Tool & Die Group Leader

Toyota Boshoku America•Jackson, TN

About The Position

The Tool & Die Group Leader supervises and coordinates tool room operations in accordance with company policies, manufacturing standards and methods, product requirements, quality standards, and production schedules. The role directs work in the tool and die area, schedules maintenance of dies, molds, attachments, shop equipment, and related attachments, and assigns and adjusts work schedules for personnel to address production priorities. The position supports modification, design, and redesign of tooling in cooperation with manufacturing managers and engineering. It verifies blueprints and oversees changes, troubleshoots tooling and production problems, provides technical support to designers, production units, managers, and vendors, and obtains quotes for outside services. The role also coordinates purchases of conventional and CNC shop equipment and parts, implements practices to reduce costs, administers applicable TS/IATF procedures, and promotes safety, housekeeping, team activities, and continuous improvement. The group leader works under the general direction of the Maintenance Manager and supervises 10 to 12 associates across a three-shift operation. Duties include reviewing employment candidates, planning and evaluating employee performance, recommending wage increases, and instructing and training employees. The work involves precision die and tool fabrication, technical documentation and records, and frequent coordination with managers, supervisors, engineering, and vendors. The position is performed in machine shop and office environments where noise, metal shavings, machine oils, and some chemical odors may be present.

Requirements

Journeyman certificate or equivalent experience in Tool & Die.
Knowledge of CNC and EDM equipment.
Three to five years of experience supervising tool and die craftsmen or in manufacturing supervision.
Formal training in supervisory duties and techniques.
Knowledge of supervisory responsibilities and manufacturing management practices.
Technical knowledge of the objectives, design, fabrication, use, modification, and repair of tools, dies, and associated devices.
Ability to read, interpret, analyze, and revise blueprints and engineering drawings.
Ability to use precision measurement instruments.
Thorough familiarity with company policies, procedures, and practices concerning manufacturing management, employee relations, safety, and quality.
Effective listening and communication skills.
Comprehensive knowledge of die design theory and practice, fabrication, and uses.
Familiarity with trade and factory terminology.
Skill in close-tolerance machining using CNC shop equipment, including the ability to train others in its use.
Ability to integrate information concerning material strength, machinability, precision measurements, controls, and engineering design.
Ability to maintain accuracy in precision design and fabrication and in related documentation and records.
Ability to hear and communicate, walk, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and lift; requires coordination and manual dexterity.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee work performed in the tool and die area.
Direct, schedule, and oversee maintenance of dies, molds, and attachments used within the plant.
Cooperate in modifying tooling, dies, and molds.
Participate with manufacturing managers and engineering in the design and redesign of tools, dies, molds, and related attachments.
Direct and schedule maintenance of shop equipment and related attachments.
Schedule work assignments for tool and die unit personnel and revise schedules in response to production priorities.
Verify blueprint accuracy and oversee incorporation of changes.
Provide technical assistance to designers, production units, and managers.
Provide technical advice and assistance to tool vendors and obtain price quotes for outside services.
Direct and oversee troubleshooting of problems involving tools, dies, molds, applications, fabrication, and modifications.
Instruct and train subordinates.
Develop and implement changes to practices and procedures to reduce costs.
Coordinate purchases of conventional and CNC shop equipment and parts.
Participate in 5S housekeeping and team activities, and comply with dress codes, safety rules, and other company policies and procedures.
Administer TS/IATF procedures applicable to the department.
Encourage associate involvement in continuous improvement activities.
Review employment candidates; plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate department employees; and recommend wage increases.
Control fabrication of precision dies and tools and ensure accuracy and completeness of related documents.
Accurately record and analyze work hours and material units.
Perform other duties as assigned.