Tool and Die Group Leader

Job Type Full-time Description General Position Summary The Tool and Die Group Leader is responsible for overseeing daily operations within the tool room, ensuring the maintenance, repair, and continuous improvement of stamping dies and related tooling in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on technical leadership while coordinating team activities to support production uptime, quality standards, safety compliance, and cost efficiency. The Group Leader serves as the primary point of contact for tool room operations, balancing floor leadership with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving responsibilities. Requirements Essential Job Functions Duties/Responsibilities • Lead and coordinate daily activities of tool and die technician in a fast-paced, production-driven environment • Prioritize and assign work to support production schedules and minimize downtime • Oversee die maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance programs • Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Maintenance and Quality teams to resolve tooling and stamping issues • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to die performance, tool longevity, and operational efficiency • Repairs dies, molds, and tools when needed; disassembles dies, jigs, tools, and fixtures, then reassembles when repaired • Ensure compliance with safety and ISO standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and company policies • Develop team capability through coaching, technical guidance and performance feedback • Reads and understands blueprints and complicated schematics as required to create and build new fixtures, tools, and machine parts • Uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to create designs and programs to machine details • Inspects completed tools and dies for signs of imperfection or damage that may affect functionality • Regularly tests all equipment, tools, and machines to ensure they are arranged and set properly and working efficiently. • Maintains a safe, clean, and well-organized workspace. • Fills tools and consumable requisitions • Checking tools in and out to jobs via handheld scanner • Loads tools onto trucks and/or trailers with crane certifications. • Responsible for inventory control of consumables and tools • Enters data into tool tracking software as necessary • Manages min/max levels for all tools • Responsible for quality control on all outgoing tool deliveries • Communicates backorders with field foreman • Supervises tool and die associates • Manages monthly tool spend to stay within budget • Order tool and consumable material as needed • Write purchase orders • Complete tool order log entry on a daily basis • Sustain daily 5S • Performs quarterly inventory to maintain accurate inventory reports • Review time tickets for tool room employees for accuracy • Respond to all tool room quality net observations within 24 hours. • Responsible for performing coaching sessions annually with tool room assistants • Responsible for performing yearly performance development plans with tool room assistants • Performs other related duties as assigned. Skills/Abilities: • Strong background in tool and die repair within an automotive stamping environment • Leadership experience in a manufacturing or tool room setting preferred • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, die designs, and technical drawings • Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills • Excellent Communication and team coordination abilities • Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement • Proficient with computer-aided design (CAD) software. (Mastercam) • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite or related software • Self-starter • Extremely reliable Education and Experience: Experience in Auto Manufacturing Tool and diemaker certification preferred Machinist experience Intermediate levels skills with Microsoft Work, Excel, and Outlook Willingness to work flexible hours. Experience with maintenance. Operation of basic tools and equipment Ability to operate a forklift and overhead crane. Supervisory Responsibilities • Yes Work Environment & Physical DemandsWork Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job functions of this position. • Work Environment: Work is typically performed in both a machine shop and production environment, including some weekend work • Must be able to use a variety of tools and equipment such as computer terminal for data input, copy machines, calculators, machinist tools, grinders, welders, various hand tools and any other equipment related to the functional area • Noise Levels: Moderate Noise • Work is performed in a manufacturing environment, and the individual must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when on the production floor, which includes head protection, hearing protection; safety eye protection, gloves, sleeves and steel-toes safety shoes, high visibility vest. o Lifting up to 27 pounds - must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds o Physical Sight - Able to read and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen o Verbal & Written Communications - Able to efficiently present complex matters to audience with little technical knowledge and to executive management o Telephone Communications - Able to communicate verbally using a telephone o Multitasking - Able to manage multiple work projects simultaneously The above job description identifies the essential job functions and skills needed by the person or persons assigned to this position. These job functions and skills are not intended to be a complete and exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Any accommodation made must be stated in writing and attached to this job description. The information contained herein is subject to change at the company's discretion. Futaba Indiana of America is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected class .

Created: 2026-03-10