Tooling Manager

Job Details:

Job Location:

HGC Industries - Indianapolis, IN 46218;
Position Type:
Full Time;
Salary Range: $ - $;
Shift: Day Shift (6:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday to Friday).

The Tooling Manager leads 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 requires strong problem‑solving skills, extensive knowledge of tooling and manufacturing processes, and the ability to coach and develop tooling technicians.

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 supervise one or more employees.
• Assign work, set priorities, and manage day‑to‑day operations.
• Provide consistent and constructive coaching and feedback.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development plans.
• Support hiring activities, including interviewing, onboarding, and training of new employees.
• Monitor attendance, productivity, and quality of work.
• Address performance and conduct issues; recommend corrective action and discipline.
• Ensure 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…