Lead, Tool & Die

Osmundson Manufacturing Co.•Perry, IA

About The Position

Osmundson Manufacturing is seeking an experienced, hands-on Tool & Die Lead to oversee a four-person Tool & Die team. This working leadership position coordinates daily shop activities, assigns work, maintains schedules, and ensures quality workmanship. The Lead must be capable of independently performing the same tool and die work as the team while balancing production priorities and providing technical guidance. The role is hands-on rather than desk-based, and involves working alongside the crew to solve problems and complete work safely, accurately, and on time. The position performs tool and die building, maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and modifications in support of manufacturing operations. It also provides daily direction and coaching to team members, coordinates tooling needs with production and maintenance, monitors project progress, and communicates concerns and improvement opportunities to management. The Lead is accountable for workmanship, productivity, safety, and timely completion of assigned work.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience leading or supervising a Tool & Die shop with more than one employee.
Experience assigning work, delegating responsibilities, coordinating daily operations, and managing shop schedules.
Strong hands-on experience in tool and die building, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and modifications.
Ability to independently perform the technical work required of the Tool & Die team while providing leadership and guidance.
Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and working from engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
Experience operating manual machining equipment, including mills, lathes, grinders, and other toolroom machinery.
Experience using precision measuring instruments to maintain tight tolerances and ensure quality workmanship.
Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to diagnose tooling problems and implement practical solutions.
Strong leadership skills, including the ability to train, coach, motivate, and hold team members accountable.
Excellent organizational, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage competing deadlines, and maintain efficient shop operations.
Ability to balance hands-on technical responsibilities with team leadership and scheduling requirements.
Commitment to workplace safety, quality standards, and continuous improvement.
Willingness to take ownership of shop performance, workmanship, productivity, and project deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively with production, maintenance, and management teams to meet manufacturing objectives.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with CNC machining, CAD/CAM software, and other applicable toolroom technologies; advanced proficiency is preferred.
Experience in manufacturing environments involving metal stamping, forging, or forming dies.
Experience building, maintaining, and repairing production dies and tooling.
Demonstrated ability to improve tooling performance, reduce production downtime, and enhance operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on tool and die building, maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and modifications to support manufacturing operations.
Read, interpret, and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
Operate toolroom machinery and equipment, including mills, lathes, grinders, CNC machines, and other applicable machining equipment.
Diagnose tooling problems, determine appropriate repairs, and implement improvements to minimize production downtime.
Maintain tight tolerances and verify completed work using precision measuring instruments.
Provide daily leadership, work direction, and technical guidance to a four-person Tool & Die team.
Assign and delegate work based on employee skills, production priorities, and project requirements.
Develop and maintain daily and weekly shop schedules to ensure projects are completed accurately and on time.
Monitor job progress, identify potential delays, and adjust assignments and priorities to meet manufacturing deadlines.
Coordinate with production and maintenance departments on tooling requirements, urgent repairs, and operational needs.
Ensure team members have the materials, equipment, information, and resources needed to complete assigned tasks.
Work alongside team members to complete tooling projects while balancing leadership and production responsibilities.
Ensure completed tooling meets engineering specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.
Promote safe work practices and maintain a clean, organized, and efficient toolroom environment.
Provide hands-on training, coaching, and technical support to develop team members' skills and performance.
Maintain accountability for workmanship, productivity, safety, and timely completion of assigned work.
Communicate tooling concerns, scheduling challenges, and improvement opportunities to management.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve tooling performance, reduce downtime, and increase shop efficiency.