TOOLING MANAGER

Job Description : TOOLING MANAGER LONDON UK A leading manufacturer in East Lancashire is seeking a Tooling Manager to lead and evolve its tooling operations. This is a pivotal role within a high-performing production environment, offering the opportunity to drive innovation, reliability, and efficiency across the tooling lifecycle. Key Responsibilities: Lead and align Toolroom, Tool Trials, and Tool Maintenance teams. Oversee the full tooling lifecycle – from design and modification to maintenance and retirement. Plan tooling capacity to meet current and future production demands. Drive tooling innovation to support new product development. Ensure tooling availability and reliability for extrusion processes. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency. Collaborate with NPD and Product Management to align tooling with future business needs. Lead root cause analysis and implement long-term solutions. Manage tooling budgets and control associated costs. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Candidate Profile: 15+ years’ experience in tooling, manufacturing, or operational leadership. Hands-on expertise in tooling design, modification, and maintenance. Strong understanding of extrusion tooling and its role in production. Proven ability to align tooling operations with broader business goals. Excellent communication and leadership skills. Analytical mindset with experience in performance data interpretation. Budget management and resource allocation experience. Track record of driving process improvement initiatives. Resilient and confident decision-maker under pressure. Customer-focused approach to tooling readiness and quality.

---