Tool And Die Manager

Job Title: Toolroom Manager / Tool & Die ManagerJob DescriptionThis hands-on Toolroom Manager role leads all tool and die operations within a precision metal stamping environment. You will ensure production lines receive high-quality, reliable tooling by managing daily toolroom activities, overseeing a team of toolmakers and apprentices, and driving preventative maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily toolroom operations, including maintenance, repair, and readiness of all tooling required to support production.
• Supervise, mentor, and train a team of toolmakers, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and manage a toolmaker apprenticeship program, providing structured guidance, coaching, and direct hands-on training to apprentices.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for tooling and equipment to minimize production downtime and extend tool life.
• Oversee tooling inventory, including tracking tool usage, scheduling repairs, and ensuring adequate stock of spare tools and components.
• Manage procurement of new tooling, equipment, materials, and spare parts in coordination with purchasing and production needs.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot tooling issues, resolve root causes, and support process improvements.
• Review and interpret blueprints, tooling drawings, and specifications to ensure tools are built, maintained, and repaired to required standards.
• Ensure all toolroom activities comply with safety protocols, including OSHA and internal company standards, and promote safe work practices at all times.
• Identify and implement improvements in tooling design, maintenance practices, and workflow to enhance efficiency and product quality.
• Monitor toolroom performance metrics and report on tool availability, downtime, and maintenance effectiveness.
• Support setup and troubleshooting of dies and tooling on the shop floor as needed to keep production running smoothly.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a toolroom, tool and die, or related manufacturing environment.
• Previous supervisory or management experience leading toolmakers or similar skilled trades professionals.
• Strong hands-on experience with tool and die work, including die repair and maintenance in a production environment.
• Proficiency with manual machining equipment such as lathes and mills.
• Experience operating CNC machines for tooling fabrication and repair.
• Experience with EDM processes for precision tooling work.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, tooling drawings, and engineering specifications.
• Familiarity with tooling, machining practices, and troubleshooting complex tooling issues.
• Experience using CAD software to support tooling design, modification, or documentation.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to mentor, train, and develop team members.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and long-term corrective actions.
• Effective communication skills for working with toolroom staff, apprentices, engineering, and production teams.
• Commitment to safety and knowledge of applicable safety standards, including OSHA requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience managing or supporting a formal toolmaker apprenticeship program.
• Background in precision metal stamping or similar high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing or toolroom setting.
• Familiarity with industry organizations or training programs related to tool and die trades (such as technical associations or apprenticeship bodies).

Why Work Here?You will join a precision-focused manufacturing environment where craftsmanship, safety, and continuous improvement are highly valued. The organization offers a stable, day-shift schedule with opportunities for overtime, along with the chance to shape and develop a skilled team of toolmakers and apprentices. You will have significant influence over tooling strategy and maintenance practices, and you will work closely with engineering and production partners who value collaboration and technical expertise. Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a precision metal stamping facility with a dedicated toolroom that supports production operations. You will work primarily on a Monday through Friday schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with overtime available as needed to support production demands. The environment includes manual and CNC machines, EDM equipment, lathes, mills, and related tooling and machining equipment. Work is hands-on and shop-floor oriented, requiring adherence to established safety procedures and OSHA standards in an industrial setting. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Lake Forest, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $130000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Benefits: Health & dental insurance, 401K w/ match, bonus, PTO. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Lake Forest, IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Lake Forest,IL.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.