Toolmaker Team Lead

Morgan McKinley View all jobs

  • Waterford
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Job DescriptionToolroom Team LeaderThe Toolroom Team Leader is responsible for leading and managing all day-to-day operations within the Toolroom. This role oversees tooling maintenance, repair, validation support, and continuous improvement activities, while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. The Toolroom Team Leader acts as the primary liaison between the Toolroom and supporting functions, manages Toolroom personnel, and ensures that tooling activities are executed efficiently, safely, and in line with business priorities.Key Responsibilities and End ResultsToolroom Operations & Daily ManagementCoordinate, plan, and prioritize Toolroom work in line with operational requirements, including commercial repairs, preventative maintenance (PMs), validations, and project/tooling work.Ensure accurate completion of all required paperwork and documentation for tooling activities, including:Non-commercial job documentationEngineering change controlsNon-conformance investigation supportSpare parts usage and inventory transactionsTool repair reports and traceability recordsEnsure Toolroom activities align with quality, GMP, and health & safety procedures and support internal and external audits or site visits.Provide timely and clear updates to stakeholders regarding tool status, risks, and required actions.Attend and actively participate in key daily and weekly operational meetings, including:Cleanroom accountability meetingsDaily engineering meetingsWorkcell planning meetingsProblem-solving sessions (A3, root cause corrective action)Project or new product introduction meetings as requiredTechnical ResponsibilitiesOversee and support the dismantling, troubleshooting, repair, and reassembly of complex multi-impression mould tools.Review and approve repair strategies, machining approaches, and corrective actions before work begins.Ensure proper evaluation and documentation of steel wear, damage, metrology issues, and tooling concerns.Provide technical guidance and support to toolmakers during complex repairs.Represent the Toolroom in cross-functional discussions, providing updates, raising risks, and supporting decision-making.Drive improvements in tooling reliability by analyzing recurring issues and implementing sustainable corrective actions.Ensure actions relating to Toolroom activities are captured, assigned, and closed out.Supervise the setup and operation of Toolroom machinery, including lathes, milling machines, EDM, grinders, and related equipment.Ensure equipment is maintained, safe, and operated only by trained personnel.Support the training and development of apprentices and toolmakers on tooling practices and equipment use.Leadership & People ManagementLead, manage, and develop the Toolroom team, including toolmakers, technicians, and apprentices.Manage team scheduling, time and attendance systems, holiday approvals, overtime planning, and shift coverage.Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and development planning.Assign daily tasks, set clear priorities, and ensure accountability for quality of work and timelines.Promote a strong culture of teamwork, ownership, and effective communication within the Toolroom.Job SpecificationsEducation and ExperienceQualified and time-served Toolmaker.3-5 years of people management experience is highly desirable.Minimum of 3 years' experience in an injection moulding environment.Experience in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment is desirable.Skills & AttributesAbility to work effectively within cross-functional teams.Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills.Experience applying Lean problem-solving techniques.Ability to work on own initiative and manage multiple priorities.Strong commitment to safe working practices and awareness.

Morgan McKinley