Toolroom Manager

Staff Unlimited Recruitment Pty Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Staff Unlimited Recruitment Pty Ltd in Durban seeks an experienced Toolroom Manager to lead the Toolroom and CNC machining operations, driving performance and continuous improvement.

You will oversee tooling lifecycle, manage internal/external tooling, mentor a skilled team, and ensure quality and safety standards are met in a high-precision environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of toolroom/CNC teams in manufacturing environments.
• Strong project management and cost control capabilities.
• Experience with tooling design, machining processes and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily Toolroom and CNC operations to maximise performance and resources.
• Lead design reviews for stamping tools, fixtures and tooling for manufacturability.
• Oversee tooling lifecycle from design to handover, incl. machining and trials.
• Coordinate external tooling suppliers; manage progress and trials.
• Set design and maintenance standards for tooling and problem solving.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing toolmakers and engineers team.
• Implement tool maintenance plans; minimise breakdowns and ensure quality.
• Drive continuous improvement of tool life, fixture reliability and costs.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and safety requirements.
• Lead CAPEX planning, budgeting and project timelines.
• Conduct risk analysis, training and performance reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cost control

Strategic planning

Mentoring

Risk analysis

Tools

FMEA

Control Plans

MS Office

Job description

Are you ready to lead a critical function within a dynamic engineering environment, where your expertise will shape production excellence and operational efficiency? Our client, a prominent player in the engineering industry, is seeking a seasoned Toolroom Manager to oversee their Toolroom and CNC machining operations, driving strategic initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Duties include:

• Manage daily operations of the Toolroom and CNC machining functions, ensuring optimal performance and resource utilization.
• Lead design reviews for new stamping tools, fixtures, welding jigs, and tooling, ensuring manufacturability, maintainability, and quality standards.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of internally manufactured tooling from design to final handover, including machining, assembly, and trials.
• Coordinate with external suppliers for tooling and machining, managing progress, trials, and acceptance.
• Develop and enforce standards for tooling design, maintenance, refurbishment, and problem solving.
• Manage, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of toolmakers, CNC programmers, and design personnel.
• Implement and monitor tool maintenance and equipment plans, ensuring breakdowns are minimized and repairs meet design standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance tool life, fixture reliability, machining efficiency, and production costs.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards such as IATF 16949 and adhere to all safety and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project scope, budgets, and timelines, including CAPEX planning and reporting.
• Lead risk analysis, training, and performance management to foster a disciplined, accountable, and skilled workforce.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in tooling, CNC machining, or related engineering fields.
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams within manufacturing or engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of tooling design, machining processes, and quality standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, FMEA, Control Plans, and related engineering tools.
• Excellent project management, strategic planning, and cost control skills.
• Automotive industry experience.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies.