Key Responsibilities and Professional Profile for a Tooling Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

The Tooling Coordinator is the central hub for all activities related to an organization's production tooling. This individual acts as the primary custodian of tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges, ensuring that the right tools—in the right condition and quantity—are available at the right time to support manufacturing operations without interruption.

At its core, this role is a unique blend of hands-on technical understanding, meticulous inventory management, and strategic coordination with engineering, production, procurement, and quality departments. A successful Tooling Coordinator is the guardian of some of the company's most critical physical assets, directly impacting production efficiency, product quality, operational costs, and on-time delivery. They bridge the gap between the design of a tool and its daily use on the shop floor, making them an indispensable part of any modern manufacturing team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

CNC Machinist or Operator
Tool and Die Maker / Apprentice
Manufacturing Technician
Inventory Controller or Parts Clerk

Advancement To:

Tooling Manager or Supervisor
Manufacturing Engineer
Production Supervisor or Manager
Senior Buyer or Procurement Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Planner / Scheduler
Quality Assurance Technician or Engineer
CNC Programmer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of all production tooling, from initial design review and procurement through to maintenance, repair, and eventual end-of-life disposal.
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive and accurate inventory tracking system for all tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges, often utilizing ERP/MRP systems or dedicated tool management software.
Coordinate with production planning and scheduling departments to forecast tooling requirements for upcoming jobs, ensuring tool availability and preventing production downtime.
Initiate and manage the repair process for damaged, worn, or non-conforming tooling, liaising with both internal toolroom staff and external vendors to ensure timely and cost-effective solutions.
Conduct regular physical audits and cycle counts of the tool crib and on-floor tooling locations to verify inventory accuracy, assess tool condition, and ensure proper storage practices are followed.
Issue and receive tooling from the tool crib to production personnel, accurately documenting all transactions and tracking tool location and usage.
Establish and monitor preventative maintenance schedules for critical or high-use tooling to maximize tool life, maintain quality, and minimize unexpected failures.
Collaborate with the Engineering department on new product introductions (NPI) by coordinating the design, fabrication, and procurement of new tooling required for a successful launch.
Review engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications to understand tooling requirements and ensure that procured or repaired tools meet all design criteria.
Source, evaluate, and manage relationships with external tooling vendors, negotiating pricing and lead times for new tools, repairs, and specialized services.
Create and maintain detailed records for each tool, including purchase history, maintenance logs, usage data, repair costs, and current status.
Troubleshoot tooling-related production problems on the shop floor alongside operators and engineers, providing expertise to quickly identify root causes and implement solutions.
Manage the calibration schedule and records for all gauges and precision measuring instruments to ensure compliance with quality system standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).
Create purchase requisitions for new tools, spare components, and tooling-related consumables, and track orders to ensure on-time delivery.
Develop and enforce standardized procedures for tool handling, storage, and checkout to minimize damage and loss.
Monitor tool consumption and performance data to identify trends, recommend tooling upgrades, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Prepare and organize tooling kits for specific production jobs in advance, ensuring all necessary components are present and in good working order before they are needed at the machine.
Oversee the shipping and receiving of tooling sent to and from external vendors for repairs, modifications, or specialized coatings.
Ensure the tool crib environment is organized, clean, and safe, adhering to all 5S principles and company safety policies.
Act as the primary point of contact within the facility for all inquiries, issues, and updates related to production tooling.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the development and management of the departmental budget for tooling, including new capital expenditures, repairs, and consumables.
Participate actively in continuous improvement (Kaizen) events focused on reducing machine setup times (SMED), improving tool life, and enhancing overall production efficiency.
Provide essential training and guidance to machine operators and production staff on the correct handling, usage, and care of specific tools and fixtures.
Generate and present regular reports to management on key tooling metrics, such as tool usage, repair costs, inventory levels, downtime caused by tooling, and vendor performance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Strong proficiency in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Plex, Epicor) for inventory and asset management.
The ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, technical blueprints, and 3D models, including a solid understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Foundational knowledge of various manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, stamping, injection molding, die casting, or welding.
Experience with inventory management principles and practices, including cycle counting, physical inventories, and min/max level setting.
Competency with computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for viewing and analyzing tool designs.
Hands-on experience using precision measuring instruments like micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and CMMs.
Strong computer literacy, especially with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for data tracking, analysis, and reporting.
Knowledge of tool construction, materials (e.g., tool steels, carbides), and heat-treating/coating processes.
Understanding of quality management systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with hand and power tools for minor adjustments or assessments.

Soft Skills

Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in record-keeping and inventory control.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, capable of diagnosing tooling issues and implementing effective corrective actions.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting effectively with engineers, shop floor personnel, and external suppliers.
A proactive and self-motivated work ethic with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across different departments.
A customer-service mindset, viewing production departments as internal customers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate’s Degree in a technical field.
Journeyman Toolmaker or Machinist Certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Manufacturing Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Industrial Management or Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of experience in a relevant manufacturing, machining, or tooling environment.

Preferred: Direct experience working in a tool crib, as a machinist/toolmaker, or in a production role within a high-precision manufacturing sector (e.g., automotive, aerospace, medical device) is highly desirable. Experience with a formal tool management system is a significant plus.