Manager, New Tooling Operations

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.

Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.

Learn about our company culture directly from our team.

YOU

The New Tooling Operations Manager provides leadership and direction for both the Tool & Die Design Supervisor and the Tool & Die Shop Supervisor, overseeing the end-to-end process of new tooling-from concept and design through build, tryout, release, and ongoing improvement. This role manages workflow, production scheduling, material procurement, capacity planning, and outsourcing decisions to ensure that tooling supports production needs and meets all new product launch timelines. The New Tooling Operations Manager collaborates closely with Engineering, Product Management, and Operations to ensure tooling is safe, cost-effective, and aligned with business and customer expectations.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING(% of Time)

Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams (30%)

• Directly manage the Tool & Die Design Supervisor and Tool & Die Shop Supervisor.
• Develop, coach, and evaluate team members while fostering collaboration between design and the tool room.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Capacity & Resource Planning and Cross-Functional Collaboration (25%)

• Partner with Engineering, Product Management and Production teams to align tooling schedules with NPD phases, prototypes, and pilot builds.
• Manage labor allocation, machine capacity, and tool room utilization for all new tooling work.
• Forecast tooling workloads and prepare resource plans to support growth, seasonal demand, and major product launches.
• Implement process improvements to increase throughput and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with Operations and Supply Chain on sourcing, scheduling, and material strategies.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for tooling issues affecting try outs, pilot runs, or production.

New Tooling Design & Engineering (20%)

• Oversee die design, modeling, and detailing using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent platforms.
• Review and approve new tooling designs to ensure functionality, manufacturability, and long-term durability.
• Partner with Engineering and Product Management to provide tooling input during concept and feasibility reviews for new products as well as ensuring design aligns with manufacturing capabilities and best practices

Tool Room & Tooling Build Operations (15%)

• Manage the daily workflow for new tooling builds, modifications, and tryouts.
• Oversee production scheduling for both design and shop resources to meet project deadlines.
• Ensure timely and accurate purchase of materials, components, and supplies needed for tool builds.
• Determine when to outsource tooling work based on cost, lead time, capacity, and capability.

Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Establish and improve tooling design standards, documentation practices, and build processes.
• Identify opportunities for technology upgrades, process automation, and improved efficiency.
• Lead efforts to improve tool room organization, 5S practices, safety, and preventive maintenance.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

If you can do everything listed above, you've got what it takes. Perhaps some of the following would be helpful too:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 7+ years of experience in tooling engineering, tool & die design, or tool room leadership.
• Minimum of 5 years in a manufacturing environment with an understanding of progressive stamping dies, tooling processes, design principles and manufacturing methods.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role managing teams and driving results.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and mentor diverse teams, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Skilled in performance management, goal setting, and employee development, with a focus on empowering individuals to own their growth and contributions.
• Demonstrated success in driving change, prioritizing initiatives, and aligning team efforts with organizational goals.

Technical & Analytical Skills:

• Proficient in 2D/3D CAD software and capable of interpreting complex tooling and product drawings. Proficienct in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar mechanical design software.
• Strong mathematical aptitude, including basic algebra and geometry, with the ability to perform precise measurements using micrometers, calipers, tape measures (to 1/32"), and combination squares (to 1).
• Comfortable using hand and power tools, as well as industrial equipment, in support of technical operations.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Experience working cross-functionally with design, engineering, and procurement teams to coordinate resources and deliver tooling solutions.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, professional journals, and operational procedures to inform decision-making.

Systems & Tools:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and internal business systems (e.g., ERP, scheduling, inventory management).

Professional Standards:

• Consistently models and enforces the highest standards of safety, reliability, and attendance.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and problem-solving skills in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, see, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. This role operates large equipment while standing for approximately 8-12 hours, regularly twisting, and bending in a repetitive motion. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and heavier weights with proper equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job may risk exposure to heat and/or cold, loud noise levels, vibration, and moving mechanical parts.

Travel

This position requires domestic and international travel up to 10% of the time.

WORK STATUS & LOCATION

This full-time, exempt position is located in Stockton, CA.

RELOCATION

Relocation is available for this position.

PAY

$98,700 - $167,800 / year

REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG-TIE

We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first-rate benefits. May exclude some positions, such as seasonal jobs.

• Quarterly Bonuses/Commission:You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue - directly or indirectly - and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits.
• Benefits: We provide a wide range of benefits for eligible full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, employee stock purchase and bonus plans, pay for holidays, vacation, sick days, funerals and jury duty, years of service awards, employee discounts, employee referral bonuses, charitable contribution matching, education reimbursement and more. View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/.

In keeping with our values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that our employment decisions are based on your qualifications and merit, and our business needs.

Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful background investigation and drug test. Simpson Strong-Tie's drug policy is based upon Federal Law, and therefore will screen applicants for amphetamines, including methamphetamines, cocaine, phencyclidine and opiates.

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