Tool Crib Coordinator

Schmid Tool & Engineering; Villa Park (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Schmid Tool & Engineering is seeking a Tool Crib Coordinator to oversee tooling inventory, fixtures and gaging, and support production efficiency on the shop floor in Villa Park, IL.

You will manage tool receipt, inventory records, consumption forecasting, maintenance scheduling, and cost-saving initiatives while collaborating with engineering and production teams to sustain Lean improvements and ensure safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in tooling inventory coordination, crib management, or related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems for tooling and inventory management preferred.
• Technical aptitude with ability to retain tooling and equipment knowledge.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or other process improvement practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the receipt, issuance, and disbursement of plant tooling and fixtures.
• Develops and maintains accurate tooling inventory records with proper documentation and tracking.
• Analyzes consumption data to forecast tooling usage and adjust stock levels.
• Defines and monitors minimum/maximum stock levels to prevent shortages and excess inventory.
• Establishes, monitors, and maintains preventive maintenance schedules for tooling and equipment.
• Manages part kitting processes to ensure timely tool and component availability for production.
• Identifies cost-saving opportunities in tooling procurement, storage, and utilization.
• Works with production teams to troubleshoot tooling issues on the shop floor.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives to enhance tooling efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Maintains compliance with company safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Supply Chain Manager or management in support of organizational goals.

Skills

Tooling inventory coordination

Vendor management

Lean manufacturing

5S

Communication skills

ERP/MRP familiarity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

Certification in Tool & Die Making, Inventory Management, or Lean Manufacturing

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

The Tool Crib Coordinator is responsible for the development, organization, and maintenance of production tooling, fixtures, and gaging inventories. This role ensures accurate documentation, manages consumption rates, and establishes preventive maintenance schedules for tooling and equipment. By optimizing tooling availability and implementing cost-control measures, the Tool Crib Coordinator supports production efficiency and continuous improvement across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the receipt, issuance, and disbursement of plant tooling and fixtures.
• Develops and maintains accurate tooling inventory records with proper documentation and tracking.
• Analyzes consumption data to forecast tooling usage and adjust stock levels.
• Defines and monitors minimum/maximum stock levels to prevent shortages and excess inventory.
• Establishes, monitors, and maintains preventive maintenance (PM) schedules for tooling and equipment.
• Manages part kitting processes to ensure timely tool and component availability for production.
• Identifies cost-saving opportunities in tooling procurement, storage, and utilization.
• Investigates excessive tooling consumption and recommends corrective actions.
• Works with production teams to troubleshoot tooling issues on the shop floor.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives to enhance tooling efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Maintains compliance with company safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Supply Chain Manager or management in support of organizational goals.

Core Requirements

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage tooling vendors, negotiate terms, and track supplier performance.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with engineering and production teams.
• Commitment to efficiency, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in tooling inventory coordination, crib management, or related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems for tooling and inventory management preferred.
• Technical aptitude with ability to retain tooling and equipment knowledge.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or other process improvement practices preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move within production and storage areas for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. safely.
• Regular exposure to manufacturing environment (noise, dust, machinery).
• Required use of PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, etc.) when on shop floor.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Certification in Tool & Die Making, Inventory Management, or Lean Manufacturing a plus.

Schmid Tool & Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.