Tooling Buyer

The Tooling Sourcing Buyer will be responsible for the procurement, technical evaluation, and lifecycle management of injection moulds, plastic part check fixtures (gauge/fixture), EOA (End-of-Arm tooling), and degator tooling for new automotive programs. This role requires technical understanding of plastics manufacturing, tooling engineering, APQP/PPAP processes, and strategic sourcing within a Tier-1 automotive environment. The engineer will collaborate closely with internal cross-functional teams and global suppliers to ensure best-in-class quality, cost, delivery, and risk mitigation.

1. Tooling & Equipment Sourcing

Lead sourcing activities for:

• Injection moulds (1K, 2K, Family moulds, hot runner/cold runner)
• Plastic part check fixtures & measurement gauges
• EOA / End-of-Arm tooling for automation
• Degator / deflashing tools
• Develop sourcing strategies aligned with program timing, cost targets, and engineering requirements.
• Prepare the RFQ, manage cost-breakdowns, and negotiate pricing, payment terms, warranty, and engineering changes.
• Conduct supplier benchmarking for capability, capacity, quality systems, delivery performance, and financial health.

2. Technical Analysis & Cost Engineering

• Review 3D models, GD&T, mold flow reports, tool design concepts, and fixture/EOA designs to ensure manufacturability and cost competitiveness.
• Evaluate tooling BOMs (steel grade, hot runner system, components, standard parts).
• Validate suppliers’ cost breakdowns (material, machining, labor hours, heat treatment, try-outs, transportation).
• Optimize tooling concepts to meet cycle time, scrap rate, and production efficiency targets.

3. Program Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with internal teams (Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, Tool Shop, and Finance) to align on sourcing decisions.
• Track tooling timing, FAT/SAT, tool trials (T0/T1/T2), and supplier readiness for SOP.
• Support PPAP submission and ensure fixture/EOA capability during production validation.

4. Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain a high-quality global supplier network for molds, fixtures, and automation components.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure adherence to quality, delivery, cost, and service expectations.
• Coordinate supplier audits, process capability studies, and risk assessments.
• Drive corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives (cost down, OEE improvement, design optimization).

5. Tooling Lifecycle & Risk Management

• Support tooling kick-off, DFM reviews, design validation, and mold/fixture buy-off processes.
• Oversee tool construction progress, steel ordering, machining, and try-out reports.
• Manage tooling changes due to engineering updates (ECR/ECN).
• Assess risks and develop mitigation plans (backup suppliers, tool duplication, steel insertion plans, spare parts planning).
• Support tool transfer activities (domestic & international) when required.

6. Commercial & Contractual Responsibilities

• Execute tooling purchase orders, supplier agreements, warranty terms, and lifetime volume commitments.
• Review and confirm tool asset tagging, depreciation schedules, and tooling amortization plans per OEM compliance.
• Track and reconcile tooling invoicing, payment milestones, and cost-recovery with OEM customers when applicable.
• Manage tooling cost changes and ensure alignment with program BOM and financial targets.

To qualify for this role you must meet the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Min 3 years of experience in tooling procurement, injection molding, or equipment sourcing within the automotive Tier-1 environment.
• Hands-on experience with tooling engineering (molds, fixtures, automation, or robotics).
• Understanding of APQP, PPAP, GD&T, mold flow, CMM, gauge R&R.

Key to being successful in this role

• Knowledge of injection mold construction, machining processes, hot runner systems, steel selection, and design standards.
• Familiar with check fixture design principles, CMM measurement, R&R, and gauge repeatability requirements.
• Experience with robotic EOA tooling design, EOAT components, quick-change systems, and degating equipment.
• Solid understanding of cost breakdowns and manufacturing cost drivers.
• Ability to read and interpret CAD (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) and technical drawings.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with global suppliers.
• Able to manage multiple programs simultaneously under tight timelines.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and financially disciplined.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional coordination ability.