Director of Tool & Dye
Airlite Plastics is a premier, privately held, family-owned manufacturer headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Our family style and personal culture is what makes Airlite an amazing place to grow and build a successful career. Airlite’s company values of unquestionable integrity and respect and appreciation for each other are at the core of our success! These values set a strong foundation to build on where we can ‘wow’ our customers with innovative products and sustainable solutions, and continuously improve our processes and efficiencies.
Our product lines include rigid plastic containers and lids for food packaging and cosmetics, dry powder scoops, plastic drink cups, shipping containers, industrial strength insulated concrete forms (ICF) and sustainable permeable paving systems. As pioneers in our industry, focused on sustainable solutions, we strive to provide our customers with top-notch service and quality, which aligns with our award-winning products.
How would you contribute?
This role is a contributing member of our Airlite - Omaha team, located in Omaha, NE. As a Director of Tool & Dye you are a key to continued growth and success of Airlite. The Director, is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and technical oversight of all tool and die functions across the company's nationwide injection molding facilities. This role encompasses the entire lifecycle of injection molding tooling, including design collaboration, build management, repair and maintenance strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Director, Tooling will function with a high degree of autonomy with responsibility for all tooling assets, ensuring their reliability, efficiency, and alignment with production goals. This individual will lead and develop a team of toolmakers and technicians through a servant leadership approach, fostering a culture of technical excellence, problem-solving and innovation.
Essential Duties:
- Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and implement a comprehensive long-term strategy for tool and die operations (automation, tool scheduling, assembly, quality control and cost management, etc), aligning with overall company objectives and production demands. This includes forecasting tooling needs, evaluating new technologies, process improvement and optimizing resource allocation.
- Tooling Output and Management: Ensure the development and implementation of continuous initiatives to increase general output of cores, cavities and designs. Oversee all stages of the tooling lifecycle, from initial design reviews and vendor selection processes to build monitoring, acceptance testing, and final implementation. Ensure adherence to quality standards, timelines, and budgetary constraints.
- Repair and Maintenance Oversight: Establish and manage standardized repair and preventative maintenance programs across all facilities to maximize tool lifespan, minimize downtime, and ensure consistent part quality. Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to tooling performance and maintenance effectiveness.
- Technical Problem Resolution: Serve as the primary technical expert for complex tooling issues, leading troubleshooting efforts, implementing effective corrective actions, and developing preventative measures to avoid recurrence.
- Team Leadership and Development: Recruit, train, mentor, and manage tool and die personnel across multiple locations. Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment based on servant leadership principles, empowering team members to develop their skills and contribute effectively.
- Vendor Relationship Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with external tooling vendors for new builds, repairs, and component sourcing. Negotiate contracts and ensure vendor performance meets company expectations for quality, cost, and delivery.
- Budgetary Control and Resource Management: Develop and manage the annual budget for the tool and die department, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and cost-effective operations. Monitor expenditures and implement cost-saving initiatives where appropriate.
- Safety: Ensure all tool and die operations comply with relevant safety regulations, company policies, and industry best practices. Promote a safety-conscious culture within the department.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, quality assurance, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of tooling activities with overall manufacturing processes and to address any tooling-related challenges collaboratively.
- Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Identify opportunities for process improvement within the tool and die function, implement best practices, and drive innovation in tooling design, maintenance, and repair techniques.
Do you have what it takes? Airlite Plastics is a versatile employer; complacency is not one of our strengths! We work hard each day to ensure that equipment efficiency and customer satisfaction never leave our line of sight. Successful candidates for the role will possess the following:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- Capability to solve complex problems, utilizing strong critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Superior organizational skills and the ability to assemble resources needed to orchestrate multiple projects/activities and accomplish goals.
- Model a collaborative leadership style with the ability to build partnerships and influence others into action.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and consultative approach; tactful in dealing with people at all levels.
- Strong sense of urgency, self-motivated and positive.
- Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations.
- Ability to actively lead change initiatives.
- Display highest ethical standards.
- Maintain the utmost level of confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information.
- Detail oriented, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related field) or equivalent combination of education and extensive experience in tool and die.
- Significant and progressive experience (typically 10+ years) in the build, repair, and maintenance of injection molding tools.
- Demonstrated leadership experience (5+ years) managing tool and die teams in a multi-site manufacturing environment.
- In-depth technical knowledge of injection mold design principles, construction methods, materials, and repair techniques.
- Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex tooling issues effectively.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control principles, and cost management.
Leadership Responsibilities:
Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of direct reports. Carries out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the company’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning and assigning work; appraising performance; rewarding and leading employees; addressing conflict resolution and providing workforce success opportunities for team members.
Our Core Values Drive Us!
- Do you conduct yourself with unquestionable integrity?
- Do you demonstrate respect and appreciation for those around you?
- Are you innovative and strive to challenge the status quo?
- Do you strive for continuous improvement and to deliver the “wow” factor?
- Do you care about environmentally sustainable solutions Do you take meaning and pride in a job well done?
What’s in it for you? As a Full-Time employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Company paid life insurance
- Company paid short term disability
- Generous 401k match
- Generous Time Off
- Annual company activities
Position Type: Full-time
