Job Summary
Die-shop Manager will report directly to the Plant Manager. You will be responsible for establishing, organizing, and managing the complete die maintenance operation for our extrusion presses. Your primary objective is to ensure maximum die availability, stable profile quality, long die life, and minimum press downtime. This role includes active participation in the commissioning of the new greenfield facility, developing SOPs, and building a highly competent local team.
Production Ave, 1309, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101, US
Responsibilities
- Establish and organize the complete die shop operation from scratch (from receipt to release of dies).
- Manage the receipt, thorough inspection, and failure analysis of dies returning from extrusion presses.
- Oversee critical processes: die cleaning, bearing correction/polishing, assembly/disassembly, heat treatment, and nitriding.
- Organize die storage, preservation, correct identification, and production readiness. Release ready dies to production in strict alignment with the extrusion schedule.
- Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and clear work instructions.
- Plan and execute preventive maintenance schedules for dies and related tooling.
- Implement and maintain a comprehensive die history and traceability database, integrating it with plant systems (MES/ERP).
- Cooperate cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance teams, and external die suppliers.
- Lead root cause analysis of die-related extrusion defects and drive effective corrective actions.
- Build, hire, train, and manage the die shop technician team, establishing clear KPIs.
- Provide hands-on coaching directly on the shop floor and support technicians in complex technical problem-solving.
Experience
- 7+ years of proven experience within the aluminum extrusion industry.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience working directly with extrusion dies.
- Minimum 3 years in a leadership role managing a die shop or tooling department.
- Solid experience with hollow and solid dies, die correction, bearing adjustment, and nitriding processes.
- Experience launching or expanding greenfield production facilities is highly desirable.
- Practical knowledge of extrusion die construction, tool steels, bearing design, metal flow balancing, and die failure mechanisms.
- Deep understanding of die cleaning technologies, nitriding, heat treatment, and surface finishing.
- Hands-on experience with die cleaning systems, nitriding/heat treatment furnaces, grinding/polishing equipment, measuring instruments, assembly benches, and lifting equipment.
- We are looking for a hands-on leader who spends significant time on the shop floor, coaches technicians, and actively supports production under pressure.
- Strong English communication skills are mandatory.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Full support (visa and others).
- Work with a strong brand setting industry standards.
- Full-time, stable employment in a modern, rapidly growing manufacturing company.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advanced industry training.
- All necessary safety gear and a structured, professional work environment.
- KPI-based bonuses.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person
