Tool Shop Manager

TOOL SHOP MANAGER

Why join Aptiv? You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge applications, develop breakthrough technologies, and deliver innovative solutions to some of the world's leading automotive brands. See your work come to life on the road-helping make mobility safer, greener, and more connected. Ready to shape the future of mobility with us?

YOUR ROLE

As a Tool Shop Manager, you will lead the Tool Room and Tool Shop operations to ensure maximum equipment availability, tooling performance, and manufacturing efficiency. This role is responsible for managing tooling maintenance strategies, reducing downtime and scrap, developing technical talent, driving continuous improvement projects, and ensuring effective execution of preventive maintenance and spare parts management systems. The successful candidate combines strong technical expertise with leadership, project management, and operational excellence skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and reduce departmental downtime by developing and implementing corrective action plans.
• Audit Tool Room operating systems and processes to ensure compliance, effectiveness, and proper follow-up of maintenance activities.
• Provide technical support to line technicians and bench technicians to prevent production interruptions and customer issues.
• Develop and implement tooling improvement plans targeting scrap reduction and downtime elimination.
• Lead the development of team competencies, including leadership, project management, tooling design, and technical expertise.
• Coordinate onboarding and technical training for newly hired technicians.
• Serve as a technical advisor for complex tooling, maintenance, and manufacturing issues.
• Oversee the fabrication and availability of replacement components within the Tool Shop to support production requirements.
• Drive tooling improvement initiatives to reduce repair costs, tooling damage, and consumable expenses.
• Lead RPS and continuous improvement projects focused on reducing setup and adjustment times while increasing overall plant OEE.
• Manage spare parts systems to ensure preventive maintenance programs are executed according to tooling cycle requirements.
• Monitor tooling performance metrics and establish action plans to improve reliability and productivity.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Manage departmental budgets and support cost reduction initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Business-level English proficiency (written and verbal).
• Strong experience in tooling management, including molds, dies, fixtures, and gages.
• Proven knowledge of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance systems.
• Experience with tooling manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, EDM, turning, milling, and grinding.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Knowledge of metrology principles and precision measurement equipment.
• Experience leading Root Cause Analysis methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, and Ishikawa.
• Experience managing critical spare parts programs and tooling lifecycle management.
• Strong leadership, team development, and coaching skills.
• Project management and continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Budget management and cost control experience.

• You can grow at Aptiv. Aptiv provides an inclusive work environment where all individuals can grow and develop, regardless of gender, ethnicity or beliefs.
• You can have an impact. Safety is a core Aptiv value; we want a safer world for us and our children, one with: Zero fatalities, Zero injuries, Zero accidents.
• You have support. We ensure you have the resources and support you need to take care of your family and your physical and mental health with a competitive health insurance package.

• Savings Fund
• Pension Plan
• Christmas Bonus
• Attendance Bonus
• Vacation Premium
• Medical Expenses
• Life Insurance
• Social security (IMSS, INFONAVIT, Retirement)
• Recognition for innovation and excellence
• Opportunities to give back to the community