Tooling Manager (Group Leader )

Tooling Manager (Group Leader)

Location:

Elizabethtown, KY Shift:

2nd

Shift Salary Range:

$90,000 - $100,000 About the Role Our client is seeking a hands-on Tooling Manager (Group Leader) to lead a skilled tool room team within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a seasoned Class C Tool & Die professional who thrives in progressive and transfer die operations and has strong leadership experience within a unionized (UAW) setting. This is not a desk job. You will be on the floor, in the press, and in the shop — driving performance, mentoring toolmakers, and ensuring tooling reliability that directly impacts production quality and uptime. Success in this role means reducing scrap and downtime, optimizing die performance, and leading a team that consistently delivers on Quality, Delivery, and Cost (QDC). Key Responsibilities Lead and oversee toolmakers on 2nd shift to ensure efficient execution of preventive and corrective maintenance Maintain tooling KPIs and implement follow-up programs to reduce scrap, downtime, and overtime Manage progressive and transfer dies, including destacker processes, blanking, rollform, and progressive transfer systems Establish and execute die maintenance routines and tool improvement plans Coordinate manpower planning, die protection plans, and PM compliance to ensure 100% quality standards Implement and sustain 5S initiatives within the tooling department Ensure ISO TS compliance and maintain audit readiness Train and mentor toolmakers on maintenance processes and support engineering changes Coordinate with Tool Room Manager regarding updates, new projects, and urgent requisitions Identify critical spare parts and manage procurement through internal systems Collaborate cross-functionally to align tooling priorities with production schedules Drive lean initiatives, JIT processes, and structured problem-solving methodologies Qualifications / Requirements Associate degree in Engineering or related field with 7+ years toolmaker experience OR 10+ years toolmaker experience Minimum 7+ years Tool & Die experience (Class C tooling required) 4+ years leadership experience in unionized automotive or industrial manufacturing (UAW experience required) Strong background in progressive and transfer die operations Experience with die maintenance systems, steel treatment/coatings, and gripper systems Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, JIT, KPI management, and structured problem-solving Strong organizational and communication skills Ability to prioritize, motivate a team, and drive accountability What's in It for You Competitive salary ($90K-$100K) Medical, Dental, Vision & Prescription coverage Paid vacation & holidays 401K Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Discounted gym membership Advancement and training opportunities