Toolroom Manager

Founded in 1975, with its head office in Blackburn, England, PPE operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and the US, plus sales offices and Channel Partner networks across the US, Europe and Asia.

PPE manufactures high-performance O-rings and sealing components using advanced elastomer materials and precision designs that extend equipment life.

Seals are critical to the function of industrial systems, and PPE’s solutions are trusted in the most demanding environments.

Today, PPE offers over 200 elastomer grades used globally across industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, food and pharma manufacturing, marine and power generation, aerospace, and semiconductors.

The company’s success is built on the continual development of new elastomer materials combined with exceptional levels of customer service and technical support.

Job Title: Toolroom Manager

Department: Operations

Location: PPE Ltd, Blackburn, Lancashire

Work location: On Site Full Time, 08.30AM - 17.00PM

Salary: £48,000.00 - £53,000.00 + annual bonus scheme

About Us:

Precision Polymer Engineering Ltd (PPE) is a leading provider of high-performance O-rings, technical rubber mouldings and sealing solutions to a diverse range of industries across the world.

Precision Polymer Engineering is part of the IDEX Sealing Solutions group of companies (a Unit of IDEX Corporation). IDEX Sealing Solutions comprises companies that focus on precision engineered sealing solutions to support and enable equipment used in critical applications, in some of the world's most demanding environments.

Primary Function:

To lead the Toolroom at PPE in the manufacture of compression tools for high performance industries. By providing an excellent service to our customers, both internal and external, the Toolroom Manager will ensure that industry best practice machining methods are embedded, enabling the team to meet KPI’s and improve customer experience. The Toolroom Manager will focus on health & safety, quality, efficiency and on time delivery of the department. They will be responsible for the development of the Toolroom operation plan that will include considerations on delivery dates, material availability, skills and development of the Toolroom team.   

When required both for production and training the Toolroom Manager will need to operate Fanuc and Heidenhain operating systems for both turning and milling.

Key Tasks:

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) setting, monitoring and improving

• Reviewing and reporting on daily performance using KPI’s to identify issues and remove roadblocks to achieving performance.
• Report and manage issues that arise in the Toolroom ensuring action is taken to remove problems and maintain delivery to the factory.
• Work alongside other leaders to ensure a consistent message is delivered on key communication.
• Ensure individual performance and behaviour levels are set and reviewed with all team members.
• Be responsible for labour planning and ensuring that holidays and absenteeism is covered.
• Drive improvement in cellular performance ensuring that best practice is shared across the wider IDEX sealing solutions platform.
• Build engagement levels within the team, tackling issues that are raised in a professional and proactive fashion

Employee Development and Talent Review

• Conduct annual talent review with support of HR Partner

• Coordinate and deliver the Toolroom training plan 
• Coach and develop members of the team in order to raise overall skill level within the Toolroom

Staffing Levels and Recruitment

• Manage the day-to-day timekeeping and absence management of the team in the Toolroom ensuring company policies and procedures are adhered to and delivered consistently
• Ensure employee disciplines are in place and ensure any breaches of company policy are dealt with

Continuous Improvement Initiatives

• Involvement with and leading Toolroom Lean improvement initiatives.
• Working across all shifts ensuring new ideas / processes are deployed in a consistent controlled manner.
• Put forward ideas for improvement activity and capital investments working with the Process Engineering team and the wider manufacturing team.

Reports to:

Site Leader

Direct Report(s):

Toolmakers, Kitters

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications:

• Experience using numerous Machine operating systems with Fanuc and Heidenhain advantageous
• Prior experience using ERP computer systems with JD Edwards knowledge advantageous
• HNC (or equivalent) minimum in related discipline
• Minimum of five years Tool Fabrication / Machining experience
• Management experience within in a fast paced environment
• Proven demonstrated experience in handling employee development and training.  
• Experience of LEAN manufacturing tools and techniques with demonstrable benefits.
• A proven strong communicator

Person Specification:

Drive for Results

Is a motivated and driven individual who delivers results in their particular area of responsibility. Will overcome obstacles and deal with issues to ensure performance targets are hit.   

Decision Quality

Makes good quality decisions that bring about a positive response on their particular area and are in-line with IDEX values. Decisions are usually correct especially when working more remotely on their particular shift pattern.

Communication

Communicates in a way that engages and motivates their team. Is able to use strong communication techniques to build rapport and trust with their team and can show empathy when needed. Can set direction in a manner that allows people to feel empowered. Is able to give and receive feedback in a timely and constructive manner.

Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. 

Adapts communication style appropriately for different situations. 

Developing Self / Team

Is personally committed to improve self.  Works on compensating for own weaknesses and links this to their team.  Seeks feedback and acts upon it putting in place plans where required for development.

Adaptability/ Managing Change

Takes time with their team to understand resistance to issues and challenges. Works to try and understand and change differing opinions and perceptions.  Gains trust and buy in to make improvements. Helps create a team culture which supports new ways of doing things.

Interpersonal Skills

Is approachable and works on resolving conflict, uses active listening skills to put team members at ease and keeps their own emotions under control. Creates a team environment with direct reports that drives best practice.

Cost Consciousness

Is aware of costs both people and materials and works hard to make improvements to control costs.

Is responsible for controlling extra hours worked on their particular area.

Ethics

Treats people with respect and works to promote IDEX values

Initiative

Demonstrates initiative when faced with issues and constantly looks and tries to make improvements.

At PPE, we are open to new ways of working in order to attract talented people to our business. We understand that everyone has different needs and commitments. Although we can't guarantee to meet all requests for flexibility when we are recruiting, we are very open to discuss any flexible requirement or need that you may have for this role.