Tooling Manager

HGC Industries; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Paid Time Off Policy

401(k) Retirement Program with Company

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

STD & LTD

Employer-Paid Life Insurance

Pet Insurance/Discount Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

HGC Industries in Indianapolis, IN is seeking a Tooling Manager to lead tooling development, optimization, and strategy across cross-functional teams. You will coach tooling technicians, optimize processes, and ensure safe, efficient manufacturing operations aligned with company goals.

Responsibilities include supervising tooling activities, interpreting blueprints, and driving continuous improvement with QA, Eng, and Maintenance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum 5 years tool and die experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing facility preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• CNC equipment certifications preferred.
• Tool and Die Maker trade certifications preferred.
• Forklift certification preferred.
• NIMS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise tooling department and coordinate tooling activities across shifts.
• Review customer blueprints and ensure tooling accuracy.
• Lead troubleshooting for machine and tooling issues at point of use.
• Drive continuous improvement with QA, Eng, and Maintenance.
• Maintain tooling records and ERP data integrity.
• Support staffing, onboarding, and training within the team.
• Ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Tooling and die knowledge

Blueprint interpretation

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP system usage

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting tooling issues

Education

High School Diploma/GED

CNC equipment certification

Tool and Die Maker Certification

NIMS Certification

Forklift Certification

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: HGC Industries - Indianapolis, IN 46218; Position Type: Full Time; Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00; Shift: Day Shift (6:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday to Friday).

Job Overview

The Tooling Manager leads the development, optimization, maintenance, and overall strategy of the tooling and setup department. This role provides technical leadership across cross‑functional teams, working closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to identify and resolve tooling and process‑related issues. Success requires strong problem‑solving skills, extensive knowledge of tooling and manufacturing processes, and the ability to coach and develop tooling technicians. The Tooling Department Manager plays a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations while supporting HGC’s operational and production goals.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and coordinate all rework and repair activities for steel tooling using in‑house equipment, including:
  • Manual mill
  • Manual lathe
  • Surface grinder
  • Standard hand tools
• Ensure work is completed safely and efficiently, in accordance with established quality requirements.
• Review and interpret customer blueprints to verify tooling accuracy and compliance; provide clarification, coaching, and technical support to team members on blueprint interpretation.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for machine and tooling issues at the point of use; assist technicians in identifying root causes and drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance leadership to support and execute continuous improvement initiatives; identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce downtime, and improve tooling performance.
• Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of tooling records.
• Ensure effective use of the ERP system for full traceability, proper staging, and status updates for all tooling; monitor data integrity and coach employees on correct ERP processes.
• Set priorities, allocate tasks, and manage workflow across cross‑functional teams to meet production requirements and ensure timely completion of assignments.
• Participate in and contribute to internal design reviews for new products, providing insight on tooling feasibility, resource requirements, and long‑term performance expectations.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments; promote a collaborative, positive work environment; and support team development through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing.
• Monitor team performance and development, conducting regular check‑ins, identifying training needs, and ensuring adherence to company policies, SOPs, and safety standards.
• Support staffing activities, including interviewing, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and corrective action when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, model best practices, and hold team members accountable for maintaining a safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise one or more employees.
• Assign work, set priorities, and manage day‑to‑day operations.
• Provide consistent and constructive coaching and feedback.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development plans.
• Support hiring activities, including interviewing, onboarding, and training of new employees.
• Monitor attendance, productivity, and quality of work.
• Address performance and conduct issues; recommend corrective action and discipline.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and quality standards.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Proficient mathematical skills, including applying basic math skills to solve more complex problems, often involving multi‑step calculations and reasoning.
• Skilled in root cause analysis and hands‑on problem‑solving of tooling and die‑related issues.
• Ability to read blueprints and identify non‑conforming products.
• Ability to manage complex projects.
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office tools, including Word and Excel.
• Excellent time‑management skills and the ability to efficiently manage priorities and tasks based on importance.
• Adaptability skills to effectively manage demands, frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.
• Ability to work self‑sufficiently to ensure accuracy and quality of tasks.
• Ability to navigate and resolve internal or external situations effectively and resourcefully.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED.
• 5+ years of tool and die experience.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing facility - preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing – preferred.
• Certified in Manufacturing CNC equipment – preferred.
• Tool and Die Maker Trade Certifications – preferred.
• Forklift Operator Certification – preferred.
• National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certification - preferred.

Physical Demands

• Standing for extended periods - 5-10 hours/day.
• Walking for long periods - 1-5 hours/day.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl – Often.
• Climbing on ladders, scaffolding, and/or stairs if needed – Occasionally.
• Occasionally lifting, moving, and carrying up to 50 pounds.

Compensation

$110,000 to $120,000 annual salary. Higher salary may be considered based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off Policy.
• 401(k) Retirement Program with Company Match.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• STD & LTD.
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance.
• Pet Insurance/Discount Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

HGC Industries provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit‑based and applied without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship or other protected characteristics protected by federal, state, and local laws.