Senior Toolmaker

Reference: HQ001246-Tasmi-1

Job Title: Senior Toolmaker

Department: Toolroom / Manufacturing

Location: Western Cape

Employment Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 30 June 2026

Stratogo is a professional recruitment and workforce solutions company specializing in sourcing and placing top talent across various industries.

Our client, a leading manufacturer within the plastics and packaging sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Toolmaker to join their manufacturing operation. The successful candidate will be responsible for the manufacture, repair, maintenance, and optimization of moulds and related tooling components while ensuring maximum equipment performance, quality standards, and operational efficiency within the Toolroom environment.

This role requires a highly skilled artisan with extensive experience in mould maintenance, fault finding, precision engineering, and Toolroom operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Toolroom Operations

• Operate Toolroom machinery and equipment safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
• Manufacture and maintain moulds, tooling, and engineering components required for production operations.
• Ensure Toolroom equipment remains in good working condition and is utilized according to operational requirements.
• Maintain Toolroom facilities, equipment, and work areas to high housekeeping and safety standards.

Mould Manufacturing, Repair & Maintenance

• Manufacture, repair, and maintain moulds and related components from engineering drawings and specifications.
• Conduct fault finding, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis on moulds and tooling.
• Assess tooling returned from production and initiate maintenance or repair work as required.
• Assist with mould design improvements and provide technical input into tooling modifications.
• Ensure all tooling repairs and manufacturing activities are completed accurately and within agreed production schedules.
• Liaise with management regarding technical issues, repair requirements, and production priorities.

Reporting & Administration

• Complete required maintenance, repair, and production reports accurately and on time.
• Maintain stock levels of machining tools, cutting tools, and Toolroom consumables.
• Ensure all tooling records, maintenance activities, and documentation are up to date.
• Take responsibility for the upkeep and organization of the machine shop and Toolroom assets.

Training & Mentorship

• Train, coach, and mentor Tool, Jig & Die apprentices.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior team members.
• Promote skills development and knowledge sharing within the Toolroom environment.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and safe working procedures.
• Maintain housekeeping standards within assigned work areas and equipment.
• Report safety hazards, incidents, accidents, and near misses.
• Adhere to company quality standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Ensure tooling and maintenance activities meet quality and operational requirements.

Food Safety Compliance

• Apply food safety principles and standards where applicable.
• Comply with Food Safety Management System (FSMS) requirements.
• Maintain GMP standards and report any food safety concerns or non-conformances.

Continuous Improvement & Self-Development

• Stay informed of new technologies, tooling innovations, and engineering best practices.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork, leadership, accountability, and professional conduct.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Qualified Tool, Jig & Die Maker Trade Test (MERSETA).
• Minimum N2 qualification.
• Minimum 10–15 years' experience as a Toolmaker within a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience operating Toolroom machinery and equipment.
• Strong experience in mould manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and refurbishment.
• Experience within plastics, packaging, injection moulding, blow moulding, or related manufacturing environments will be highly advantageous.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications accurately.
• Strong understanding of fault finding, equipment testing, and tooling maintenance.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations, quality standards, and GMP requirements.

Skills & Competencies

• Toolmaking & Precision Engineering
• Mould Manufacturing & Maintenance
• Toolroom Operations
• Technical Drawing Interpretation
• Fault Finding & Troubleshooting
• Root Cause Analysis
• Plastics Processing Knowledge
• Equipment Testing & Installation
• Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking
• Planning & Organisational Skills
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Training & Mentorship
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Quality & GMP Compliance
• Ability to Perform Under Pressure

What is on Offer

• Competitive market-related remuneration package.
• Opportunity to join a leading manufacturing business within the plastics sector.
• Exposure to advanced Toolroom equipment and manufacturing technologies.
• Stable permanent employment within an established operation.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Dynamic technical and engineering-focused working environment.

How to Apply

Send CV: ***email_hidden***

Please ensure the job title "Senior Toolmaker" is reflected in the subject line of your email application.

Note: If you do not receive a response within three weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

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