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:
1. Tooling & Equipment Sourcing
Lead sourcing activities for:
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Injection moulds (1K, 2K, Family moulds, hot runner/cold runner)
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Plastic part check fixtures & measurement gauges
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EOA / End-of-Arm tooling for automation
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Degator / deflashing tools
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Develop sourcing strategies aligned with program timing, cost targets, and engineering requirements.
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Prepare the RFQ, manage cost-breakdowns, and negotiate pricing, payment terms, warranty, and engineering changes.
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Conduct supplier benchmarking for capability, capacity, quality systems, delivery performance, and financial health.
2. Technical Analysis & Cost Engineering
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Review 3D models, GD&T, mold flow reports, tool design concepts, and fixture/EOA designs to ensure manufacturability and cost competitiveness.
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Evaluate tooling BOMs (steel grade, hot runner system, components, standard parts).
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Validate suppliers’ cost breakdowns (material, machining, labor hours, heat treatment, try-outs, transportation).
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Optimize tooling concepts to meet cycle time, scrap rate, and production efficiency targets.
3. Program Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Work with internal teams (Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, Tool Shop, and Finance) to align on sourcing decisions.
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Track tooling timing, FAT/SAT, tool trials (T0/T1/T2), and supplier readiness for SOP.
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Support PPAP submission and ensure fixture/EOA capability during production validation.
4. Supplier Management
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Develop and maintain a high-quality global supplier network for molds, fixtures, and automation components.
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Manage supplier relationships to ensure adherence to quality, delivery, cost, and service expectations.
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Coordinate supplier audits, process capability studies, and risk assessments.
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Drive corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives (cost down, OEE improvement, design optimization).
5. Tooling Lifecycle & Risk Management
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Support tooling kick-off, DFM reviews, design validation, and mold/fixture buy-off processes.
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Oversee tool construction progress, steel ordering, machining, and try-out reports.
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Manage tooling changes due to engineering updates (ECR/ECN).
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Assess risks and develop mitigation plans (backup suppliers, tool duplication, steel insertion plans, spare parts planning).
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Support tool transfer activities (domestic & international) when required.
6. Commercial & Contractual Responsibilities
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Execute tooling purchase orders, supplier agreements, warranty terms, and lifetime volume commitments.
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Review and confirm tool asset tagging, depreciation schedules, and tooling amortization plans per OEM compliance.
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Track and reconcile tooling invoicing, payment milestones, and cost-recovery with OEM customers when applicable.
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Manage tooling cost changes and ensure alignment with program BOM and financial targets.
To qualify for this role you must meet the following:
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
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Min 3 years of experience in tooling procurement, injection molding, or equipment sourcing within the automotive Tier-1 environment.
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Hands-on experience with tooling engineering (molds, fixtures, automation, or robotics).
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Understanding of APQP, PPAP, GD&T, mold flow, CMM, gauge R&R.
Key to being successful in this role:
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Knowledge of injection mold construction, machining processes, hot runner systems, steel selection, and design standards.
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Familiar with check fixture design principles, CMM measurement, R&R, and gauge repeatability requirements.
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Experience with robotic EOA tooling design, EOAT components, quick-change systems, and degating equipment.
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Solid understanding of cost breakdowns and manufacturing cost drivers.
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Ability to read and interpret CAD (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) and technical drawings.
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Strong negotiation and communication skills with global suppliers.
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Able to manage multiple programs simultaneously under tight timelines.
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Analytical, detail-oriented, and financially disciplined.
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Strong problem-solving and cross-functional coordination ability.
