Tooling Manager

A leading manufacturer in East Lancashire is seeking a Tooling Manager to lead and evolve its tooling operations. This is a pivotal role within a high-performing production environment, offering the opportunity to drive innovation, reliability, and efficiency across the tooling lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and align Toolroom, Tool Trials, and Tool Maintenance teams.
• Oversee the full tooling lifecycle – from design and modification to maintenance and retirement.
• Plan tooling capacity to meet current and future production demands.
• Drive tooling innovation to support new product development.
• Ensure tooling availability and reliability for extrusion processes.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with NPD and Product Management to align tooling with future business needs.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement long-term solutions.
• Manage tooling budgets and control associated costs.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile:

• 5+ years’ experience in tooling, manufacturing, or operational leadership.
• Hands-on expertise in tooling design, modification, and maintenance.
• Strong understanding of extrusion tooling and its role in production.
• Proven ability to align tooling operations with broader business goals.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Analytical mindset with experience in performance data interpretation.
• Budget management and resource allocation experience.
• Track record of driving process improvement initiatives.
• Resilient and confident decision-maker under pressure.
• Customer-focused approach to tooling readiness and quality.

Benefits Include:

• Private healthcare
• Annual bonus scheme
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Pension plan
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Holiday purchase scheme

About the Company:

This organisation is a global leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality extruded products, with a strong reputation for innovation, customer focus, and operational excellence. With a presence in over 40 countries, they offer a collaborative and growth-oriented environment where employees are empowered to make a real impact.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates