Toolroom Manager (Manufacturing)

About the role

The company, a long‑standing industrial engineering manufacturer in Durban, is seeking a Toolroom Manager to lead its toolroom department. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the manager will oversee tool, jig and die makers, CNC programmers, operators and related staff.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement tool and equipment maintenance plans, ensuring compliance with legislation and company standards.
• Lead design reviews and manage the full tooling lifecycle from design through machining, assembly, trial and hand‑over to production.
• Supervise CNC machining operations, allocate resources, and drive continuous improvement and cost‑saving initiatives.
• Coordinate breakdown repairs, refurbishments and root‑cause analysis for tooling, jigs and fixtures.
• Maintain documentation, drawings, programmes and maintenance records in line with IATF 16949 requirements.

Required profile

• Trade‑tested Tool Jig & Die Maker with at least 10 years automotive industry experience.
• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Production Management or Project Management.
• Minimum 5 years experience managing engineering projects in the automotive sector.
• Proven experience with progression press tooling and various welding processes.

Required skills

• Tool Jig & Die Making
• CNC programming and operation
• CO₂, resistance and spot welding
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• FMEA, Control Plans, work and setup instructions