Tooling Manager

Tooling Manager

HGC Industries is looking for a hands-on Tooling Manager who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges, developing talented technicians, and driving continuous improvement. In this role, you'll lead the strategy, performance, and growth of our tooling department while partnering with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Maintenance to improve tooling performance, reduce downtime, and support continuous improvement across the organization. If you're a collaborative leader who enjoys building high-performing teams, delivering results that matter, and making a lasting impact, we'd love to meet you.

HGC Industries is a worldwide leader in designing and manufacturing gaskets, sealing surfaces, and stamping. For over 50 years, our customers have trusted us to fulfill their advanced sealing & stamping requirements. We provide technical sealing and stamping solutions to customers around the globe through our excellence in engineering, technology, manufacturing, and customer service. Our mission is to create gaskets and components that satisfy the most complex manufacturing challenges and provide high-quality products and services to the world at a reasonable cost.

At HGC, our employees are the foundation of our success. We encourage our employees to use their strengths, expertise, and determination to deliver on our commitments and achieve individual growth. When you join HGC Industries, you become part of a diverse and collaborative team that drives beyond the ordinary and provides cutting-edge solutions.

The Tooling Manager is responsible for leading the development, optimization, maintenance, and overall strategy of the tooling and setup department. This role provides technical leadership across cross-functional teams, working closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to identify and resolve tooling and process-related issues. Success in this position requires strong problem-solving skills, extensive knowledge of tooling and manufacturing processes, and the ability to coach and develop tooling technicians. Through effective communication and collaboration, the Tooling Department Manager plays a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations while supporting HGC's operational and production goals.

Supervise and coordinate all rework and repair activities for steel tooling using in-house equipment, including: manual mill, manual lathe, surface grinder, standard hand tools. Ensure work is completed safely and efficiently, in accordance with established quality requirements. Review and interpret customer blueprints to verify tooling accuracy and compliance; provide clarification, coaching, and technical support to team members on blueprint interpretation. Lead troubleshooting efforts for machine and tooling issues at the point of use; assist technicians in identifying root causes and drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance leadership to support and execute continuous improvement initiatives; identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce downtime, and improve tooling performance. Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of tooling records. Ensure effective use of the ERP system for full traceability, proper staging, and status updates for all tooling; monitor data integrity and coach employees on correct ERP processes. Set priorities, allocate tasks, and manage workflow across cross-functional teams to meet production requirements and ensure timely completion of assignments. Participate in and contribute to internal design reviews for new products, providing insight on tooling feasibility, resource requirements, and long-term performance expectations. Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments; promote a collaborative, positive work environment; and support team development through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing. Monitor team performance and development, conducting regular check-ins, identifying training needs, and ensuring adherence to company policies, SOPs, and safety standards. Support staffing activities, including interviewing, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and corrective action when necessary. Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, model best practices, and hold team members accountable for maintaining a safe work environment. Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Directly supervises 4-8 employees. Assigns work, sets priorities, and manages day-to-day operations. Provides consistent and constructive coaching and feedback. Conducts performance evaluations and supports employee development plans. Supports hiring activities, including interviewing, onboarding, and training of new employees. Monitors attendance, productivity, and quality of work. Addresses performance and conduct issues; recommends corrective action and discipline. Ensures compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and quality standards.

Proficient mathematical skills, including applying basic math skills to solve more complex problems, often involving multi-step calculations and reasoning. Skilled in root cause analysis and hands-on problem-solving of tooling and die-related issues. Ability to read blueprints and identify non-conforming products. Ability to manage complex projects. Basic skills in Microsoft Office tools, including Word and Excel. Excellent time management skills and the ability to efficiently manage priorities and tasks based on importance. Adaptability skills to effectively manage demands, frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events. Ability to work self-sufficiently to ensure accuracy and quality of tasks. Ability to navigate and resolve internal or external situations effectively and resourcefully.

High School Diploma/GED. 5+ years of tool and die experience. 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing facility - preferred. 3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing preferred. Certified in Manufacturing CNC equipment preferred. Tool and Die Maker Trade Certifications preferred. Forklift Operator Certification preferred. National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certification - preferred.

Standing for extended periods- 5-10 hours/day. Walking for long periods- 1-5 hours/day. Stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl Often. Climbing on ladders, scaffolding, and/or stairs if needed Occasionally. Occasionally lifting, moving, and carrying up to 50 pounds.

$110,000 to $120,000 annual salary. (Higher salary may be considered based on qualifications and experience) Benefits include: Generous Paid Time Off Policy, 401(k) Retirement Program w/ Company Match, Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, STD & LTD, Employer-Paid Life Insurance, Pet Insurance/Discount Plan, Employee Assistance Program.