Tooling Manager (Group Leader )

Tooling Manager (Group Leader)Location: Elizabethtown, KY Shift: 2nd Shift Salary Range: $90,000 $100,000About the RoleOur 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 ResponsibilitiesLead and oversee toolmakers on 2nd shift to ensure efficient execution of preventive and corrective maintenanceMaintain tooling KPIs and implement follow-up programs to reduce scrap, downtime, and overtimeManage progressive and transfer dies, including destacker processes, blanking, rollform, and progressive transfer systemsEstablish and execute die maintenance routines and tool improvement plansCoordinate manpower planning, die protection plans, and PM compliance to ensure 100% quality standardsImplement and sustain 5S initiatives within the tooling departmentEnsure ISO TS compliance and maintain audit readinessTrain and mentor toolmakers on maintenance processes and support engineering changesCoordinate with Tool Room Manager regarding updates, new projects, and urgent requisitionsIdentify critical spare parts and manage procurement through internal systemsCollaborate cross-functionally to align tooling priorities with production schedulesDrive lean initiatives, JIT processes, and structured problem-solving methodologiesQualifications / RequirementsAssociate degree in Engineering or related field with 7+ years toolmaker experience OR 10+ years toolmaker experienceMinimum 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 operationsExperience with die maintenance systems, steel treatment/coatings, and gripper systemsWorking knowledge of lean manufacturing, JIT, KPI management, and structured problem-solvingStrong organizational and communication skillsAbility to prioritize, motivate a team, and drive accountabilityWhat's in It for YouCompetitive salary ($90K$100K)Medical, Dental, Vision & Prescription coveragePaid vacation & holidays401KShort- and Long-Term Disability coverageFlexible Spending Account (FSA)Discounted gym membershipAdvancement and training opportunities