Die-Cutting & Tooling Manager

Job Type: Full-time

Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000

Location: Franklin Park/Island Lake, IL

At Graph-Pak Corporation, we are committed to exceeding customer expectations by delivering high-quality packaging solutions. As we continue to grow and innovate, we’re looking for a Die Cutting & Tooling Manager to join our team. The Die-Cutting & Tooling Manager directs and oversees the die-cutting performance and the company’s tooling program end to end. This role oversees the production of layouts, dies, strippers, blanking tooling, and related materials to specification;

and manages the lifecycle of our steel rule die library from design handoff through retirement.

This is a working leadership role for someone with deep flat-bed folding carton tooling knowledge — the person operators turn to when a job won’t cut, strip, or crease right — combined with the organizational skills to schedule a department, develop people, and manage tooling spend. The role also plays a key part in commissioning new die-cutting equipment.

Additionally, the Die Cutting Manager responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Direct and oversee all activities of the die-cutting, dieroom, and baler operations across shifts.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and workforce planning to support production requirements.
• Monitor and manage departmental KPIs including safety, quality, makeready/setup time, run speed, spoilage, labor utilization, tooling performance, on-time delivery, and implement corrective actions to meet business objectives.

• Oversee the die library: identification, storage, condition tracking, run history, and retirement decisions, with zero loss of tooling history.
• Make repair vs. remake calls based on rule wear, rebuild history, and upcoming demand.
• Manage tooling budget, rule and consumables inventory, and dieroom equipment.
• Submit tooling cost estimates and support estimating activities for blanking and specialty tooling as required.

• Serve as the senior technical resource for cutting, creasing, stripping, blanking, and ejection problems.
• Diagnose root cause across die, counter, board, and press variables — and fix the right one.
• Review electronic job tickets, CAD layouts, work instructions, and production specifications to ensure accurate execution and compliance with customer requirements.
• Perform routine in-process production checks to verify customer specifications and quality standards are maintained.
• Work with prepress/structural design on die-line layouts, nick strategy, and nesting decisions that affect die performance.
• Provide backup support for the CAD designer as needed.

• Identify and recommend improvements to processes, tooling, equipment, software, and workflow to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and operational needs.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years in flat-bed die-cutting for folding carton or closely related paperboard converting, with strong steel rule die knowledge (rule selection and heights, nicks, rubber, counters, patching, stripping, and blanking).
• 2+ years of supervisory or lead experience in a converting or tooling environment.
• Experience operating and/or managing Bobst flat-bed die-cutting equipment.
• Proven ability to diagnose die-cutting problems to root cause and direct the fix.
• Ability to read and work from CAD die-lines, tooling specifications, and job/production specifications.
• Competent with scheduling, basic budgeting, and production reporting (ERP experience a plus).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; excellent verbal and written communication.

• Discretionary bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Medical 5 Plan Options – United Healthcare
• Dental 2 Plan Options – Guardian
• 401(K) plan with generous employer match
• Company paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Paid time off and 9 paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Graph-Pak Corporation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.