Toolroom Manager

Staff Unlimited Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Staff Unlimited Recruitment represents a leading engineering client in Durban seeking a seasoned Toolroom Manager to oversee the Toolroom and CNC machining operations, driving strategic initiatives and continuous improvement.

You will lead a high-performing team, manage tooling lifecycle from design to handover, coordinate with external suppliers, implement maintenance plans, and ensure adherence to IATF 16949 and safety standards while controlling costs and timelines.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience in tooling or engineering environments.
• Deep knowledge of tooling design, machining processes and quality standards.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Toolroom and CNC machining functions.
• Lead design reviews for stamping tools, fixtures, welding jigs, and tooling.
• Oversee tooling lifecycle from design to handover, including machining and trials.
• Coordinate with external suppliers for tooling and machining.
• Develop and enforce tooling design, maintenance, refurbishment and problem-solving standards.
• Mentor toolmakers, CNC programmers and design personnel.
• Implement and monitor tool maintenance and equipment plans.
• Drive continuous improvement to tool life, fixture reliability and costs.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and safety standards.
• Manage project scope, budgets and CAPEX planning.
• Lead risk analysis, training and performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Tooling knowledge

CNC machining

Quality standards

Project management

Cost control

Automation/advanced manufacturing

FMEA

Microsoft Office

Tools

FMEA

Control Plans

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.