Tooling Manager (Group Leader ) - Elizabethtown, KY
Location: On Site in Elizabethtown, KY, United States
Employment type: Full-time
Posted: 2 months ago
Why This Role Matters
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.
How You'll Contribute
- 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
What Makes You a Great Fit
- 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
Who We Are, What We Stand For
MissionHires is the AI hiring partner of top talent teams. Our platform helps recruiters, agencies, and top companies source, engage with, and evaluate top talent 10 times faster than job boards.
To bridge the gap between companies and passionate talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shift is the Tooling Manager role and where is it based?
It’s a 2nd shift position based onsite in Elizabethtown, KY.
What salary range is offered for this Tooling Manager job?
The salary range is $90,000 to $100,000 per year.
Is this position onsite, hybrid, or remote?
It is an onsite role; you’ll be on the floor, in the press, and in the shop.
Do I need union (UAW) leadership experience for this job?
Yes, 4+ years leadership in a unionized environment with UAW experience is required.
What kind of tooling and dies will I be managing?
Progressive and transfer dies, including destackers, blanking, rollform, and progressive transfer systems.
What are the key responsibilities day to day?
Lead 2nd shift toolmakers, drive preventive/corrective die maintenance, track KPIs, reduce scrap/downtime, and sustain 5S and ISO/TS compliance.
What are the minimum experience requirements?
Minimum 7+ years Tool & Die (Class C required) and either an associate degree with 7+ years toolmaker experience or 10+ years toolmaker experience without a degree.
What benefits are included?
Medical, dental, vision, prescription, paid vacation/holidays, 401K, short- and long-term disability, FSA, discounted gym membership, and advancement/training opportunities.