Tooling Technician

Theo James Recruitment; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive supplier in Sunderland is seeking a Tooling Technician to enhance production efficiency. The role involves maintenance cover, proactive tasks, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have a recognized apprenticeship in toolmaking and hands-on experience with milling machines and welding. This position offers structured career development and training opportunities within a supportive culture.

Benefits

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Career development pathways

Supportive management team

Opportunities for progression and training

Inclusive company culture

Qualifications

• Recognised apprenticeship in toolmaking or tool repair required.
• Hands-on experience with various machinery essential.
• Understanding of press tool operations necessary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct planned maintenance to prevent machine breakdowns.
• Quickly respond to unplanned stoppages to minimize downtime.
• Identify root causes of failures and implement solutions.

Skills

Hands-on experience operating milling machines

Toolmaking apprenticeship

Welding capability (TIG, MIG, MMA)

Strong understanding of press tool operations

Experience in tooling maintenance

Education

Recognised apprenticeship in toolmaking/tool repair (HNC minimum)

Tools

Milling machines

Lathes

Grinding machines

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Tooling Technician

Location: Sunderland, UK

Hourly Rate: Competitive - dependent on experience

Shifts: 3-shift rotation

Benefits

• Health & wellbeing initiatives
• Career development pathways
• Supportive and encouraging management team
• Opportunities for progression and training
• Inclusive and innovative company culture

The Company

Our client is a leading global supplier to the automotive industry, with a reputation for innovation and manufacturing excellence. They are dedicated to shaping the future of mobility, creating safer, greener, and better-connected solutions. Operating across multiple sites in the North East, they are fast-paced, passionate, and committed to supporting their 900-strong workforce with recognition, development, and wellbeing initiatives.

Job Description

As a Tooling Technician, you will play a vital role in maintaining and improving production efficiency. You will provide tooling maintenance cover across shifts, carry out both reactive and proactive maintenance, and contribute to breakdown reduction activities.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out planned maintenance to prevent machine breakdowns.
• Responding quickly to unplanned stoppages to minimise downtime.
• Identifying root causes of failures and implementing effective solutions.
• Recording breakdowns, repairs, and countermeasures accurately.
• Supporting continuous improvement and maintaining high safety standards.
• Ensuring compliance with company health, safety, and 5s standards.

This Tooling Technician role is central to keeping production moving and ensuring tooling equipment runs at maximum efficiency.

Skills & Experience

To succeed as a Tooling Technician, you should have:

• A recognised apprenticeship in toolmaking/tool repair (HNC minimum).
• Hands-on experience operating milling machines, lathes, and grinding machines.
• Welding capability using TIG, MIG, or MMA.
• Competence with hand tools such as grinders and files.
• Strong understanding of press tool operations, assembly, and disassembly.
• Previous experience in tooling maintenance within a production environment.
• Automotive manufacturing experience (desirable).

Why Should You Apply?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a company that invests in its people and promotes from within. As a Tooling Technician, you will benefit from structured career development, excellent training opportunities, and a supportive culture that values innovation, accountability, and teamwork.

If you\'re an experienced Tooling Technician looking to progress your career in a forward-thinking organisation, this role offers you the chance to make a real impact.

Take the next step and apply today to join a business that recognises your skills, values your contribution, and supports your long-term growth.