Tool & Die Team Leader - 2nd Shift - 230pm - 11pm

Toyota Boshoku America • Hopkinsville, KY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Tool & Die Team Leader directs team members in toolroom activities and supports Tool & Die operations and the Toyota Production System. The role focuses on minimizing downtime, increasing productivity, continuously improving tools, and coordinating preventive maintenance. The Team Leader assigns work and helps achieve company goals and targets while maintaining standards for safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, housekeeping, efficiency, training, teamwork, and morale.

This position leads maintenance and repair operations, develops standardized work procedures, coordinates Tool & Die maintenance and equipment repairs, and works with Manufacturing and Maintenance departments to investigate and contain issues. The Team Leader troubleshoots safety, machine, equipment, and tooling problems; coaches and trains team members; maintains safe working conditions; and communicates across shifts and departments to support stable operations.

The role works in open-office and automotive manufacturing plant environments with moderate noise and may involve cold, dust, heat, or odors. Appropriate personal protective equipment may be required in designated areas. Travel is minimal. The position requires physical activity around plant equipment, including walking, sitting, standing, occasional climbing, stooping, bending, reaching, and handling or lifting materials weighing up to 30–50 pounds, with or without assistance.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Associate’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Tool & Die, Industrial Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Tool and Die certificate/diploma or equivalent experience.
• At least two years of previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Five years of Tool & Die progressive die experience.
• Two to five years of welding experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot and track equipment issues, conduct root cause analysis, and correct issues with equipment suppliers.
• Good working knowledge of industrial technology and aptitude to learn skilled trades beyond the team member’s area of expertise.
• Ability to read and interpret Tooling blueprints, drawings, specifications, and technical instruction manuals.
• Understanding of company products, trade terminology, and Tool & Die and repair operations.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and assembly equipment and tooling, including design, automation, robotics, manufacturing processes, and related processes for automotive interiors.
• Working knowledge of shop mathematics and measuring devices and instruments.
• Ability to facilitate problem solving, prioritize across departments, plan and supervise assigned areas, and manage multiple tasks and tight deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural, team-based environment and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to maintain on-call flexibility, adapt to changing production conditions, and work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime.
• Strong leadership, listening, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organization, time-management, and planning skills.
• Ability to implement plans for safety, quality, 5S, cost, and efficiency and to adapt skills and equipment to unforeseen demands.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Previous experience with integrated computer programs or applications.
• Solid working knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications.
• Willingness to complete and use required training for machines, tools, tooling, equipment, and motorized or maintenance-related equipment; cross-training for plant support departments; RCRA and DOT hazardous-waste requirements and certification; and computer-based software and systems.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including inspecting, adjusting, and operating equipment; walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods; occasional climbing, stooping, bending, reaching, grasping, and manipulating parts or equipment; and occasional lifting of up to 30–50 pounds with or without assistance.

Nice To Haves

• Skilled Trades journeyman status or certification from a trade school, technical college, or apprenticeship.
• Two to five years of CAD or CNC programming experience.
• Experience drawing and programming with MasterCam.
• CNC, machine shop, and Kaizen experience.
• Working knowledge and experience with the Toyota Production System.
• ERP system experience, such as Oracle.

Responsibilities

• Direct team members in toolroom activities and the execution of the group’s responsibilities.
• Lead and maintain maintenance and repair operations.
• Develop and maintain standardized work procedures for maintenance tasks and equipment.
• Assign and reassign work and work stationing based on current conditions and production schedules.
• Apply Toyota Boshoku Business Practices to coordinate floor activities and correct substandard situations.
• Perform team-member job functions as needed to maintain efficient, stable, and continuous operations.
• Assign and support Tool & Die maintenance on production equipment, facilities, and utility systems.
• Coordinate repairs and installation of machines, tools, and equipment to support continuous production.
• Troubleshoot daily safety, machine, equipment, and tooling issues; anticipate abnormalities and develop solutions.
• Evaluate machinery and equipment problems and coordinate repairs.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Maintenance departments on investigations and containment activities.
• Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with safety regulations, PPE requirements, and company procedures.
• Lead or participate in 5S housekeeping, accident investigations, safety audits, and related activities.
• Maintain knowledge of Hazardous Waste, Spill Response, and Plant Security procedures and monitor team-member safety and health.
• Train and coach team members in performance, setups, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and Tool & Die operations.
• Provide multi-skills training and support team-member development through feedback, coaching, and cascade training.
• Communicate relevant information to team members and maintain frequent communication with upstream, downstream, and support groups.
• Coordinate communications between shifts for assigned areas.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree