Toolmaker/Tool Room Improver

GMP Recruitment Ltd; Worcester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected engineering company in Worcester is seeking an experienced Toolmaker/Bench Hand for a full-time, permanent position. The role primarily involves tooling and grinding, requiring at least 2 years of relevant experience and a City & Guilds Level 2 qualification. Successful candidates will work independently, maintaining operations and minimizing production downtime. A competitive hourly rate is offered, along with the potential for an immediate start.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in tooling and grinding.
• Completed a press tooling-based apprenticeship preferred.
• Ability to work independently and solve tooling problems.

Responsibilities

• Clean and degrease press tools for servicing.
• Assemble and dismantle press tools for regrinding.
• Assist with tooling adjustments to keep tools running efficiently.
• Locate and supply necessary parts to avoid production downtime.
• Manufacture tooling parts during breakdowns to minimize downtime.
• Support production during changeovers.
• Maintain general housekeeping for a safe working environment.
• Inform tooling engineer of modifications for documentation.
• Work independently on tooling tasks without supervision.

Skills

Progression press tooling

Surface grinding

Milling

Turning

Drilling

Tapping

Reading assembly drawings

Education

City & Guilds Engineering Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Are you an experienced Tool Room Improver with experience working on the bench and progressive tooling?

GMP Recruitment are proud to be in partnership with a highly respected engineering company based in Worcester, renowned for their expertise in press tooling and precision engineering. We are currently recruiting on their behalf for a Toolmaker/Bench Hand to join their team on a full-time, permanent basis. The position is mostly tooling & grinding.

The position is based at the DUDLEY site, however, from spring 2026 the business will have relocated to their new WORCESTER site so we are looking for a candidate that can commit to Worcester location in the long run.

This role offers a competitive hourly rate of £19.12p/h working a 39-hour week.

Our client operates in a fast-paced, high-quality manufacturing sector, supporting industries that rely on accurate tooling, minimal downtime, and robust quality standards.

We are looking for an individual with previous understanding of progression press tooling, machinery practices including surface grinding (J&S type), milling, turning, drilling, tapping, and reading component/tooling assembly drawings. You must have at least 2 years' experience with this.

Toolmaker/Bench Hand Main Responsibilities:

• Clean and degrease press tools removed from production for servicing or breakdown repair.
• Assemble and dismantle press tools to regrind parts or replace tooling components.
• Assist press setters with tooling adjustments or repairs to keep tools running efficiently, only removing tools for planned maintenance
• Locate and supply the correct screws, dowels, and tooling parts to press setters to avoid component rejection or tooling damage.
• Manufacture tooling parts during breakdowns to minimise production downtime.
• Support production with changeover parts during product changes.
• Notify the tool room office of low stock consumables or defective equipment.
• Maintain general housekeeping to ensure a clean and safe working environment
• Inform the tooling engineer of any modifications to tools or components for documentation and design updates.
• Work independently on tooling tasks without supervision.

Toolmaker/Bench Hand required skills and experience:

• Education & Training: Must hold City & Guilds Engineering Level 2 or equivalent, preferably having completed a press tooling-based apprenticeship. (Essential)
• Demonstrable understanding of progression press tooling, machinery practices including surface grinding (J&S type), milling, turning, drilling, tapping, and reading component/tooling assembly drawings. (Essential)
• Enthusiastic, approachable, and receptive to instruction, with the ability to work independently and solve tooling problems to support production staff.

AN IMMEDIATE START IS AVAILABLE FOR SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE.

If the above role sounds perfect for you, or you require more information, please click apply.

GMP Recruitment are recruiting for this role on behalf of their client and are acting as an Employment Agency