Tool Crib Manager

Norwest Precision Ltd. (A Current Era Group Company)

Location: North York, Ontario

Norwest Precision Ltd., a New Era Group company, is seeking a qualified and experienced Tool Crib Manager to join our team at our North York facility. Established in 1965, Norwest Precision Ltd. is a Canadian owned and operated company specializing in the machining, fabrication, and mechanical assembly of complex components for a broad spectrum of industries including Hydropower, Power Generation, Mining, Steel Mills, Nuclear Power, Oil &

- Gas, Pulp &
- Paper, Plastics, Extrusions &
- Injection Molding, Defense &
- Military, Shipbuilding, Press Manufacturing and more.

This position reports directly to the Vice President, General Manager and Production Manager

Position Summary The Tool Crib Manager is a hands-on operational leader responsible for the organization, control, and availability of tooling, cutting tools, gauges, and consumables required to support daily production. This role requires active ownership of inventory accuracy, strong decision-making, and a visible presence on the shop floor.

The Tool Crib Manager supports production workflow and machine operators, tracking tool usage, setting priorities, reinforcing standards, and building a disciplined, well-organized tool crib operation. This position is accountable for effective inventory control, tool procurement, and vendor coordination, as well as for strengthening procedures and controls around tooling costs and availability.

The Tool Crib Manager owns tool inventory reporting and communication, ensuring shortages, reorder needs, and tool life issues are clearly documented and communicated to management and production staff. This is a fast-paced, hands-on leadership role requiring daily engagement with machining, fabrication, and shop floor activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

· Provide visible, results-oriented leadership that drives continuous improvement consistent with company objectives.

· Foster a team-oriented, inclusive, and performance-driven culture through open communication and demonstrated leadership.

· Mentor, coach, train, and manage performance of tool crib staff.





· Coordinate with production supervisors to align tooling availability with workflow.

· Promote problem-solving initiatives at the team level to maximize operational effectiveness.

Tool Crib & Inventory Management

- · Maintain accurate inventory of all cutting tools, hand tools, gauges, fixtures, and consumables.
- · Establish and manage min/max stock levels, reorder points, and cycle counts.
- · Issue and track tools to machine operators, ensuring accountability and return.
- · Organize the tool crib for efficient storage, labeling, and retrieval.
- · Maintain records of tool life, usage trends, and regrind/replacement schedules.
- · Procurement & Vendor Coordination
- · Source and purchase tooling, gauges, and consumables in line with production needs and budget.
- · Negotiate pricing and lead times with tooling suppliers and vendors.
- · Evaluate new tooling and suppliers to improve cost, quality, and performance.
- · Coordinate outside tool sharpening, regrinding, and calibration services.
- · Quality & Calibration Support
- · Maintain calibration records and schedules for measuring and inspection equipment stored in the tool crib.
- · Ensure gauges and precision tools are properly maintained, calibrated, and stored.
- · Work with QA/QC to ensure tooling supports dimensional and quality requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- · Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Production, Machine Shop, Purchasing, and Management.
- · Work closely with machine operators and setup personnel to anticipate tooling needs for upcoming jobs.
- · Develop and maintain relationships with key tooling vendors and suppliers.
- · Collaborate with the Management team to ensure operational commitments and on-time delivery objectives are achieved.
- · Operational & Safety Support
- · Assist in supporting and promoting plant safety initiatives,



including safe tool handling and storage.
- · Contribute to workflow planning and operational effectiveness.
- · Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

- · 2–3+ years of progressive experience in a tool crib, tooling, or inventory control role within a machine shop or heavy manufacturing environment (machine shop experience is required)
- · Strong working knowledge of cutting tools, tool holders, gauges, and precision measuring equipment
- · Demonstrated experience with inventory management systems and cycle counting practices
- · Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, procurement, and cost control
- · Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, tool lists, and specifications
- · Hands-on, shop-floor-focused leadership style with the ability to make decisions and solve problems in real time
- · Proficiency with ERP systems and inventory management software
- · Experience maintaining calibration systems for gauges and measuring equipment is an asset
- · Strong understanding of tool life, tool wear, and regrind processes
- · Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours as required to support production schedules and customer commitments
- · Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with management, vendors, and shop personnel

The company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, provincial, or local laws. The company is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Pay: $27.00-$35.00 per hour

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Tool Crib Manager (Toronto)
🏢 Norwest Precision
📍 Toronto