Tooling and Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Tooling and Design Manager

Company: Spectrum Plastics Group

Location: New Brighton, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Operations Management / Engineering Management

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and technically manage all Design and Tool Room activities to ensure efficient and effective operations.

• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives within Design and Tooling areas, focusing on efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Ensure timely delivery of design and tooling commitments to support critical development and production schedules.

• Manage departmental budgets, equipment acquisition, and maintenance to align with business objectives and ensure ROI.

• Provide strong leadership and professional development for the Tooling and Design team, fostering a culture of collaboration and adherence to company values.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of technical expertise in tooling and design and strategic operations management. The emphasis on "technical management," "process evaluation and implementation," and "budget compliance" strongly suggests a need for an operations-minded leader who can translate technical requirements into measurable business outcomes. The "Leadership Responsibilities" further underscore the operational and people management aspects critical for success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive technical management and oversight for all Design and Tool Room operations, ensuring alignment with Spectrum Plastics Group's strategic goals.

• Lead the evaluation, planning, acquisition, and maintenance of new technologies and equipment for Design and Tooling areas, ensuring optimal resource utilization and return on investment.

• Continuously assess and refine existing processes within Design and Tooling, identifying opportunities for efficiency gains, quality enhancements, and cost reduction, and spearheading implementation of approved improvements.

• Ensure all design and tooling commitments are met on time, directly supporting the smooth execution of development and production schedules.

• Uphold and enforce exceptional quality standards for all departmental work, ensuring consistency with organizational benchmarks and customer expectations.

• Manage departmental budgets for Design and Tooling, ensuring strict compliance with financial targets and reporting on variances.

• Oversee personnel management for the Design and Tooling team, including strategic staffing, hiring, comprehensive training, performance management, and compensation planning to meet business needs.

• Analyze workflow dynamics within Design and Tooling, optimizing work distribution and scheduling to maximize organizational resource efficiency.

• Actively promote and reinforce company policies, safety protocols, and organizational objectives among staff members through clear communication and personal example.

• Foster strong inter-departmental collaboration and resource utilization, building robust relationships within the Design and Tooling department and across other functional areas of Spectrum Plastics Group.

• Provide critical input for long-term resource and capital planning, contributing to the execution of Spectrum Plastics Group's overall business plan.

• Engage in cross-functional problem-solving initiatives, collaborating with management and other departments to identify and recommend potential operational improvements.

• Safeguard confidential company information and intellectual property diligently.

• Adhere strictly to all safety requirements as outlined in the company safety manual.

• Undertake and complete other projects and duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are clearly divided into Technical, Leadership, and General categories, providing a structured view of the role's scope. The emphasis on process evaluation, implementation, on-time delivery, budget compliance, and staff management highlights the critical operations and project management aspects of this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum of a two-year vocational diploma in Machining, Tool & Die, or Moldmaking is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of combined experience in mold making, CNC equipment operation, and general tool room operations is essential.

• A minimum of 10 years of combined experience with injection molding, CNC production machining, Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) processes, and secondary operations is required.

• A minimum of 5 years of supervisory or management experience is preferred. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in technical management within a Design and Tool Room environment.

• Deep understanding of mold making, CNC machining, and tool room best practices.

• Proficiency in evaluating and implementing process improvements for efficiency and quality.

• Strong capabilities in project management, ensuring on-time delivery of tooling and design commitments.

• Solid understanding of budgeting, financial oversight, and resource planning for capital equipment and operational expenses.

• Demonstrated ability in people management, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and team development.

• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills applicable to complex tooling and design challenges.

• Familiarity with safety regulations and compliance within a manufacturing setting. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge and practical application of CAD/CAM software.

• Proficient computer skills, including standard office suites and potentially specialized manufacturing software.

• Experience with Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) and secondary manufacturing operations.

• Experience in developing and managing departmental operational budgets.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a vocational diploma alongside extensive practical experience (10+ years) and preferred supervisory experience points to a role that values hands-on expertise and proven leadership in a technical manufacturing setting. The inclusion of specific manufacturing processes like LSR and secondary operations, alongside CAD/CAM knowledge, further refines the technical profile required.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase documented examples of successful process improvement initiatives within tool room or design operations, detailing the problem, implemented solution, and measurable outcomes (e.g., reduced cycle times, improved yield, cost savings).

• Provide case studies demonstrating effective management of design and tooling projects from conception to completion, highlighting on-time delivery and quality adherence.

• Include evidence of experience in developing and managing departmental budgets, with examples of financial planning, cost control, and ROI justification for equipment or technology investments.

• Present examples of leadership in managing technical teams, illustrating approaches to performance management, professional development, and workflow optimization. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate ability to document complex tooling and design processes, creating clear workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practice guides.

• Showcase experience in evaluating existing manufacturing processes, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing data-driven solutions for optimization.

• Provide examples of how you have ensured adherence to documented processes and quality standards within a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the nature of the responsibilities (process evaluation, implementation, budget compliance, on-time delivery) strongly implies that candidates will need to demonstrate these capabilities. A portfolio that includes project case studies, process improvement documentation, and budget management examples would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $148,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continued education to support career growth.

