Tool Room Lead/Frontline Leader

Allegion•Princeton, IL

About The Position

Allegion is hiring a Tool Room Team Lead in the Process Innovation department. The role provides day-to-day leadership and technical direction to Tool Room personnel, coordinating priorities and assignments while remaining actively involved in machining, fabrication, tooling repair, modification, and troubleshooting. The lead works with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and other departments to support equipment reliability, production needs, and continuous improvement. The position supports the development and training of Tool Makers, apprentices, and technical staff; monitors job progress and team effectiveness; maintains tooling and performance records; and helps ensure that machines, equipment, tools, supplies, and work areas are maintained appropriately. It also promotes safe work practices and compliance with applicable safety requirements and workplace organization standards. The role reports to the Maintenance Manager. The stated compensation range is $40.19–$46.15 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 5 years of precision machining experience in a Tool Room environment.
Demonstrated leadership capability or previous supervisory or lead experience in a manufacturing or Tool Room environment.
Strong mechanical and machining knowledge, with the ability to provide technical direction to others.
Experience reading complex technical drawings and interpreting blueprints.
Experience setting up and operating conventional and CNC machinery.
Ability to prioritize multiple jobs, coordinate workload, and troubleshoot manufacturing and equipment problems.
Ability to communicate effectively with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and other departments.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Machine Tool Technology, Tool & Die Making, or a related technical discipline.
Completion of a state-certified apprenticeship program or DOL-certified Journey Worker status.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and assign work orders, prioritizing incoming maintenance and tooling requests according to operational needs and team capabilities.
Provide hands-on technical support and direction for machining, fabrication, tooling repairs, modifications, and troubleshooting.
Coordinate machining and fabrication work for planned maintenance, breakdowns, continuous improvement projects, and production support.
Coordinate with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and other departments to support equipment reliability and minimize production interruptions.
Work with Maintenance and Production leadership to identify recurring tooling and equipment issues and develop practical improvements.
Coach, mentor, onboard, and assist in training Tool Makers, apprentices, and technical staff, including proper equipment operation, machining practices, troubleshooting, and safe work methods.
Assist team members with troubleshooting and determining effective repair or fabrication methods.
Provide technical guidance while participating in complex or priority Tool Room work.
Maintain team efficiency, scrap reduction, delivery metrics, continuous improvement initiatives, team effectiveness metrics, resource allocation, and labor efficiency.
Ensure Tool Room machines, equipment, tools, and work areas are maintained in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
Support continuous improvement activities that improve safety, quality, equipment reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
Help maintain tooling, materials, replacement components, and consumable supplies needed for Tool Room activities.
Enforce safety regulations, OSHA guidelines—including machine guarding, power press safety, and lockout/tagout—and 5S workplace organization standards; promptly communicate potential hazards to management.
Identify opportunities to improve Tool Room workflow, tooling reliability, repair methods, and overall efficiency.
Maintain accurate tool maintenance and performance records and coordinate with cross-functional departments regarding tool status and operational needs.
Monitor Tool Room jobs and communicate progress, material requirements, delays, and other concerns that could affect completion.
Support the repair and modification of production tooling, fixtures, machine components, and other manufacturing support equipment.
Collaborate with the Process Innovation team and outside vendors on developing new fixtures, processes, and machines.
Ensure prints processed through the Tool Room are properly recorded and digital backups are stored in Windchill.
Serve as a primary point of contact between the Tool Room and other departments regarding tooling, machining, fabrication, and repair needs.
Perform other related duties as assigned.