tooling design, fabrication, or tool room operations

  • 3–5 years in a supervisory or managerial role

  • Experience in high-precision or volume-based manufacturing (e.g., automotive, aerospace, electronics, plastics) preferred