Tooling Engineer

The Whittan Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whittan Group in Milton Keynes is seeking a proactive Tooling Engineer to maintain and improve production tooling across our site. You will work closely with Engineering, Operations and Projects to maximise tooling reliability and minimise downtime.

This full-time role primarily runs on days, with occasional flexibility to cover other shifts to meet business needs. A strong background in tooling, mechanical engineering and hands-on maintenance is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience maintaining production tooling, press tools and die-cutting equipment.
• Strong mechanical engineering and hand-fitting skills.
• Experience operating workshop machinery: lathes, mills, surface grinders.
• Good understanding of processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to communicate and work with teams.
• Experience liaising with suppliers and external contractors.
• Familiarity with maintenance systems; CMMS experience is advantageous.
• Punctual, reliable, flexible attitude to work.
• BTEC in engineering or equivalent qualification.

Responsibilities

• Manage tooling across the site through a planned preventative maintenance programme.
• Service, maintain and repair press tools, flying shears and die-cutting equipment.
• Respond to tooling breakdowns and carry out maintenance activities when required.
• Order tooling spares and maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Track tooling locations and schedules, including off-site repairs.
• Liaise with suppliers and contractors to support maintenance and improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve performance and tooling life.
• Support improvements in MTBF and tool wear life.
• Maintain clear communication across Engineering, Operations and Projects teams.
• Ensure all activities comply with Health & Safety requirements and procedures.

Skills

Tooling maintenance

Mechanical engineering

Hand-fitting

Machinery operation

Team collaboration

Supplier liaison

KPI improvement

Tooling knowledge

Education

BTEC in Engineering

HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Milton Keynes

Full time

Permanent

Tooling Engineer

Location: Milton Keynes

The Whittan Group is the largest manufacturer of steel storage products in the United Kingdom. Operating through a number of market-leading brands, we design, manufacture and install storage solutions for commercial and industrial environments in the UK and Europe.

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Tooling Engineer to join our Engineering team in Milton Keynes. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled engineering professional to play a key role in maintaining and improving the tooling assets that support our manufacturing operations.

The Role

As a Tooling Engineer, you will be responsible for maintaining and servicing a wide range of production tooling, including press tools, flying shears and die-cutting equipment. You'll work closely with Engineering, Operations, Projects and external suppliers to maximise tooling reliability, improve performance and reduce downtime. This is primarily a day-shift role, although flexibility to support alternative shift patterns may occasionally be required to meet business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage tooling across the site through a planned preventative maintenance programme.
• Service, maintain and repair press tools, flying shears and die-cutting equipment.
• Respond to tooling breakdowns and carry out maintenance activities when required.
• Order tooling spares and maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Track tooling locations, including equipment sent off-site for repair, to ensure maintenance schedules remain on track.
• Liaise with suppliers and contractors to support tooling maintenance and improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the tooling department to improve performance and tooling life.
• Support improvements in key performance measures including MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and tool wear life.
• Maintain excellent communication across Engineering, Operations and Projects teams, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with Health & Safety requirements and company procedures.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience working with tooling, including press tools and flying shears.
• Strong mechanical engineering and hand-fitting skills.
• Experience using workshop machinery including lathes, milling machines and surface grinders.
• Good process and manufacturing experience.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience liaising with suppliers and external contractors.
• Confident IT user with experience of maintenance systems; CMMS experience would be advantageous.
• Punctual, reliable and flexible approach to work.
• BTEC qualification in an engineering discipline or equivalent.

Desirable

• HNC/HND qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working on roll-forming machinery.
• Knowledge of planned maintenance systems and continuous improvement methodologies.