Tooling Manager (Group Leader ) - Elizabethtown, KY

MissionHires; Elizabethtown (KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MissionHires is looking for a hands-on Tooling Manager (Group Leader) for a 2nd shift role in Elizabethtown, KY. This position requires leading a unionized team in automotive manufacturing, focusing on die uptime and quality.

Ideal candidates should have extensive tool & die experience and strong leadership abilities. Responsibilities include managing tooling KPIs, training toolmakers, and ensuring compliance with ISO/TS standards.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of toolmaker experience or 10+ years in lieu of degree.
• Minimum 7+ years Tool & Die experience, Class C tooling required.
• Proven leadership experience in unionized automotive or industrial manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee 2nd shift toolmakers.
• Track tooling KPIs to reduce scrap and downtime.
• Manage progressive and transfer dies and tooling.

Skills

Leadership in unionized settings

Tool & Die expertise

Lean manufacturing knowledge

KPI management

Structured problem solving

Education

Associate degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

MissionHires is hiring a hands‑on Tooling Manager (Group Leader) for a 2nd shift role in Elizabethtown, KY. You will lead a unionized tool room team in a fast‑paced automotive manufacturing environment, driving die uptime, quality, and cost performance. The ideal candidate is a seasoned Class C Tool & Die professional with deep expertise in progressive and transfer dies, strong shop‑floor leadership, and proven success reducing scrap and downtime while sustaining ISO/TS, 5S, lean, and KPI disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee 2nd shift toolmakers to execute preventive and corrective maintenance on dies and tooling
• Own and track tooling KPIs; implement follow-ups to reduce scrap, downtime, and overtime
• Manage progressive and transfer dies, including destackers, blanking, rollform, and progressive transfer systems
• Establish and execute die maintenance routines and tooling improvement plans
• Plan manpower, ensure die protection plans and PM compliance to meet 100% quality standards
• Implement and sustain 5S within the tooling department
• Ensure ISO/TS compliance and audit readiness
• Train and mentor toolmakers; support engineering changes and best practices
• Coordinate with Tool Room Manager on updates, new projects, priorities, and urgent requisitions
• Identify critical spare parts and manage procurement through internal systems
• Collaborate with production and cross‑functional teams to align tooling priorities with schedules
• Drive lean initiatives, JIT processes, and structured problem solving on the shop floor

Requirements

• Associate degree in Engineering or related field with 7+ years toolmaker experience, or 10+ years toolmaker experience in lieu of degree
• Minimum 7+ years Tool & Die experience; Class C tooling required
• 4+ years leadership experience in unionized automotive or industrial manufacturing; UAW experience required
• Proven expertise in progressive and transfer die operations
• Experience with die maintenance systems, steel treatment/coatings, and gripper systems
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, JIT, KPI management, and structured problem solving
• Strong organizational, communication, and team leadership skills
• Ability to prioritize work, motivate teams, and drive accountability on a fast‑paced production floor