Toolmaker Team Lead

Job Description

Toolroom Team Leader

The Toolroom Team Leader is responsible for leading and managing all day-to-day operations within the Toolroom. This role oversees tooling maintenance, repair, validation support, and continuous improvement activities, while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements. The Toolroom Team Leader acts as the primary liaison between the Toolroom and supporting functions, manages Toolroom personnel, and ensures that tooling activities are executed efficiently, safely, and in line with business priorities.

Key Responsibilities and End Results

Toolroom Operations & Daily Management

• Coordinate, plan, and prioritize Toolroom work in line with operational requirements, including commercial repairs, preventative maintenance (PMs), validations, and project/tooling work.

• Ensure accurate completion of all required paperwork and documentation for tooling activities, including:

  • Non-commercial job documentation

  • Engineering change controls

  • Non-conformance investigation support

  • Spare parts usage and inventory transactions

  • Tool repair reports and traceability records

• Ensure Toolroom activities align with quality, GMP, and health & safety procedures and support internal and external audits or site visits.

• Provide timely and clear updates to stakeholders regarding tool status, risks, and required actions.

• Attend and actively participate in key daily and weekly operational meetings, including:

  • Cleanroom accountability meetings

  • Daily engineering meetings

  • Workcell planning meetings

  • Problem-solving sessions (A3, root cause corrective action)

  • Project or new product introduction meetings as required

Technical Responsibilities

• Oversee and support the dismantling, troubleshooting, repair, and reassembly of complex multi-impression mould tools.

• Review and approve repair strategies, machining approaches, and corrective actions before work begins.

• Ensure proper evaluation and documentation of steel wear, damage, metrology issues, and tooling concerns.

• Provide technical guidance and support to toolmakers during complex repairs.

• Represent the Toolroom in cross-functional discussions, providing updates, raising risks, and supporting decision-making.

• Drive improvements in tooling reliability by analyzing recurring issues and implementing sustainable corrective actions.

• Ensure actions relating to Toolroom activities are captured, assigned, and closed out.

• Supervise the setup and operation of Toolroom machinery, including lathes, milling machines, EDM, grinders, and related equipment.

• Ensure equipment is maintained, safe, and operated only by trained personnel.

• Support the training and development of apprentices and toolmakers on tooling practices and equipment use.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the Toolroom team, including toolmakers, technicians, and apprentices.

• Manage team scheduling, time and attendance systems, holiday approvals, overtime planning, and shift coverage.

• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and development planning.

• Assign daily tasks, set clear priorities, and ensure accountability for quality of work and timelines.

• Promote a strong culture of teamwork, ownership, and effective communication within the Toolroom.

Job Specifications

Education and Experience

• Qualified and time-served Toolmaker.

• 3-5 years of people management experience is highly desirable.

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in an injection moulding environment.

• Experience in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment is desirable.

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills.

• Experience applying Lean problem-solving techniques.

• Ability to work on own initiative and manage multiple priorities.

• Strong commitment to safe working practices and awareness.