Die Maintenance Supervisor

Job Title: Die Maintenance Supervisor
Location: Middletown, CT, USA
Job Type: Full Time

JOB SUMMARY:

The Die Maintenance Supervisor oversees the maintenance and repair of dies used in the manufacturing process. They will be responsible for preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of the stamping dies. Must work with team to ensure timely schedules of work and coordinate with production to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. The position requires a good working knowledge of Progressive, Cut-off, Piercing, Blanking and Forming Dies and preventive maintenance.

• Works by our core values:
• Be eager to learn.
• Deliver above and beyond.
• Be a team player.
• Focus on solutions.
• Embrace change.
• Gets it, wants it and has the capacity to do it.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Supervise Die Maintenance Team:

• Lead and manage a team responsible for die maintenance and repair.
• Approves and monitors employee time and attendance.
• Consults with human resources on personnel related issues. Take disciplinary action if required.
• Completes new hire and annual performance evaluations for assigned personnel.

Develop Maintenance Plans:

• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to develop preventive maintenance plans for dies to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Works from engineering drawings, sketches, verbal instructions or existing parts to produce gages, tools, parts for machines, dies, molds and other equipment

Schedule Maintenance Activities:

• Plan and schedule maintenance activities, including routine inspections, repairs, and refurbishments, to minimize downtime and meet production targets.

Troubleshooting:

• Identify and troubleshoot issues with dies to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Perform machining and fabricating on stamping dies for repair or improvement
• Performs turning, boring, drilling, polishing, grinding and threading to maintain dies and fabricate replacement parts as needed.
• Uses precision measuring devices such as micrometers, dial calipers and indicators to verify dimensions to drawing(s).
• Should be familiar with the following equipment and their capabilities: Wire EDM, CNC Mills, Heat Treating, Grinders (surface, OD and ID)
• Ability to set up, and operate standard tool room equipment to repair and maintain dies and molds
• Perform machining and fabricating on stamping dies for repair or improvement

Coordinate with Production:

• Work closely with production to prioritize maintenance activities, coordinate die changeovers, and ensure seamless integration of maintenance schedules with production schedules.
• Consults with production planning to schedule overtime to meet production requirements

Manage Spare Parts Inventory:

• Maintain an inventory of spare parts and tools necessary for die maintenance and ensure adequate stock levels to support maintenance activities.
• Orders tools, production equipment parts, production materials, and other departmental items.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure that all maintenance activities meet quality standards and comply with safety regulations and company policies.

Training and Development:

• Provide training and development opportunities to die maintenance team to enhance their skills and knowledge of die maintenance techniques and procedures.
• Monitor die apprenticeship training, (if applicable).
• Assist with die setter training for production staff.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including work orders, inspections, repairs, and replacements. Generate reports on maintenance performance, downtime, and efficiency metrics.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements in die maintenance procedures, tools, and technologies to increase reliability, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.

Team Collaboration:

• Participates in weekly L-10 meetings
• Fosters a positive and collaborative work environment.

Health and Safety:

• Adheres strictly to all safety protocols, guidelines, and procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of colleagues and visitors.
• Report any safety hazards, incidents, or concerns immediately to supervisors or designated safety personnel for prompt resolution.
• Participates actively in safety training programs and engages in promoting a culture of safety within the workplace, fostering a secure environment for everyone.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participates in all training as required.
• Maintains a neat and orderly work area.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Achieves all departmental Key Operating Indicators (KOI)
• Attains 7S system departmental goals
• Participates in the new die and mold design review meeting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Exposure to a noisy and busy manufacturing environment.
• Use of PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots, is mandatory.
• Working in a fast-paced setting to meet production deadlines.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Mathematical Skills Ability to add and subtract, multiply, divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• A background in die maintenance with a minimum of five years of experience and demonstrated proficiency as a machinist
• Should be mechanically inclined and have a working knowledge of punch presses
• Experience in Metal Stamping, familiar with Progressive, Cut-off, Piercing, Blanking and Forming dies
• Ability to operate all tool room equipment & machinery
• Able to read blueprints
• Proven in-press, trouble-shooting abilities
• Ability to effectively lead, and work with a group of people with diverse abilities and backgrounds
• Strong communication (oral and written) skills. Able to communicate in English effectively
• Possess excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
• Basic to intermediate computer skills using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD.
• Analytic abilities to troubleshoot production and technical problems
• Possess or be able to obtain job related equipment certifications including but not limited to forklift and crane operation.
• Able to lift or move up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast paced, team-oriented environment
• Able to work extended daily or weekend schedules with little or no notice.
• Ability to obtain forklift and overhead crane permits.
• Flexibility to work extra hours when needed and different shifts.
• Excellent attendance and performance record
• Ability to work with others in a fast-paced team environment
• Ability to exercise initiative, common sense and ability to maintain effective internal and external working relationships.
• Highly organized, self-starter with a positive attitude.