Press Toolmaker

Join an established, family-owned manufacturing specialist with an eight-decade heritage in crafting custom metal hardware and precision hinges. Serving high-reliability sectors—including defense, aerospace, railway, and agriculture—the company prides itself on high-craftsmanship engineering, close-knit team culture, and tailored production solutions.

Role Summary We are seeking a skilled Press Toolmaker to take key ownership of tool creation, workshop machinery maintenance, and quality assurance. Working in a hands-on environment, you will bridge toolroom operations with active manufacturing to keep custom production lines running smoothly and accurately.

Key Responsibilities Tooling & Fixtures: Design, fabricate, and assemble custom dies, punches, forming/piercing tools, jigs, and specialized production fixtures.

Machining & Fabrication: Safely operate conventional manual machinery, including surface grinders, universal milling machines, and center lathes.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform breakdown repairs, preventative maintenance, and root-cause fault diagnosis on tooling to prevent line delays.

Quality Assurance: Interpret technical drawings, hold tight engineering tolerances, complete thorough component inspections, and keep clear documentation.

Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for process improvement, develop prototype tooling solutions, and document standard operating procedures.

Key Qualifications & Experience Credentials: Completed a recognized, formal Toolmaking Apprenticeship (or equivalent time-served qualification).

Technical Experience: Demonstrable background in press tool manufacturing and repair.

Machining Mastery: Proficient in manual milling, turning, and grinding with expert engineering drawing literacy.

Problem Solving: Strong diagnostic mindset with a sharp eye for quality control and dimensional inspection.

Bonus Skills: Hands-on familiarity with pneumatic or hydraulic systems is a distinct advantage.

Attributes: Self-driven, detail-oriented, and equally effective working independently or alongside a small, collaborative team.

Working Hours & Package Competitive Salary: £60,000+ per annum (open to negotiation depending on experience).

Early Friday Finish:

Monday – Thursday: 08:00 – 17:00

Friday: 08:00 – 13:00 (39 hours/week)

Generous Leave Allowance: 28 days paid annual leave (including public holidays), increasing to 34 days after two years of service.