Tool & Die Maintenance Manager
Hatch Stamping Company
Chelsea, MI, USA
Posted on Apr 24, 2026
The Opportunity
We are seeking a proven, results-driven Tool & Die Maintenance Manager who is ready to lead a skilled workforce through a meaningful cultural transformation. This is not a caretaker role — it is a leadership challenge. You will inherit a team of highly experienced Tool & Die Makers and be empowered to reset expectations, rebuild trust, introduce accountability, and create an environment where craftsmanship, teamwork, and pride in the work are the standard.
If you are the type of leader who can earn respect on the shop floor, set clear standards, and motivate seasoned tradespeople to perform at their best — while still rolling up your sleeves when it counts — we want to talk to you.
Position Summary
The Tool & Die Maintenance Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of the Tool & Die maintenance department within our automotive stamping facility. This individual will implement a metrics-driven culture, establish KPIs, hold the team accountable, and build a department that is operationally excellent and a source of pride for every team member within it.
CORE RESPONSIBILITES
Leadership & Culture
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of skilled Tool & Die Makers in a fast-paced automotive stamping environment.
- Establish a team culture grounded in accountability, mutual respect, continuous improvement, and shared ownership of outcomes.
- Address performance gaps directly and constructively — holding individuals accountable to both company standards and team commitments.
- Build trust and credibility on the shop floor through consistent, fair, and transparent leadership.
- Recognize and reward high performance; develop formal and informal incentive and recognition practices.
- Conduct regular one-on-ones, team meetings, and performance reviews to keep communication open and goals aligned.
Operations & Accountability
- Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), safe work practices, and maintenance workflows.
- Own the preventive maintenance (PM) schedule for all stamping dies and tooling — ensuring 100% schedule adherence.
- Implement and manage a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for work order tracking, PM scheduling, and asset history.
- Drive reduction in unplanned downtime through root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action processes.
- Manage department budget including tooling, repair materials, and labor — identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
- Coordinate with Production, Quality, and Engineering on tooling issues, die launches, and engineering changes.
Metrics, KPI's & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and publish department KPIs — creating full visibility for team members, peers, and leadership.
- Lead regular KPI review meetings with the team, using data to drive decisions and surface improvement opportunities.
- Implement tiered accountability: daily, weekly, and monthly reviews at the technician, supervisor, and manager levels.
- Champion lean manufacturing and 5S principles throughout the Tool & Die area.
- Drive year-over-year improvements in die uptime, MTTR, first-time quality, and scrap reduction.
Team Development
- Assess skills gaps across the team and develop individual training and cross-training plans.
- Create defined career pathways and advancement opportunities within the Tool & Die department.
- Partner with HR to recruit, onboard, and retain top Tool & Die talent.
- Mentor junior team members; cultivate the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- 7+ years of Tool & Die experience in an automotive stamping environment, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Deep working knowledge of progressive, transfer, and/or tandem stamping dies.
- Demonstrated success leading teams through cultural or performance transformations.
- Proven ability to implement and manage KPIs and hold teams accountable to measurable outcomes.
- Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with CMMS platforms for maintenance tracking and scheduling.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and die maintenance documentation.
Preferred
- Journeyman Tool & Die Maker certification or equivalent.
- Experience with die tryout, engineering change launches, and new model introductions.
- Familiarity with automotive quality management systems.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Opportunity to lead a high-impact transformation with full leadership support.
- A company that values its skilled tradespeople and is investing in the future of its Tool & Die team.