Opportunity Overview

Ford Motor Company is seeking a skilled and experienced Toolroom Manager for a permanent, full-time position in Pretoria. This vital role is responsible for the complete lifecycle management of stamping assets, ensuring operational excellence within the toolroom, and driving the technical development of the engineering team. The successful candidate will play a key part in maintaining long-term dimensional stability and optimising tool maintenance to maximise production output and minimise downtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering + Tool & Die Making Trade.
• Experience:
• Minimum 10 years in Automotive Stamping.
• Mandatory minimum of 5 years focused specifically on Skin Panel/Class A surface production.
• Proven track record of managing large technical teams (20+ people) within a high-volume toolroom or manufacturing engineering environment.
• Skills:
• Expert knowledge of Class A surface requirements, die spotting, and hand-finishing techniques for exterior panels.
• Deep understanding of draw-die development, spring-back compensation, and material behavior in stampings.
• Advanced ability to interpret GOM/3D scanning data and CMM reports to drive tooling adjustments.
• Proven ability to manage a large workforce of skilled tradespeople.
• Ability to bridge the gap between digital measurement data and physical toolroom intervention.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Tool & Die ME team in developing and executing robust maintenance and engineering standards.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers and technicians.
• Oversee preventative and predictive maintenance programs for all die sets.
• Ensure tool reliability to meet production volume requirements.
• Drive root-cause analysis for complex dimensional issues.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production teams to ensure final panels meet strict CP/CPK requirements.
• Ensure all toolroom activities and die modifications adhere to OHSAS and Ford's safety standards.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles within the toolroom to reduce changeover times and improve die repair efficiency.
• Act as the final technical authority on complex tooling issues affecting exterior panels.
• Lead root-cause analysis for surface quality trends identified in the Quality Loop System (QLS).
• Maintain the integrity of checking fixtures and die standards.
• Ensure all toolroom and metrology activities comply with Ford's Quality Operating System (QOS) and 5S standards.
• Control departmental budgets (OPEX), focusing on specialized tooling consumables and metrology equipment calibration/upgrades.

What the Work Involves

As Toolroom Manager, you will be based in Pretoria, leading a dedicated team of engineers and technicians. Your daily work will involve overseeing the strategic management and maintenance of stamping assets, ensuring precision and reliability in production. You will be responsible for driving continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing principles, troubleshooting complex tooling issues related to exterior panels, and conducting root-cause analysis for dimensional and surface quality concerns. This role requires close collaboration with Quality and Production teams, adherence to safety and quality standards, and diligent financial management of the toolroom's operational budget.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please visit the official application portal: https://www.pnet.co.za/job/d89576ae-c1b1-4f85-a81f-bca8177f0568/application/authentication?locale=en_ZA

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Ford Motor Company Young Professional Programme 2026 | 1-Year Training Programme

Opportunity Overview

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa offers a valuable 1-year training program designed for young professionals in Pretoria. This full-time program provides graduates from diverse fields of study with a structured opportunity to gain practical experience and professional training within a leading automotive company. It's an ideal chance to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting and develop essential workplace skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Successfully completed a degree in your discipline with a pass rate of 65% or higher.
• Note: Applicants who have not yet concluded their studies will not be considered.
• Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Required Documents: Applications will only be considered if they are complete with ALL the following documents attached:
• Detailed CV
• Copy of ID Document
• Copy of Matric Certificate
• Copy of all University Academic Transcripts
• Qualification Certificate(s)

How to Apply

To apply for the Young Professional Programme, please visit the official application portal: https://www.pnet.co.za/job/d89576ae-c1b1-4f85-a81f-bca8177f0568/application/authentication?locale=en_ZA

Ensure your application is complete with all the required documents listed under the "Minimum Requirements" section.