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. Other Responsibilities Includes 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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, …

View the full posting and apply