Tooling Systems Lead

GM•Buffalo, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tooling Systems Lead provides technical leadership, results, and behaviors in support of new and mature manufacturing systems, with a focus on safety, quality, responsiveness, cost, and continuous improvement. This role is responsible for executing the Tooling Services business plan, leading tooling-related problem solving and launch support, and coordinating across internal GM teams, Tooling Engineering, TCM leadership, manufacturing partners, third-party onsite tool building provider (Shively), and tool vendors. Success in this role requires the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while balancing technical leadership, vendor coordination, and internal team support.

Requirements

Ability and willingness to work non-standard hours, including daily overtime and weekends as required to support plant and tooling needs.
BS in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or similar technical field.
Strong analytical ability and troubleshooting skills, with the capability to solve complex technical and operational problems.
Highly developed oral and written communication skills.
High level of interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with others across multiple functions and levels of the organization.
Ability to work independently, be self-directed, and manage multiple complicated issues at the same time.
Computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with the ability to learn new systems.
Experience applying lean manufacturing, standardized work, and continuous improvement principles in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical work with integrity and sound independent judgment within established operating systems and standards.

Nice To Haves

Cutting tool knowledge.
Familiarity with gaging systems and terminology.
Supervisory, team leadership, or technical lead experience in a manufacturing environment.
Experience coordinating third-party tooling vendors, contractors, or machine/tool builders.
Experience supporting tooling launch activities, continuous improvement efforts, and tooling-related problem solving on the plant floor.
Experience with tooling sufficiency planning, tooling budgets, or tooling resource prioritization.
Zoller troubleshooting experience.

Responsibilities

Lead implementation and execution of the established Tooling Services business plan while promoting collaboration and cooperation across the organization.
Support day-to-day tooling needs on the plant floor by maintaining strong relationships with manufacturing, maintenance, tooling engineering, and leadership teams.
Provide technical direction and oversight for third-party tool builders and outside vendor sources, including on-site coordination and follow-up prioritization.
Lead the daily tooling unscheduled review and drive timely follow-up to resolve tooling issues affecting safety, quality, throughput, and cost.
Lead Tooling Sufficiency plan prioritization and implementation by directing tooling engineering resources to achieve tooling budget and operational objectives.
Drive continuous improvement in the assigned area through waste elimination, variation reduction, productivity improvement, and disciplined problem solving.
Lead Global Manufacturing Systems processes, including maintaining the applicable BPD requirements and supporting broader manufacturing engineering objectives.
Maintain awareness of quality standards, communicate department quality goals, and leverage available resources to solve quality issues.
Promote safe work practices and support objectives for ergonomics, health, safety, and housekeeping.
Support launch activities for Tooling Services, including installation, debug, implementation, and continuous improvement of tooling and related equipment.
Support manufacturing operations by resolving tooling issues as needed and providing technical guidance during significant downtime or production-impacting events.
Conduct layered audits and related process checks to sustain standards and drive accountability.
Coach, teach, and mentor internal tooling engineering resources and TCM group leaders while helping build highly effective teams and standardized methods of work.
Ensure appropriate training and job instruction is in place so team members can effectively execute their responsibilities.
Provide technical support for tooling systems, including cutting tool application and Zoller-related troubleshooting as needed.