Production Stamping Manager

I.K. Hofmann USA, Inc.; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company is seeking a Supervisor for the stamping operation in Elgin, Illinois. This role requires expertise in die setup and the ability to manage pressing operations while ensuring safety. The candidate should possess strong troubleshooting skills, lead teams, and have hands-on experience with progressive dies. Flexibility in work hours and strong communication skills are essential. Join a dedicated team working to optimize production efficiency and quality in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Flexibility to work extended hours on short notice.
• Physical strength to move dies or parts.
• Advanced knowledge of progressive die stamping operations.
• Ability to troubleshoot die issues.
• Experience analyzing press tonnage and die balance.

Responsibilities

• Train and develop set up personnel.
• Oversee changeovers in the die area.
• Schedule press production and prepare die sets.
• Participate in loss control programs.
• Coordinate production needs with other shifts.

Skills

Hands-on experience in progressive dies setup

Knowledge of inspection equipment

Strong communication skills

Root cause analysis and troubleshooting

Experience with lean manufacturing tools

Ability to lead and mentor staff

Tools

Forklift

Job description

This is a Supervisory position in the stamping operation. This person is capable of performing all die set ups safely and efficiently. They are responsible to train, assign work and discipline set up personnel.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Responsible that all machinery is properly guarded and operating in a safe condition at all times and personnel are trained to follow safety procedures.
• Trains and develops set up personnel in procedures and processes pertaining to all press room equipment.
• Oversees the work bench set ups/changeovers in the die area.
• Develops procedures for the documentation of the processes.
• Assigns specific tasks, monitors productivity, and quality of set up to time standards.
• Personally, performs set ups for special, rush or new jobs or for periods of absence.
• In conjunction with the maintenance function, may make press repairs.
• Schedules press production, oversees the preparation of the die sets.
• Actively participates in the loss control program.
• Coordinates production needs with other shifts
• Gives input on feasibility of new parts
• Identify and report machinery issues
• Attend daily Production meetings

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Hands on experience in the setup of progressive dies producing close tolerance piece parts.
• Flexibility of working hours. May be requested to work extensive hours or days per week at short notice.
• Physical ability to be active on your feet.
• Possess physical strength to be able to move dies or parts into presses.
• Familiar with all inspection equipment used in the manufacturing process such as micrometers, dial indicators, comparators, etc.
• Advanced knowledge of progressive die stamping operations, including blanking, piercing, forming, and deep drawing processes
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot progressive and draw die issues, including part deformation, wrinkling, tearing, galling, and dimensional variation
• Experience analyzing press tonnage requirements, die balance, and forming pressures to optimize performance
• Ability to identify and correct strip feed, pilot release, and progression timing problems
• Experience troubleshooting die protection systems and sensors to prevent tooling damage
• Ability to evaluate and correct tool wear, chipping, and breakage in punches, inserts, and cutting sections
• Skilled in adjusting draw radii, binder pressure, and material flow to eliminate forming defects
• Knowledge of die maintenance best practices including sharpening schedules, and preventative maintenance
• Certified to operate forklift truck
• Excellent communication skills to interact with all levels of employees.
• Ability to analyze part dimensional issues and trace root cause back to tooling or press conditions
• Strong root cause analysis and troubleshooting skills for production and tooling problems.
• Experience using lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools to improve stamping efficiency.
• Ability to reduce downtime, scrap, and tooling damage through process improvements
• Ability to lead and mentor press operators, setup technicians, and toolroom personnel
• Experience coordinating toolroom repairs and die maintenance priorities to minimize downtime.
• Strong communication skills to work with engineering, quality, and maintenance teams
• Ability to manage production schedules, staffing, and performance metrics