Tool & Die Group Leader

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Supervises and coordinates operation of the tool room in accordance with company policies, manufacturing standards and methods, product requirements, quality standards and production schedules.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Directs and oversees work performed in the tool and die area.

Directs, schedules and oversees maintenance of all dies, molds, and attachments used within the plant.

Cooperates and provide assistance with the modification of all tooling, dies and molds.

Cooperates and participates with manufacturing managers and engineering in the design and redesign of tools, dies, molds and related attachments.

Directs and schedules maintenance of all shop equipment and related attachments.

Schedules work assignments of all personnel in tool and die unit; revises work schedules to respond to production priorities.

Verifies accuracy of blueprints and oversees incorporation of changes.

Provides technical assistance to designers, production units and managers.

Provides technical advice and assistance to vendors of tools. Obtains quotes on price for outside services.

Directs and oversees trouble shooting of problems associated with tools/dies and molds, applications, fabrication and modifications.

Instructs and trains subordinates.

Devises and implements changes to practices and procedures to reduce costs.

Coordinates the purchase of any conventional and CNC shop equipment, parts, etc.

Performs and/or participates in 5S housekeeping, team activities, dress codes, safety rules and all other applicable company policies and procedures.

Administers TS/IATF procedures as they apply within the assigned department.

Fosters associate involvement in continuous improvement activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Requires journeyman certificate or equivalent experience in Tool & Die with knowledge in using CNC and EDM equipment. Three to five years experience in the supervision of tool and die craftsmen or experience in manufacturing supervision required. Formal training in the duties and techniques of supervision. Up to one year in the position is required to become proficient in most phases of the job.

Tool and Die Group Leader
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JOB KNOWLEDGE:
Must know and practice the responsibilities of a supervisor. Must know the technical aspects of the objectives, design, fabrication, uses of, modification and repair of tools and dies and associated devices. Must be able to read, interpret, analyze and revise blue prints and engineering drawings. Must be able to use precision measurement instruments. Must be familiar with production management practices. Requires thorough familiarity with company policies, procedures and practices with regard to manufacturing management, employee relations, safety and quality. Effective skills in listening and communications are necessary. Requires comprehensive knowledge of theory and practice of die design, fabrication and uses. Must be conversant in trade and factory terminology. Must be skilled with using and training in the use of close tolerance machining with CNC shop equipment.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES:
High degree of complexity associated with design and modification of dies. Requires integration of data concerning strength of materials, machinability, precision measurements, controls and engineering design.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under general direction of the maintenance manager in accordance with established policies, practices and rules.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY:
Controls the fabrication of precision dies and tools. Must assure accuracy and comprehensiveness of documents related to dies, tools and machining. Accurate recording and analysis of work hours and material units are required. Deficiencies in accuracy could produce increased scrap, loss of production hours and loss of profits.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:
Frequent contact with managers, area supervisors, production supervisors and engineering. Regular contact with vendors of tool, mold and die making/repair services.

CONFIDENTIAL DATA:
Access to personnel files of those in unit. Responsible for handling and overseeing shop records, drawings and blue prints pertaining to tool and die designs. Release of those materials could compromise company's competitive position by release of proprietary information.

MENTAL/VISUAL/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Sustained close attention to the demands for accuracy in design and fabrication of precision devices is frequently required. Must be able to hear and communicate, walk, reach, bend, stoop, kneel and lift. Requires coordinates and manual dexterity. Specifically defined physical aspects and requirements of the job are documented in the official report of minimum Physical Safety Requirements study.

ENVIRONMENT:
Machine shop and office environments are encountered with noise, metal shavings, machine oils and some chemical odors present in some areas.

EXTENT OF SUPERVISION:
Participates in the review of candidates for employment. Plans, organizes, directs, controls and evaluates the performance of those within the department and recommends wage increases. Instructs and trains employees.

SCOPE OF SUPERVISION:
Supervises a total of ten to twelve associates. Spread over a three-shift operation.