Tooling Manager

IPEX is one of the North American leading providers of advanced plastic piping systems. Our mission is to shape a better tomorrow by connecting people with water and energy .

IPEX recently acquired the Harco fittings business, an exciting business with operations across the United States.

We currently have an exciting opportunity as the Tooling Manager for Harco. This role is based in our Lynchburg, VA manufacturing facility, and reports to the Plant Manager.

Do not miss the opportunity to join a broad family of people-centric professionals and thoughtful leaders focused on expanding the entrepreneurial spirit our growing organization.

Job purpose

Harco has a large amount of new tools to commission in addition to a major program to refurbish existing molds to reinvest in our product lines, align to the IPEX product strategy and production network.

Our goal is to institute best practices and operational KPI’s into our machine shop and molding maintenance activities. This is a critical element of our integration and manufacturing capability initiatives, making this a key position for the group.

The Tooling Manager will coordinate and lead various mold build, tool maintenance and machining activities through all stages to ensure that both new and existing molds and secondary tooling are capable of achieving required part quality levels and cycle times.

This roll will also manage the production machining of fabricated and specialty fittings as required to support daily production requirements.

Key responsibilities :

Drive a strong Health, Safety and Environmental Culture and ensure adherence by staff. Monitor and evaluate safety performance on a regular basis, chairing regular meetings to identify and address safety risks and environmental opportunities

Review and approve mold design drawings and concepts to ensure that molds are well designed to ensure that both operational and long term tool durability objectives can be achieved.

Work closely with external mold suppliers and tooling service providers throughout projects to assist them with resolving detailed design concerns, review construction and gating options, and achievement of IPEX safety and Harco functional / manufacturing requirements

Institute a standard preventive maintenance program for molds between tear-down and set-up for next production run. Manage mold shop activities to ensure mold maintenance, repair, and various tooling meet quality, efficiencies and cost targets as set by the daily schedule

Prepare and manage daily master schedules for planning labor resources and machine utilization for the machine shop

Support mold and machine project status meetings to review project status reports and project plans to ensure goals and timelines are achieved.

Develop a set of KPI’s to monitor and improve operational performance of the Tooling group and its effectiveness in supporting production metrics.

Participate in objective setting, plan development, and performance review of plant performance. Assist with planning and implementing plant improvements and expansions

Create and implement CNC manufacturing process plan, provide suitable training to ensure successful transfer of learning to job

Build further resources in the tooling team through hiring, mentoring, & training, to support our recent move to 24 / 7 shift schedule, and to prepare for the large influx of new tooling we anticipate

Prepare Approval for Expenditure (AFEs) documentation for mold replacement or new tools as required

Perform other duties as required and / or assigned

Experience and Qualifications :

Completion of college and / or university in Engineering, Tool & Dye Maker, Mold Maker or equivalent work experience required

5+ years’ experience in leadership positions in manufacturing with proven ability to deliver desired results; significant experience in molding required

Experience in planning, resource allocation, employee relations, leadership techniques and coordination of people and resources;

Proven track record of improving performance through coaching and learning support in a leadership role

Technical understanding of production planning techniques, basic understanding of quality management standards, lean manufacturing and safety requirements / laws (ISO 9001, Six Sigma, 5S, etc.)

Intermediate knowledge of AutoCAD, Solid Works, Inventor, MasterCAM, and Microsoft Office programs; Working knowledge of CNC programming and machining

Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental practices in a manufacturing environment

Able to plan and organize daily activities, analyze data and react to changes and challenges in the business; prioritize, manage and / or delegate multiple tasks simultaneously

Excellent motivational, leadership, problem solving, troubleshooting and conflict resolution skills

Strong technical, business, and organizational skills; effectively communicate with all levels of the organization

Advanced knowledge of machine shop, machining practices, injection molding, molds and mold design

Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical and / or project management principles, methods and practices

Excellent grasp of GD&T principles, symmetries, and mathematical skills

IPEX is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and, upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability.

Accommodation requests are available to candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process for IPEX jobs. To request an accommodation, please contact HR at

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