Job Title: Toolroom Manager

Location: Sunderland

Salary: £43,000-£48,000

The Company:

Theo James and our Leadership and Executive Search are delighted to be on our hunt for a Toolroom Manager based in Sunderland. Theo James Recruitment has partnered with this company on multiple successful placements and we endorse them highly as an outstanding place to work. They offer a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where employees are genuinely valued and supported in their career growth. A well-established and forward-thinking manufacturer based in Sunderland, where you'll lead a dedicated Toolroom team supporting both internal production and external customer needs. This business is a respected player in the precision manufacturing space, with a long-standing reputation for technical excellence, innovation, and staff development.

Job Description:

As Toolroom Manager, you'll take full ownership of the day-to-day running of the Toolroom, managing the design and manufacture of tooling, jigs, and fixtures. This is a key leadership role offering a real opportunity to drive operational efficiency, team development, and technical innovation. You'll work closely with CNC machinists, toolmakers, engineers, and account managers to ensure tooling is delivered efficiently, accurately, and on time.

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Leading a multi-skilled Toolroom team, ensuring priorities, resources, and workloads are well-balanced

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Overseeing in-house tooling design and manufacture using SolidWorks and CAM software

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Driving process improvements and performance standards across the department

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Managing CNC operations and ensuring optimum use of the Haas vertical milling station

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Supporting cost analysis and decision-making on in-house vs subcontracted tooling

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Maintaining tooling records, stock levels, and consumable audits to reduce downtime

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Working with production, engineering, and maintenance to commission new machinery and processes

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Using systems like Piranha to log, track, and improve tooling records and change management

Skills & Experience:

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Proven experience in Toolroom / CNC / Engineering management

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Strong understanding of toolmaking processes and design software (SolidWorks essential)

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Excellent communication and leadership skills - confident guiding and developing teams

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Organised, detail-focused and commercially aware

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Hands-on mentality with the ability to manage both people and production challenges

Why Should You Apply?

* Competitive salary

* Lead and shape a modern toolroom team

* Join a company investing in new systems, tooling, and technology

* Strong culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement

* Backed and recommended by Theo James Recruitment