The posting
Location: Arlington, TX
Tooling Supervisor - 1st Shift
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Tooling Supervisor to lead our 1st Shift Tool Room operations at our automotive manufacturing facility. The Tooling Supervisor is responsible for overseeing tool and mold maintenance activities, supporting production requirements, supervising toolmakers and technicians, and ensuring tooling is maintained to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. This role serves as a key liaison between Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure optimal tooling performance and operational efficiency.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate daily activities of Tool Room personnel, including Toolmakers, Mold Technicians, Apprentices, and support staff.
- Assign and prioritize work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, tooling repairs, engineering changes, and production support activities.
- Ensure injection molds, tooling, fixtures, gauges, and associated equipment are maintained in optimal operating condition to support production schedules.
- Monitor tooling performance and downtime metrics, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to improve tool reliability and availability.
- Oversee mold repairs, preventive maintenance programs, and emergency tooling support while ensuring compliance with quality and production requirements.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts involving mold, hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues impacting production.
- Coordinate mold changeovers, tooling launches, engineering revisions, and new program introductions.
- Manage Red Tag and tooling work order systems to ensure timely completion and proper documentation.
- Provide technical guidance, coaching, and development opportunities for Tool Room personnel, including apprentices and junior toolmakers.
- Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, ISO standards, and internal quality management systems.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams on continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
- Support new tool builds, mold qualifications, tryouts, and validation activities as required.
- Monitor tooling inventory, spare components, consumables, and vendor services to support uninterrupted production.
- Ensure all work is performed in accordance with company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and environmental standards.
- Develop and maintain departmental performance metrics, staffing plans, and shift schedules.
- Participate in budgeting, capital planning, and tooling investment recommendations.
- Conduct employee performance evaluations, attendance management, corrective actions, and workforce development activities.
- Promote and support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the Tool Room.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's Degree in Tool & Die, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
- Journeyman Tool & Die Maker, Mold Maker certification, or equivalent technical training preferred.
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in mold making, mold repair, tooling maintenance, or tool room operations within a manufacturing environment.
- Minimum 3-5 years of supervisory or leadership experience in a Tool Room, Maintenance, or Manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting high-volume automotive manufacturing operations preferred.
- Strong knowledge of plastic injection molds, tooling systems, machining operations, and mold maintenance best practices.
- Experience with preventive maintenance programs, work order systems, and tooling asset management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong understanding of injection molding processes and automotive manufacturing requirements.
- Ability to diagnose and resolve hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, and tooling-related issues.
- Experience with CNC machining, EDM equipment, surface grinders, lathes, milling machines, and welding processes.
- Knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and automotive quality standards.
- Proven leadership, team-building, coaching, and employee development skills.
- Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and project management capabilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb throughout a manufacturing environment for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 40 pounds.
- Must be able to work around production equipment, tooling systems, machinery, and industrial environments.
- Ability to perform overhead work and work in confined or low-access areas when required.
Perks of Working with Us:
- Competitive Salary
- Three (3) Weeks of Vacation (prorated the first year)
- 401(k) Match up to 4%
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Holiday Plant Shut-down & Employee Engagement Company Events
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Ready to Lead and Make an Impact?
Apply today and become part of a team that values your technical expertise in driving the success of our Arlington facility. Lead the way in maintenance management and ensure our operations run at their highest potential!
