Job Description

At HWI, the Production Foreman plays a critical leadership role in driving operational excellence, safety, quality, and team performance. This position is responsible for supervising and directing Production Technicians and Laborers within the plant to ensure daily production goals are met efficiently, safely, and in accordance with company standards.

The Foreman leads by example, promotes a strong safety culture, coordinates workflow, addresses production issues, and supports employee development. This role is essential to maintaining plant operations and delivering quality results that support HWI’s mission and vision.

• Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of Die Designers, CNC programmers, machinists, and tooling personnel.
• Prioritize and assign work to ensure molds, dies, tooling, and parts are designed and produced to support production schedules and customer requirements.
• Review and approve die and mold designs for accuracy, manufacturability, quality, and compliance with engineering specifications.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support related to die design, CNC programming, machining operations, Wire-EDM equipment, and tooling issues.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, Quality, Sales, and Operations departments to support new product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor tooling performance and recommend design modifications or process improvements to improve efficiency, safety, quality, and tool life.
• Oversee CNC programming activities for Machining Centers and Wire-EDM machines, ensuring proper setup, optimization, and program accuracy.
• Assist with troubleshooting, preventive maintenance coordination, and operational support for machining and tooling equipment.
• Train, coach, and develop employees on tooling design standards, machining practices, safety procedures, and departmental expectations.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, quality standards, housekeeping requirements, and applicable procedures.
• Maintain departmental records, drawings, programs, and documentation related to tooling and die design activities.
• Support cost reduction, scrap reduction, and productivity improvement efforts within the tooling and manufacturing processes.
• Participate in interviewing, performance management, corrective action, attendance management, and employee development activities.
• Manage outside tooling vendors and contractors as needed for tooling fabrication or repair projects.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in die design, tooling, CNC programming, machining, or related manufacturing environment.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing or tooling environment preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of CAD/CAM software, CNC machining centers, and Wire-EDM equipment.
• Experience creating and reviewing CNC programs for machining operations.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to tooling, machining, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of refractory products, industrial manufacturing, or heavy manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of workplace safety practices and commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.