Tool Crib Lead
In-Place Machining Co., Inc., Milwaukee, WI, United States
Tool Crib Lead
Milwaukee, WI
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Be the Backbone of Precision, Safety & Efficiency!
The Tool Crib Lead plays a vital role in ensuring that the right tools, equipment, and materials are available to support both shop and field operations. This position is responsible for receiving, storing, issuing, and tracking all hand tools, machine tools, perishables, and project-related equipment. Beyond daily tool management, the Tool Crib Lead provides mentorship to junior team members, enhances operational workflows, and drives continuous improvement across inventory, safety, and equipment quality. Collaboration with department leaders is key to aligning tool crib operations with evolving production and project priorities.
Above all, this role champions a culture wheresafety is always the top priority!
Requirements
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
(Duties may expand as business needs evolve.)
Tooling & Equipment Management
Receive, store, and issue all perishables, tooling, and equipment within the tool crib.
Select appropriate tooling and equipment for shop personnel based on deep knowledge of tool applications, materials, and project requirements.
Prepare tooling and equipment for field mobilizations, proactively anticipating job-specific needs.
Maintain accurate manual and electronic records of all issued and returned tooling and equipment.
Ensure all tools and equipment are stored in their proper locations and meet quality standards.
Utilize and maintain accurate data within TRACE, the company tracking system, or similar systems.
Identify and recommend upgrades or replacements to improve safety and operational efficiency.
Leadership & Collaboration
Mentor and train team members on proper tool selection, usage, handling, and preventive maintenance procedures.
Lead inventory optimization initiatives to reduce costs while maintaining availability of critical tools.
Coordinate with department supervisors to align tool crib activities with production and project priorities.
Serve as the subject matter expert on specialty tooling and equipment.
Operational Support
Perform shipping and receiving duties for UPS, FedEx, and other carriers.
Load and unload trucks manually or with a forklift/overhead crane.
Purchase assigned materials directly and issue requisitions for restocking based on strategic forecasting of project needs.
Complete all required paperwork accurately and efficiently.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area while enforcing safety protocols across all crib operations.
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED preferred.
Experience & Skills
3–5 years of experience in a related role.
Extensive knowledge of carbide drills, end mills, inserted cutters, and boring tooling.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and mechanical drawings.
Skilled in measuring/inspecting lengths, diameters, straightness, flatness, and more.
Proficient computer skills, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and email.
Machining experience preferred.
Strong multitasking abilities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Effective communication with internal teams, customers, and vendors.
Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with complex variables and limited standardization.
Ability to organize workload, manage priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through from concept to completion.
Strong team collaboration and critical-thinking abilities.
Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, production schedules, purchase orders, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Must be able to write routine correspondence and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Capable of applying ratios, percentages, and proportions to practical tasks.
Physical Demands
Frequent standing, walking, talking, hearing, bending, kneeling, and crouching.
Frequent climbing of ladders and stairs.
Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
Occasional sitting and use of hands for tool handling.
Must have close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Work is primarily performed indoors in a shop and office setting, with exposure to forklift traffic, overhead cranes, machining, welding, and moderate noise. Some outdoor work may occur in various weather conditions.
Other Requirements
Valid driver’s license preferred.
Completion of IPM Overhead Crane Training (required).
Completion of IPM Forklift Training and valid forklift license (required).
Ability to use mobile apps for time entry, travel, expenses, etc.
Milwaukee, WI
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Be the Backbone of Precision, Safety & Efficiency!
The Tool Crib Lead plays a vital role in ensuring that the right tools, equipment, and materials are available to support both shop and field operations. This position is responsible for receiving, storing, issuing, and tracking all hand tools, machine tools, perishables, and project-related equipment. Beyond daily tool management, the Tool Crib Lead provides mentorship to junior team members, enhances operational workflows, and drives continuous improvement across inventory, safety, and equipment quality. Collaboration with department leaders is key to aligning tool crib operations with evolving production and project priorities.
Above all, this role champions a culture wheresafety is always the top priority!
Requirements
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
(Duties may expand as business needs evolve.)
Tooling & Equipment Management
Receive, store, and issue all perishables, tooling, and equipment within the tool crib.
Select appropriate tooling and equipment for shop personnel based on deep knowledge of tool applications, materials, and project requirements.
Prepare tooling and equipment for field mobilizations, proactively anticipating job-specific needs.
Maintain accurate manual and electronic records of all issued and returned tooling and equipment.
Ensure all tools and equipment are stored in their proper locations and meet quality standards.
Utilize and maintain accurate data within TRACE, the company tracking system, or similar systems.
Identify and recommend upgrades or replacements to improve safety and operational efficiency.
Leadership & Collaboration
Mentor and train team members on proper tool selection, usage, handling, and preventive maintenance procedures.
Lead inventory optimization initiatives to reduce costs while maintaining availability of critical tools.
Coordinate with department supervisors to align tool crib activities with production and project priorities.
Serve as the subject matter expert on specialty tooling and equipment.
Operational Support
Perform shipping and receiving duties for UPS, FedEx, and other carriers.
Load and unload trucks manually or with a forklift/overhead crane.
Purchase assigned materials directly and issue requisitions for restocking based on strategic forecasting of project needs.
Complete all required paperwork accurately and efficiently.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area while enforcing safety protocols across all crib operations.
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED preferred.
Experience & Skills
3–5 years of experience in a related role.
Extensive knowledge of carbide drills, end mills, inserted cutters, and boring tooling.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and mechanical drawings.
Skilled in measuring/inspecting lengths, diameters, straightness, flatness, and more.
Proficient computer skills, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and email.
Machining experience preferred.
Strong multitasking abilities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Effective communication with internal teams, customers, and vendors.
Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with complex variables and limited standardization.
Ability to organize workload, manage priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through from concept to completion.
Strong team collaboration and critical-thinking abilities.
Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, production schedules, purchase orders, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Must be able to write routine correspondence and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Capable of applying ratios, percentages, and proportions to practical tasks.
Physical Demands
Frequent standing, walking, talking, hearing, bending, kneeling, and crouching.
Frequent climbing of ladders and stairs.
Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
Occasional sitting and use of hands for tool handling.
Must have close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Work is primarily performed indoors in a shop and office setting, with exposure to forklift traffic, overhead cranes, machining, welding, and moderate noise. Some outdoor work may occur in various weather conditions.
Other Requirements
Valid driver’s license preferred.
Completion of IPM Overhead Crane Training (required).
Completion of IPM Forklift Training and valid forklift license (required).
Ability to use mobile apps for time entry, travel, expenses, etc.