Tooling Manager – Injection Molding

Location: Miami, FL
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Compensation: $120,000–$130,000 annually
Benefits: Full Benefits Package
Relocation Assistance: Available

Position Summary

Our client, a plastics manufacturing organization, is seeking an experienced Tooling Manager to lead its injection mold tooling and mold repair operations in Miami, Florida.

This position is responsible for the design, development, release, repair, refurbishment, and continuous improvement of plastic injection molding tooling. The Tooling Manager will lead Tooling Technicians/Toolmakers, coordinate outside tooling vendors, support new and replacement mold programs, and work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and other departments to ensure tooling supports safe, reliable, and cost-effective production.

This role requires substantial hands-on knowledge of injection molds and plastic injection molding tooling. Candidates whose tooling experience is primarily stamping dies, general machining, fixtures, or non-plastics applications will not be a match for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Tooling and Mold Repair department, including safety, quality, productivity, cost, and tooling performance.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop Tooling Technicians and Toolmakers.
• Oversee injection mold design, development, build, repair, refurbishment, modification, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical direction and problem-solving support for new, replacement, and existing injection mold tooling.
• Coordinate scheduled mold refurbishments and preventative tooling activities.
• Review 3D part and tooling designs for manufacturability, performance, and cost.
• Participate in mold design reviews and provide technical recommendations regarding mold construction and performance.
• Select and manage outside mold and tooling vendors.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations for new tooling and complex mold repairs.
• Monitor tooling projects for schedule, cost, quality, and technical performance.
• Travel to injection mold vendors in the United States, Mexico, and Canada for mold trials, design reviews, and project status.
• Support mold sampling, validation, production trials, and new-product launches.
• Troubleshoot tooling-related production problems and coordinate repairs and rework.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure molded components meet customer and internal quality requirements.
• Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Sales, Design, and other departments.
• Identify opportunities to reduce tooling-related waste, downtime, cost, and production inefficiencies.
• Develop standardized tooling practices and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate tooling records, documentation, and project status information.
• Report tooling progress, roadblocks, corrective actions, and open issues to plant and senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant plastics manufacturing, injection molding, mold engineering, toolmaking, or injection mold tooling experience.
• Strong direct experience with plastic injection mold design, build, repair, refurbishment, troubleshooting, and production support.
• Demonstrated experience leading a toolroom, tooling department, Toolmakers, Mold Makers, or Tooling Technicians.
• Strong knowledge of injection mold construction, operation, maintenance, and failure modes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, tooling specifications, and 3D designs.
• Experience with CAD and/or 3D modeling software such as AutoCAD, Pro/E/Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or comparable platforms.
• Working knowledge of CNC machining/programming and the machining principles associated with mold and tool construction.
• Experience working directly with outside mold/tooling vendors, including quoting, design reviews, tool builds, trials, repairs, and modifications.
• Experience supporting injection mold trials, sampling, production launches, and manufacturing troubleshooting.
• Strong leadership, communication, project coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work onsite in a manufacturing environment and travel to tooling vendors as required.

Education

Candidates should possess one or more of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline; or
• Certified Machinist, Toolmaker, Mold Maker, or equivalent technical credentials; or
• Journeyman-level injection mold/toolmaking experience combined with substantial relevant industry and leadership experience.

Extensive directly related injection molding tooling experience may be considered in place of a four-year degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Tooling Manager, Toolroom Manager, Mold Engineering Manager, or similar leadership experience.
• Experience managing tooling programs from initial design through production launch.
• Continuous improvement and cost-reduction experience within a tooling or injection molding operation.
• Spanish-language capability is a plus.

Physical & Operational Requirements

• Regular presence on the manufacturing floor with exposure to machinery, noise, and heat.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexibility to support varied shifts or off-hours operational emergencies when required.
• Ability to travel to tooling suppliers throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.