• Life Insurance: Company-provided life insurance coverage.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access to confidential support services.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet business demands and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a management role with significant technical experience in a manufacturing hub like Minnesota. The typical benefits package for a full-time position at a company of this size in the US is assumed. The working hours are standard, with the expectation of flexibility for operational needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Plastics Manufacturing (specifically injection molding, LSR, and related secondary operations). Spectrum Plastics Group is a significant player in the custom plastic manufacturing industry, serving diverse markets including medical, food, and industrial sectors.

Company Size: Spectrum Plastics Group is a large enterprise, indicated by its broad reach and multiple locations. This suggests a structured corporate environment with established processes and potential for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: The founding date of Spectrum Plastics Group is not provided, but its established presence in the industry suggests a history of growth and adaptation. The specific location mentioned, "Donatelle - New Brighton," implies this is a key facility or division within the larger group.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to a higher level of management, likely a Director of Operations, VP of Manufacturing, or similar executive role.

• You will directly manage a team of professionals and skilled tradespeople within the Design and Tool Room departments. This team will likely include designers, toolmakers, machinists, and potentially support staff.

• Close collaboration is expected with Production Managers, Engineering teams (both product and manufacturing), Quality Assurance, and Procurement departments to ensure seamless integration of tooling and design into the manufacturing lifecycle. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The emphasis on budget compliance, process evaluation, and ROI justification indicates a need for analytical skills and reliance on data to inform decisions.

• Process Optimization Focus: Continuous improvement is a core theme, suggesting a culture that values efficiency, lean principles, and proactive problem-solving.

• Quality First Approach: Upholding exceptional quality standards is a key responsibility, pointing to a commitment to product integrity and customer satisfaction.

Company Website: Spectrum Plastics Group (Note: The provided URL was spectrumplastics.com, which appears to be a valid domain for the company.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The industry context of plastics manufacturing, particularly with specialized processes like LSR, provides a clear operational focus. The implied company size suggests that established operational frameworks, but also opportunities for significant impact and process refinement, exist within the organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, overseeing critical technical functions that directly impact manufacturing output and product development. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise and strong leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Tooling and Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations or Vice President of Manufacturing, indicating a significant level of responsibility within the organization's operational hierarchy.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the company's ability to produce high-quality plastic components efficiently. Effective tooling and design management are foundational to manufacturing throughput, cost control, product quality, and the successful launch of new products, all of which are key drivers of revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential advancement to higher-level operations leadership roles such as Director of Manufacturing, VP of Operations, or Plant Manager, especially within a larger organization like Spectrum Plastics Group.

• Horizontal Growth: Opportunity to expand responsibilities into broader areas of manufacturing engineering, global tooling strategy, or new technology implementation across multiple sites.

• Skill Development: Gaining deeper expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies, lean manufacturing principles, strategic capital investment planning, and advanced people leadership through managing larger teams and complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key operational leader, offering significant potential for career progression within a larger manufacturing group. The combination of technical and leadership responsibilities provides a strong foundation for advancement into broader operational management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, requiring a physical presence at the Donatelle – New Brighton facility. It involves a blend of office-based responsibilities (planning, budgeting, team management) and time spent on the manufacturing floor (overseeing tool room activities, interacting with machinists and designers, ensuring safety).

Office Location(s): The primary work location is:

• 501 W County Rd E2, New Brighton, MN 55112, USA. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that requires constant interaction with the Design and Tooling team, production staff, engineers, and management.

• Tool Room Access: Regular access to the tool room floor is expected, necessitating an understanding of safety protocols and the ability to work in a manufacturing environment.

• Technology Integration: The role will leverage various design software (CAD/CAM), project management tools, ERP systems, and communication platforms.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, typically Monday through Friday.

• Flexibility is crucial, as project deadlines, equipment issues, or production needs may require work outside of standard hours, including potential weekend or evening support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is emphasized, highlighting the need for a manager who can be present and engaged with both the technical team and the manufacturing operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (e.g., Director of Operations) focusing on technical expertise, leadership style, and operational philosophy. Be prepared to discuss your experience with tooling, design, process improvement, and team management.

• Technical/Team Interview: This may involve an interview with key members of the Design and Tooling team or other engineering leaders. Expect questions related to specific technical challenges, problem-solving methodologies, and how you foster team collaboration.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to present a portfolio or specific case studies demonstrating your past successes in areas like process improvement, project management, or budget oversight. Prepare examples that showcase your impact.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For any process improvement or project management examples, focus on quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced mold cycle time by 15%," "Achieved 98% on-time delivery for tooling projects," "Managed a $X capital equipment budget with Y% variance").

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Present challenges you've overcome in tooling design or tool room operations, detailing your analytical approach and the solution implemented.

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you've developed your team, managed performance, and fostered a positive and productive work environment.

• Demonstrate Technical Breadth: If you have CAD/CAM experience, be ready to discuss specific software and applications. If you've worked with LSR or complex injection molding, highlight those projects.

• Tailor to Spectrum Plastics Group: Research the company's specific markets (medical, food, industrial) and mention how your experience aligns with their needs and operational challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "How would you address a critical tooling