Tooling Manager (CONFIDENTIAL)
$135000-175000 / year
Permanent
Permanent
Job ID:
58157551
Job Description
Tooling Manager
Lincolnshire, IL
$140,000-$175,000/year + 15% bonus
Position Summary
- We are seeking an experienced Tooling Manager to lead and oversee a tool shop responsible for the manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and improvement of production injection molds and other tooling.
- This role will provide hands-on leadership of the tool room and team, overseeing tooling projects from prototype and complex designs through production. The ideal candidate will have strong experience leading a machine shop, with preference given to candidates who have managed an injection mold or mold-making operation.
- The Tooling Manager will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and other internal teams to ensure tooling is delivered on schedule, performs reliably, and meets quality and production requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the tool shop/tool room, including production tooling, injection molds, repairs, modifications, and maintenance.
- Manage new tooling projects from prototype or complex designs through production.
- Oversee the manufacturing of production injection molds and other tooling to meet quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
- Lead major mold repairs, tooling improvements, modifications, and engineering changes.
- Establish and maintain preventive maintenance programs for production molds and tooling.
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes, methods, equipment, and tooling based on product and production requirements.
- Analyze tooling and manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, reliability, and throughput.
- Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support for complex tooling and mold-making issues.
- Lead, train, mentor, and develop tool room personnel while maintaining a strong culture of safety, quality, and accountability.
- Implement quality and safety improvements within the tool shop and ensure adherence to established procedures and requirements.
- Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities related to tooling, processes, materials, and equipment.
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and other internal stakeholders on tooling-related projects and improvements.
- Communicate with internal and external customers as needed regarding tooling requirements, project status, technical issues, and solutions.
Qualifications
- 6+ years of experience in mold design, tool room operations, or a closely related tooling environment.
- Strong leadership experience managing a machine shop, tool room, or similar manufacturing operation.
- Injection mold / mold-making experience strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of CNC tool room machinery and related machining processes.
- Ability to read and understand mold designs and identify opportunities for tooling improvements.
- Strong mechanical and technical problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex tooling issues.
- Experience leading, training, mentoring, and developing technical personnel.
- Working knowledge of mold-making processes, quality systems, FAI, PPAP, and tooling release processes.
- Ability to work effectively with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and other cross-functional teams.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tooling projects and priorities in a production environment.
- Proficiency with CAD software such as Pro/E, NX, or SolidWorks is a plus.
Preferred Experience
- Direct management experience within an injection mold or mold-making shop.
- Experience overseeing a team of toolmakers, machinists, or tooling technicians.
- Experience with production injection molds and high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Strong hands-on understanding of CNC machining and tool room operations.
- Experience managing tooling from initial design/prototype through production and ongoing maintenance.
- A track record of improving tooling reliability, manufacturing efficiency, quality, and cost.
Work Environment
- This is a hands-on manufacturing leadership position. The Tooling Manager will regularly move between the office, tool shop, and production environment and should be comfortable spending significant time on the manufacturing floor working directly with the team and addressing tooling and production issues.
- The role requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods and to work in a production/tool room environment while following all applicable safety requirements.
Meet Your Recruiter
Max Francis
Recruiting Team Lead
Max Francis is a Recruiter at Sterling Engineering, where he has been a valued member of the team for more than seven years. He focuses on supporting a key Flex account, helping connect qualified candidates with opportunities that align with their experience, goals, and long-term career path.
Max understands that making a career move is a major life decision. He enjoys helping candidates navigate the ever-changing job market and hiring process with confidence, clarity, and support. His goal is to help each candidate take the next meaningful step in their career while finding the right long-term professional home.
About Buffalo Grove, IL
Looking to kickstart your career in the vibrant area surrounding Buffalo Grove, Illinois? Explore our job opportunities in this thriving community where endless growth opportunities await. Nestled in the heart of Lake County, this charming suburb offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and picturesque natural beauty. With renowned art galleries like the Buffalo Creek Art Center, dynamic theaters such as the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and easy access to professional sports teams like the Chicago Bears, there's something for everyone here. Indulge in local delicacies like deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, then unwind at the beautiful Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve. Join us in Buffalo Grove, IL, and let your career flourish in this captivating location!