Toolroom Manager in Elkhorn, Wisconsin at READER PRECISION SOLUTIONS

Reader Precision Solutions, a growing manufacturer of mission-critical precision components, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Tool Room Manager to build a tool and establish a tool room and toolroom processes and workflows from the ground up. This individual will oversee the daily operations of the tool room, ensuring efficient management, maintenance, and availability of tools, jigs, and fixtures. The position will manage and develop a growing team, with scope expanding as the tool room function scales. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and a proven track record in developing and optimizing tool room operations within a manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Build, implement, and continuously improve tool room processes and workflows from the ground up
• Manage, lead, and develop a growing team of tool room personnel
• Establish structure, roles, and performance standards as the team expands
• Oversee all tool room activities, including tool maintenance, repair, and inventory control
• Plan and coordinate tool manufacturing, modification, and maintenance schedules
• Ensure availability of tools to meet production requirements with minimal downtime
• Implement preventive maintenance programs for tools and fixtures
• Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality
• Monitor tool performance and recommend improvements to enhance productivity and quality
• Maintain accurate records of tool usage, repairs, and inventory levels
• Coordinate with production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve tooling issues
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies
• Manage budgets, cost control, and procurement of tool room supplies and equipment, in partnership with the purchasing and engineering team.
• Support the growth and scaling of the tool room function, with responsibilities expanding alongside the team

Metrics, Systems & Accountability

• Establish, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for the tool room and kitting operations
• Use data-driven analysis to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency
• Develop dashboards and reporting systems (including IndySoft where applicable) to monitor performance

• 8+ years of experience in tool room operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Proven experience building tool room processes, workflows, and systems from scratch
• Experience with CNC machines, CAD/CAM, and tool design is required
• Experience establishing or managing kitting operations is strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of tooling, machining processes, and manufacturing systems
• Lean Six Sigma certification or demonstrated experience desired
• Experience with Indy Soft (tool tracking and management system) preferred or other relatable systems
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and decision-making skills
• Strong organizational and communication abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time, salaried exempt, benefits eligible position, following a core schedule of Monday through Friday from 6:30 am – 3:00 pm, with flexibility as needed; additional hours may be required based on business needs.

Physical/Environmental Demands:
The following outlines the conditions required to perform this role’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be provided:

• Work is split between office and manufacturing environments, with frequent movement through production, maintenance, and mechanical areas.
• Requires regular standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and reaching during equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and repair oversight.
• Involves hands-on work with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Office tasks include extended computer use in a standard office setting.
• Manufacturing areas may include high noise, temperature changes, and exposure to machinery, lubricants, and compressed air; PPE is required.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Must safely navigate industrial settings and respond to urgent or unexpected issues.
• Occasional work outside normal hours may be required for repairs or facility needs.

Benefits & perks of joining the Reader Precision Solutions team include:

RPS team members enjoy a challenging & fast-paced work environment in a high-tech manufacturing facility named the 35th & 37th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. Our work environment is extremely clean, well lit, organized (5S), & climate-controlled. In addition, our team thrives in a supportive culture that provides engaged leadership, ongoing recognition for performance results, & a great benefits package.

• Competitive wages (paid weekly on Thursday's)
• 8% of base pay shift differential (2nd & 3rd shift)
• Benefits begin the month following 30 days of employment: health insurance with points based, holistic wellness program, dental, life, & disability insurance
• Partnership with a near site local clinic for FREE health services including primary & preventative care, walk in visits, labs, prescriptions, etc.
• FREE vision insurance!
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% company match (immediately vested!)
• Vacation accrual starts upon hire - accrue up to 2.5 weeks in first year!
• 9 paid holidays with up to two discretionary holidays each year
• Education assistance up to $5,250 annually (after 12 months of service)
• Professional development opportunities – internal & external (cross-departmental training, PMPA conferences, IMTS-Chicago, local technical colleges/universities, & more…)
• Career advancement – ongoing training & mentoring with opportunity to grow your skills
• Performance bonus – potential to receive a discretionary year-end bonus based on individual and group performance
• Company paid Short-Term Disability policy
• Company events – team lunches, summer picnic event, holiday party
• Company zoo pass to Milwaukee County Zoo
• Voluntary pet insurance
• Holistic wellness program – earn up to $700 in incentives through points accumulation for accomplishing a variety of wellness activities. Also offered by the Company are employer paid onsite flu shots, biometric screenings, free health coaching & MUCH more!
• Employer paid life insurance – $50,000 policy with options for voluntary life up to $400,000 benefit maximum
• Financial planning resources & onsite financial wellness workshops
• Employer subsidized work shoes & safety glasses program
• Reader Precision Solutions branded attire – $100 annual allowance
• Employee Referral bonus – $1,000
• Satisfying work…leaving work at the end of the day knowing that the GREAT work you do is meaningful and appreciated by the Company, our clients, and end users who benefit from the high-quality components we manufacture for them!

Reader Precision Solutions Four Pillars: Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity & Respect

• Innovation – we apply creative solutions to exceed expectations internally and externally. We deliver creative solutions by pursuing continuous improvement, challenging the limits of conventional thinking to drive positive change, and engaging our clients to achieve synergy.
• Empowerment – we equip our employees to succeed. We nurture success by setting realistic goals and standards; with accountability and regular performance feedback, providing training opportunities for growth and learning and offering employees a safe and modern work environment.
• Integrity – our reputation is everything. We preserve and enhance our reputation by operating with the highest ethical standards, focusing on client needs, and contributing positively to our community and environment.
• Respect – we act with honor in all our interactions. In our interactions, we accept and value individual differences, work together with a positive attitude and promote open and honest communication in a team-based environment.