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Tooling Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Oversee the development and training of new employees and direct other employees in their work habits. 2. Work with tooling manager and Maintenance department to develop and ...

$180 - $240/hr

Own case management and workforce management tooling: capacity planning, workload distribution, performance measurement, and forecasting that give operations leadership visibility and control ...

New

$200 - $240/hr

Own case management and workforce management tooling: capacity planning, workload distribution, performance measurement, and forecasting that give operations leadership visibility and control ...

New

RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Oversee the development and training of new employees and direct other employees in their work habits. 2. Work with tooling manager and Maintenance department to develop and ...

$60 - $85/hr

Maintain tooling records, identify critical spare tooling, manage inventory levels, and coordinate purchasing of replacement components. * Improve tooling life, reduce setup times, increase ...

$65 - $90/hr

Utilize cost effective management of tooling inventories to support customer needs, support and improve on-time deliveries, and increase inventory turns. Recommend and support capital projects.

Tooling Specialist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$750 - $1.5K/mo

The Tooling Specialist is responsible for improving cost visibility and performance across all ... Organized, self-directed, and capable of managing cross-site collaboration. * Skilled in Excel and ...

JOB TITLE: Tool Manager REPORTS TO: Panel Operations Manager JOB STATUS: Full Time FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt DATE: April 23, 2025 JOB SUMMARY: The tool manager works with field service crews and ...

$52 - $78/hr

The Tool Manager I is responsible for tracking all tools and tool related items that will be in the warehouse and in the field using Rosendin approved tracking software. WHAT YOU'LL DO: * Assure Tool ...

Posted today

$70 - $110/hr

Machine Tooling Specialist Full Time Ogden, UT, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 2497 Join Our Team ... Build and maintain the TDM Global library -- create and manage all tool items and tool assemblies.

New

This role will support the AP2 plant directly in troubleshooting tooling issues, leading tool improvements, managing tool repairs, and driving process improvement within the plant. The Tooling ...

$79 - $158/hr

The Tooling Engineer will work first shift and longer hours when required. This is an onsite role ... Establish quarterly goals and objectives with Manager and Stakeholders * Review and update print GD ...

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Tooling Manager information

See Kentucky salary details

$28.7K

$74.7K

$118.6K

How much do tooling manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for tooling manager in Kentucky is $74,671.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tooling manager?

A Tooling Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the design, production, maintenance, and management of tools, dies, molds, and related equipment used in manufacturing processes. They coordinate with engineering and production teams to ensure tooling meets quality and safety standards while optimizing efficiency and costs. Tooling Managers also supervise tool room staff, manage budgets, and implement continuous improvement strategies for tooling operations.

What does a tooling manager do?

A tooling manager oversees the list or system that tracks tool data, information, storage location, or other logistics. While they may also be responsible for the production and maintenance of industrial tools, their duties often include gathering data and information on different tools and maintaining a system of storage that increases efficiency. This system should make the components needed to work on specific machines or assemblies easier to find. Qualifications for a career in tool management include a wide knowledge of industrial tools and how they work, as well as management experience and organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tooling manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tooling Manager, you need expertise in manufacturing processes, tool design, and project management, often supported by an engineering degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, ERP systems, and quality management standards is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate teams and manage cross-functional projects effectively. These abilities ensure efficient tooling operations, high product quality, and timely project delivery in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges a tooling manager faces when collaborating with production and design teams?

A Tooling Manager often navigates the challenge of balancing design requirements with manufacturability and cost constraints. Coordinating between production and design teams requires clear communication to ensure tooling solutions meet both quality standards and project timelines. Additionally, managing changes in product specifications or last-minute adjustments can add complexity, making strong organizational and problem-solving skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Tooling Manager vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectTooling ManagerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or manufacturing, with certifications in tooling or project managementRequires a degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees tooling departments, manages tooling design, maintenance, and procurement in manufacturing settingsFocuses on process improvement, production planning, and optimizing manufacturing operations
Industry UsageCommonly employed in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery industriesWidely used across various manufacturing sectors including electronics, automotive, and consumer goods

The Tooling Manager primarily manages tooling design, maintenance, and procurement, ensuring tools meet production needs. In contrast, the Manufacturing Engineer focuses on process optimization and production efficiency. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities within manufacturing environments.

What are popular job titles related to Tooling Manager jobs in Kentucky?

For Tooling Manager jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tooling Manager jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Tooling Manager jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Tooling Manager jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Tooling Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Tooling Manager job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,671 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Tooling Manager (Group Leader ) - Elizabethtown, KY

MissionHires

Elizabethtown, KY • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

MissionHires is hiring a hands‑on Tooling Manager (Group Leader) for a 2nd shift role in Elizabethtown, KY. You will lead a unionized tool room team in a fast‑paced automotive manufacturing environment, driving die uptime, quality, and cost performance. The ideal candidate is a seasoned Class C Tool & Die professional with deep expertise in progressive and transfer dies, strong shop‑floor leadership, and proven success reducing scrap and downtime while sustaining ISO/TS, 5S, lean, and KPI disciplines.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee 2nd shift toolmakers to execute preventive and corrective maintenance on dies and tooling
  • Own and track tooling KPIs; implement follow-ups to reduce scrap, downtime, and overtime
  • Manage progressive and transfer dies, including destackers, blanking, rollform, and progressive transfer systems
  • Establish and execute die maintenance routines and tooling improvement plans
  • Plan manpower, ensure die protection plans and PM compliance to meet 100% quality standards
  • Implement and sustain 5S within the tooling department
  • Ensure ISO/TS compliance and audit readiness
  • Train and mentor toolmakers; support engineering changes and best practices
  • Coordinate with Tool Room Manager on updates, new projects, priorities, and urgent requisitions
  • Identify critical spare parts and manage procurement through internal systems
  • Collaborate with production and cross‑functional teams to align tooling priorities with schedules
  • Drive lean initiatives, JIT processes, and structured problem solving on the shop floor
Requirements
  • Associate degree in Engineering or related field with 7+ years toolmaker experience, or 10+ years toolmaker experience in lieu of degree
  • Minimum 7+ years Tool & Die experience; Class C tooling required
  • 4+ years leadership experience in unionized automotive or industrial manufacturing; UAW experience required
  • Proven expertise in progressive and transfer die operations
  • Experience with die maintenance systems, steel treatment/coatings, and gripper systems
  • Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, JIT, KPI management, and structured problem solving
  • Strong organizational, communication, and team leadership skills
  • Ability to prioritize work, motivate teams, and drive accountability on a fast‑paced production floor
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