Toolroom Manager / Lead Toolmaker

Position: Toolroom Manager / Lead Toolmaker
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Salary: Based on exp.
Position: Direct
Start date: Asap

Client is a precision machine shop serving manufacturers that demand exceptional quality, responsive service, and tight tolerances.

We specialize in precision tooling components, wear and perishable tooling, and complex machined components. Our work includes CNC milling, CNC turning, grinding, EDM, and close collaboration with customers to solve difficult manufacturing problems.

We are looking for someone who enjoys leading from the front—someone who can mentor machinists, solve challenging machining problems, and continuously improve the performance of the shop.

Position Summary

As Toolroom Manager / Lead Toolmaker you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of our precision machine shop.

This is a hands-on leadership role—not an office management position. You will spend time on the shop floor working alongside our machinists, supporting difficult setups and machining challenges, improving throughput, maintaining quality standards, coordinating priorities, and ensuring work moves efficiently through the shop.

You will also work closely with ownership on quoting, scheduling, supplier coordination, continuous improvement, and helping shape the future growth of Pinewood Tool.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead and mentor a team of skilled machinists and toolmakers

• Foster a culture of craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Coach machinists on setups, tooling, workholding, and machining strategy

• Develop less experienced machinists

Operations

• Coordinate daily production priorities

• Maximize machine utilisation while maintaining quality

• Remove production bottlenecks and improve workflow

• Ensure work moves efficiently through the shop

Technical

• Perform complex CNC setups and machining when needed

• Troubleshoot challenging machining problems

• Review prints, GD&T, and manufacturing methods

• Support programming and machining strategy

Quality

• Maintain exceptional quality standards

• Support inspection and root cause analysis

• Drive corrective actions

Business Support

• Assist with quoting and estimating

• Coordinate outside processing and suppliers

• Manage tooling and supplier relationships

• Support scheduling and continuous improvement