Manufacturing Manager (Ventura County)

Job Description

The Tool & Mold Manager will lead all aspects of tool and mold design, fabrication, qualification, maintenance, and optimization to support manufacturing operations. This person will manage the internal team of toolmakers and machinists, ensuring technical capabilities, resource allocation, and schedules align with production demands.

They will also oversee outsourced tooling activities, maintain safety and quality standards, and act as a key liaison between multiple manufacturing sites to ensure alignment on specifications, performance, and standards. This role is critical in supporting production reliability, operational efficiency, and on-time delivery of high-quality tools and molds.

Day-to-Day

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of molds and tooling from design and development through qualification, production, and maintenance.
• Implement and maintain 5S methodology in the Tool & Mold area; catalog and track all mold tools.
• Ensure all mold shop tools and equipment are maintained, calibrated, and safely operated .
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, NPI, and Operations to prioritize and manage the tooling project queue .
• Lead tool design reviews , steel adjustments, and oversee tool construction.
• Determine in-house vs. outsourced tooling strategies to optimize cost and timeline.
• Project manage tooling projects , ensuring adherence to budget and schedule.
• Drive DFM activities and support validation efforts including IQ, OQ, PQ, and PPAP methodologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve tooling and mold-related issues; implement continuous improvements.
• Execute preventative maintenance programs to minimize downtime.
• Develop reports and presentations using data insights to inform leadership and stakeholders.
• Optimize workflows, work instructions, and tooling parameters.
• Lead and mentor a team of tool designers, engineers, machinists, and technicians; manage departmental budget.
• Stay current on industry trends , implement best practices, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Travel up to 20% domestically to support tool and mold needs at other sites.

Requirements / Qualifications