Tooling Manager (Group Leader )

MissionHires is hiring a hands-on Tooling Manager (Group Leader) for a 2nd shift role in Elizabethtown, KY. You will lead a unionized tool room team in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment, driving die uptime, quality, and cost performance. The ideal candidate is a seasoned Class C Tool & Die professional with deep expertise in progressive and transfer dies, strong shop-floor leadership, and proven success reducing scrap and downtime while sustaining ISO/TS, 5S, lean, and KPI disciplines.

• Lead and oversee 2nd shift toolmakers to execute preventive and corrective maintenance on dies and tooling
• Own and track tooling KPIs; implement follow-ups to reduce scrap, downtime, and overtime
• Manage progressive and transfer dies, including destackers, blanking, rollform, and progressive transfer systems
• Establish and execute die maintenance routines and tooling improvement plans
• Plan manpower, ensure die protection plans and PM compliance to meet 100% quality standards
• Implement and sustain 5S within the tooling department
• Ensure ISO/TS compliance and audit readiness
• Train and mentor toolmakers; support engineering changes and best practices
• Coordinate with Tool Room Manager on updates, new projects, priorities, and urgent requisitions
• Identify critical spare parts and manage procurement through internal systems
• Collaborate with production and cross-functional teams to align tooling priorities with schedules
• Drive lean initiatives, JIT processes, and structured problem solving on the shop floor

• Associate degree in Engineering or related field with 7+ years toolmaker experience, or 10+ years toolmaker experience in lieu of degree
• Minimum 7+ years Tool & Die experience; Class C tooling required
• 4+ years leadership experience in unionized automotive or industrial manufacturing; UAW experience required
• Proven expertise 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, communication, and team leadership skills
• Ability to prioritize work, motivate teams, and drive accountability on a fast-paced production floor

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