Die Manager

Job Summary

The Die Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the die maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization processes to ensure high-quality extrusion operations. This leadership role involves managing the die shop team, coordinating with production teams, ensuring die performance, and driving die-related improvements to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. The Die Supervisor will ensure proper die handling, maintenance, and corrections, while also implementing best practices to support continuous improvement.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Die Management & Maintenance:
  • Supervise the maintenance, inspection, and repair of extrusion dies.
  • Ensure proper storage, handling, and tracking of dies.
  • Monitor die wear and schedule reworks or replacements as needed.
  • Maintain and enforce standards for die safety, cleanliness, and organization.
• Die Correction & Optimization:
  • Inspect and modify extrusion dies to correct defects and improve performance.
  • Analyze extrusion profiles and adjust dies for proper material flow.
  • Ensure dies meet specifications and quality standards before use.
  • Collaborate with die engineers to implement corrective modifications.
• Production Support & Troubleshooting:
  • Work closely with production teams to address die-related issues in real-time.
  • Analyze extrusion defects, implement corrective actions, and ensure that die performance meets production quality standards.
  • Provide guidance and troubleshooting support to the production team during production runs.
• Process Improvement & Optimization:
  • Identify opportunities for die longevity improvements and process efficiencies.
  • Implement best practices in die design, coatings, and maintenance procedures.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams for continuous improvement initiatives focused on die performance.
• Team Leadership & Training:
  • Lead, supervise, and provide guidance to die shop technicians and other team members.
  • Train team members on best practices for die maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety protocols.
  • Ensure that the team adheres to safety, quality, and operational standards.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and provide mentorship to develop technical skills within the team.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate records of die performance, maintenance, modifications, and troubleshooting.
  • Provide regular reports on die efficiency, defect trends, and areas for improvement to die engineering and production departments.
  • Monitor die performance metrics and ensure adherence to operational goals.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• Proven experience in aluminum extrusion die management and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of extrusion processes, die design principles, and materials.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on process improvement.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to supervise, train, and mentor a team of technicians.
• Proficiency in using die tracking and maintenance software (e.g., Epics).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.

Preferred Experience & Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Technical degree in manufacturing, engineering, or related field preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in aluminum extrusion, with a focus on die management.
• Knowledge of die coatings, materials, and reworking process.
• Experience in leading a team within a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with CNC machining, toolmaking, or die shop operations is beneficial.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand and/or walk for 10 hours.
• Lifting or carrying 50 pounds.
• Hand use includes grip strength and control, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, ability to perform repetitive tasks, hand agility and flexibility, object handling and lifting ability.