Job Description

POSITION: TOOL AND DIE SUPERVISOR - Lebanon, TN

This is a full-time, salaried position located at our Lebanon, TN facility. The Tool and Die Supervisor reports to the Operations Supervisor and Manager and plays a critical leadership role within our manufacturing operations team. The annual salary range for this position is $61,900 to $103,100, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Tool and Die Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all tooling and die maintenance, repair, and fabrication activities within the stamping and assembly manufacturing environment. This mid-career leadership role requires a highly skilled individual with deep technical expertise in tool and die operations, combined with strong supervisory capabilities to lead a team of skilled trades professionals. The successful candidate will ensure that all tooling assets are maintained to the highest standards of quality and performance, directly supporting production efficiency, part quality, and on-time delivery commitments to our automotive OEM customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Tool and Die Supervisor will lead, coach, and develop a team of tool and die makers, apprentices, and skilled trades associates, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. This individual will plan, schedule, and prioritize all die maintenance, repair, and tryout activities to minimize production downtime and maximize press uptime. The supervisor will collaborate closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to diagnose and resolve tooling-related issues in a timely and effective manner.

Additional responsibilities include overseeing the design, fabrication, modification, and repair of progressive, transfer, and compound dies used in high-volume stamping operations. The Tool and Die Supervisor will maintain accurate records of all tooling maintenance activities, die histories, and spare parts inventories using appropriate tracking systems. This role also involves managing tooling budgets, controlling costs associated with die repairs and spare parts procurement, and identifying opportunities to extend tool life and reduce overall tooling expenditures.

The supervisor will ensure strict compliance with all safety regulations, OSHA standards, and company safety policies within the tool room and on the press floor. Participation in new program launches, die design reviews, and tooling runoff activities is expected, as is collaboration with engineering teams on die engineering changes and continuous improvement initiatives. The Tool and Die Supervisor will also support the implementation of lean manufacturing principles and 5S standards within the tool room environment.

This individual will conduct performance evaluations, manage attendance, and handle disciplinary matters for direct reports in accordance with company policies. Coordination with outside vendors and tooling suppliers for outsourced repairs and new tooling procurement is also a key component of this role.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually, thanks to our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule. We also provide a tool allowance for our Skilled Trades Associates.

Relocation Assistance: Our company offers comprehensive relocation assistance, including coverage for temporary housing and travel costs for Skilled Trades and Salaried positions.

Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.

Growth Opportunities: Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.

Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates - from entry-level to senior-level - with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in tool and die design, fabrication, repair, and maintenance for progressive, transfer, and compound stamping dies
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to manage, coach, and develop a team of skilled trades professionals
• In-depth knowledge of metal stamping processes, press operations, and high-strength steel forming techniques
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T specifications, and die design schematics
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools and equipment including micrometers, calipers, CMM, and surface plates
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, 5S methodology, and continuous improvement practices
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills for diagnosing and resolving tooling and die-related production issues
• Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and the ability to enforce and maintain a safe working environment
• Experience with tooling maintenance management systems and die history tracking software
• Ability to manage tooling budgets, control costs, and coordinate with outside vendors and tooling suppliers
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, and Outlook for reporting and communication
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including production, quality, and engineering
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and new program launch processes within an automotive manufacturing environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment
• Understanding of die engineering change processes and experience supporting tooling modifications and improvements

Required Experience

• 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in tool and die operations within an automotive stamping or metal forming manufacturing environment
• Minimum of 2 to 3 years of supervisory or lead experience managing a team of tool and die makers or skilled trades associates
• Hands-on experience with the maintenance, repair, and tryout of progressive and transfer stamping dies used in high-volume automotive production
• Demonstrated experience supporting new program launches, die design reviews, and tooling runoff activities in an automotive OEM supply environment
• Proven track record of reducing tooling downtime and improving press uptime through proactive maintenance strategies and continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience managing tooling budgets, spare parts inventories, and vendor relationships for outsourced die repairs and new tooling procurement
• Background in implementing and sustaining lean manufacturing and 5S programs within a tool room or stamping facility
• Experience conducting employee performance evaluations, managing attendance, and handling disciplinary matters in accordance with company HR policies
• Familiarity with APQP and PPAP processes and experience collaborating with quality and engineering teams on tooling-related corrective actions
• 4-year degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field is required; equivalent combination of education and extensive hands-on experience may be considered
• Journeyman Tool and Die certification or equivalent trade certification is strongly preferred
• Experience working within an IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 certified manufacturing environment is highly desirable