Toolroom Manager

Recruiter: Staff Unlimited Recruitment Pty Ltd T/A MPC Recruitment Group EC

Job Ref: 654338

Date posted: Thursday, September 10, 2026

Location: Durban, South Africa

SUMMARY: POSITION INFO: Are you ready to lead a critical function within a dynamic engineering environment, where your expertise will shape production excellence and operational efficiency? Our client, a prominent player in the engineering industry, is seeking a seasoned Toolroom Manager to oversee their Toolroom and CNC machining operations, driving strategic initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Duties include: Manage daily operations of the Toolroom and CNC machining functions, ensuring optimal performance and resource utilization. Lead design reviews for new stamping tools, fixtures, welding jigs, and tooling, ensuring manufacturability, maintainability, and quality standards. Oversee the entire lifecycle of internally manufactured tooling from design to final handover, including machining, assembly, and trials. Coordinate with external suppliers for tooling and machining, managing progress, trials, and acceptance. Develop and enforce standards for tooling design, maintenance, refurbishment, and problem solving. Manage, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of toolmakers, CNC programmers, and design personnel. Implement and monitor tool maintenance and equipment plans, ensuring breakdowns are minimized and repairs meet design standards. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance tool life, fixture reliability, machining efficiency, and production costs. Ensure compliance with quality standards such as IATF 16949 and adhere to all safety and regulatory requirements. Manage project scope, budgets, and timelines, including CAPEX planning and reporting. Lead risk analysis, training, and performance management to foster a disciplined, accountable, and skilled workforce. Requirements: Minimum of 10 years’ experience in tooling, CNC machining, or related engineering fields. Proven leadership experience managing technical teams within manufacturing or engineering environments. Strong understanding of tooling design, machining processes, and quality standards. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, FMEA, Control Plans, and related engineering tools. Excellent project management, strategic planning, and cost control skills. Automotive industry experience. Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies.