Toolmaker / Bench Hand
Location: Dudley
Hours: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
The Company
Our client is a long-established manufacturing business with a busy press shop and dedicated toolroom. They are now seeking an experienced Toolmaker / Bench Hand to support tooling maintenance, repairs and production operations on site.
The Role
As a Toolmaker / Bench Hand, you will be responsible for maintaining, servicing and repairing press tools to ensure smooth and efficient production. This is a hands-on role requiring strong bench fitting skills, experience with progression press tooling and the ability to work independently to tight deadlines.
You will work closely with tooling engineers and press setters, ensuring tooling is maintained to a high standard, breakdowns are quickly resolved, and production downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.
Key Responsibilities
* Clean and degrease press tools returned from production for service or breakdown repair
* Strip down and rebuild press tools for regrind or replacement of components
* Work independently with minimal supervision from the tooling engineer
* Support press setters with tooling adjustments and repairs to keep tools running in production wherever possible
* Assist press shop staff in identifying correct parts, screws, dowels and components to avoid tooling damage or scrap
* Manufacture tooling parts during breakdowns to minimise production downtime
* Support production teams with changeover parts as required across shifts
* Report low stock levels of consumables to the toolroom office
* Report any defective tooling equipment or issues requiring attention
* Maintain a clean, organised and safe toolroom environment
* Communicate any tooling modifications carried out so designs and records can be updated
Skills & Experience
Essential:
* City & Guilds Level 2 (or equivalent) in Engineering
* Completed press tooling-based apprenticeship
* Strong knowledge of progression press tooling
* Ability to read and work from component drawings and tooling assembly drawings
* Competent using surface grinders (e.g., J&S type), milling machines, lathes, drills, taps and hand tools
* Able to work independently, confidently and safely
* Approachable, enthusiastic and receptive to instruction
Why Apply?
* Established manufacturing environment with long-term stability
* Hands-on, varied role supporting both toolroom and production
* Opportunity to work with a skilled engineering team
* Competitive salary and supportive working environment
To Apply
If you are an experienced Toolmaker or Bench Hand with strong press tooling knowledge and the ability to work independently, apply today with your CV.