Senior Toolmaker - Toolroom Development

Fouche & Co Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 424,000 - 558,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology, manufacturing and distribution company seeks a hands-on Toolmaker to set up a new toolroom and lead tooling initiatives as the facility grows.

You will manufacture, repair and maintain production tooling, work with conventional and CNC machinery, interpret drawings, and help source equipment and CAD/CAM software. Potential for supervisory duties as staff expand.

Qualifications

• Recognized Toolmaker trade test strongly preferred.
• Grade 12/Matric.
• N4/N6 certificate or relevant Mechanical Engineering diploma advantageous.
• Experience building/repairing/maintaining tools in a production tool room.
• Experience with injection moulds and/or dies is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Set up, develop and manage a newly established toolroom facility.

Skills

Toolmaking

Reading drawings

3D CAD design

CNC machinery

Education

Grade 12/Matric

N4/N6 certificate or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM packages

Injection moulds experience

Conventional/CNC machinery

Job description

A leading technology, manufacturing, and distribution company is expanding its internal technical capabilities.

A hands‑on, permanent Toolmaker position focused on setting up a new toolroom, maintaining and repairing production tooling initially, and expanding into new tool manufacturing and departmental leadership as the facility grows.

Key responsibilities

Play a key role in setting up, developing, and managing the technical aspects of a newly established toolroom facility. Manufacture, repair, modify, and maintain production tooling, with an initial strong focus on toolroom setup, repairs, and supporting ongoing production. Work hands‑on with conventional tool room machinery and CNC equipment, interpreting engineering drawings accurately and using precision measuring tools. Assist in identifying, recommending, and sourcing appropriate toolroom equipment, CAD/CAM packages, and operational systems. Assemble, fit, and try out tools, troubleshooting issues to ensure components meet drawing and quality specifications. Keep comprehensive tool records up to date, including drawings, maintenance logs, and spare parts. Transition into a supervisory or management role as the department expands and additional staff are recruited.

Requirements

Recognized Toolmaker trade test (Red Seal or merSETA certificate) strongly preferred. Grade 12/Matric. N4N6 certificate or relevant Mechanical Engineering diploma would be advantageous. Solid practical experience in a production tool room building, repairing, and maintaining tools. Proven experience with injection moulds, press dies, or progressive dies (experience in both is ideal, but strong experience in either will be considered). Technical competence to interpret engineering drawings, with 3D CAD design and conventional/CNC machinery experience serving as a strong advantage.

Attributes

Proactive, independent problem-solver with high initiative and the drive to take ownership. Versatile and adaptable, comfortable working autonomously as the sole initial member of a growing department. Eagerness to build something from the ground up and grow alongside the business.

Salary

R38 000 R50 000 gross per month, negotiable (depending on qualifications, experience, and technical capabilities)