Tooling Buyer

MINTH WINDSOR MANUFACTURING INC; Windsor; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MINTH WINDSOR MANUFACTURING INC in Windsor, Ontario is seeking a Tooling Sourcing Buyer to lead procurement, evaluation, and lifecycle management of injection moulds, fixtures, EOAT, and degator tooling for automotive programs. You will collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure best-in-class cost, delivery, and risk mitigation.

This role requires hands-on tooling knowledge, APQP/PPAP experience, GD&T, and strong negotiation skills to develop a global supplier

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Min 3 years of experience in tooling procurement, injection molding, or equipment sourcing within the automotive Tier-1 environment.
• Hands-on experience with tooling engineering (molds, fixtures, automation, or robotics).
• Understanding of APQP, PPAP, GD&T, mold flow, CMM, gauge R&R.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for tooling including injections moulds, fixtures, EOAT, and degator tooling.
• Prepare RFQ, manage cost-breakdowns, negotiate pricing, terms, and engineering changes.
• Conduct supplier benchmarking for capability, capacity, quality systems, delivery performance, and financial health.
• Track tooling timing, FAT/SAT, and supplier readiness for SOP; support PPAP and production validation.

Skills

Tooling procurement

Injection molding

Equipment sourcing

APQP/PPAP experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

CATIA

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

The Tooling Sourcing Buyer will be responsible for the procurement, technical evaluation, and lifecycle management of injection moulds, plastic part check fixtures (gauge/fixture), EOA (End-of-Arm tooling), and degator tooling for new automotive programs. This role requires technical understanding of plastics manufacturing, tooling engineering, APQP/PPAP processes, and strategic sourcing within a Tier-1 automotive environment. The engineer will collaborate closely with internal cross-functional teams and global suppliers to ensure best-in-class quality, cost, delivery, and risk mitigation.

Other responsibilities includes:

1. Tooling & Equipment Sourcing

Lead sourcing activities for:

• Injection moulds (1K, 2K, Family moulds, hot runner/cold runner)
• Plastic part check fixtures & measurement gauges
• EOA / End-of-Arm tooling for automation
• Degator / deflashing tools
• Develop sourcing strategies aligned with program timing, cost targets, and engineering requirements.
• Prepare the RFQ, manage cost-breakdowns, and negotiate pricing, payment terms, warranty, and engineering changes.
• Conduct supplier benchmarking for capability, capacity, quality systems, delivery performance, and financial health.

2. Technical Analysis & Cost Engineering

• Review 3D models, GD&T, mold flow reports, tool design concepts, and fixture/EOA designs to ensure manufacturability and cost competitiveness.
• Validate suppliers’ cost breakdowns (material, machining, labor hours, heat treatment, try-outs, transportation).
• Optimize tooling concepts to meet cycle time, scrap rate, and production efficiency targets.

3. Program Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with internal teams (Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, Tool Shop, and Finance) to align on sourcing decisions.
• Track tooling timing, FAT/SAT, tool trials (T0/T1/T2), and supplier readiness for SOP.
• Support PPAP submission and ensure fixture/EOA capability during production validation.
• Develop and maintain a high-quality global supplier network for molds, fixtures, and automation components.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure adherence to quality, delivery, cost, and service expectations.
• Coordinate supplier audits, process capability studies, and risk assessments.
• Drive corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives (cost down, OEE improvement, design optimization).

5. Tooling Lifecycle & Risk Management

• Support tooling kick-off, DFM reviews, design validation, and mold/fixture buy-off processes.
• Oversee tool construction progress, steel ordering, machining, and try-out reports.
• Assess risks and develop mitigation plans (backup suppliers, tool duplication, steel insertion plans, spare parts planning).
• Support tool transfer activities (domestic & international) when required.

6. Commercial & Contractual Responsibilities

• Execute tooling purchase orders, supplier agreements, warranty terms, and lifetime volume commitments.
• Review and confirm tool asset tagging, depreciation schedules, and tooling amortization plans per OEM compliance.
• Track and reconcile tooling invoicing, payment milestones, and cost-recovery with OEM customers when applicable.
• Manage tooling cost changes and ensure alignment with program BOM and financial targets.

To qualify for this role you must meet the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Min 3 years of experience in tooling procurement, injection molding, or equipment sourcing within the automotive Tier-1 environment.
• Hands-on experience with tooling engineering (molds, fixtures, automation, or robotics).
• Understanding of APQP, PPAP, GD&T, mold flow, CMM, gauge R&R.

Key to being successful in this role:

• Knowledge of injection mold construction, machining processes, hot runner systems, steel selection, and design standards.
• Familiar with check fixture design principles, CMM measurement, R&R, and gauge repeatability requirements.
• Experience with robotic EOA tooling design, EOAT components, quick-change systems, and degating equipment.
• Solid understanding of cost breakdowns and manufacturing cost drivers.
• Ability to read and interpret CAD (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) and technical drawings.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with global suppliers.
• Able to manage multiple programs simultaneously under tight timelines.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and financially disciplined.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional coordination ability.