Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tool Room Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

The Tool Room Attendant is a cornerstone of our manufacturing operations, serving as the central point of control for all tooling, equipment, and related supplies. This individual is entrusted with ensuring that our skilled teams have the correct, properly calibrated, and well-maintained tools at the precise moment they are needed, thereby minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. At its core, this role is about meticulous organization, proactive service, and a deep understanding of the equipment that drives our business. A successful Tool Room Attendant directly contributes to production quality, operational efficiency, and a safe working environment by upholding rigorous inventory and maintenance standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
Production Operator / Assembler
Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

Tool Room Supervisor or Lead
MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operations) Buyer
Inventory Control Manager or Specialist
Maintenance Planner

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the check-out and check-in process for all tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and measurement devices, ensuring 100% accountability through a computerized tracking system.
Conduct thorough visual and functional inspections of all returned tools and equipment for wear, damage, or defects to ensure they are in safe, operational condition for the next user.
Maintain a highly organized and efficient tool crib, ensuring all items are stored in their designated locations for quick retrieval and inventory accuracy.
Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on hand tools, power tools, and other equipment to extend their lifespan and ensure performance.
Coordinate with external vendors for the repair, servicing, or calibration of specialized tooling and precision measurement instruments, maintaining all related documentation.
Prepare and package tooling, dies, and fixtures to be sent out for service, ensuring they are properly protected and documented for shipment.
Receive, unpack, and inspect incoming tool and supply shipments, verifying contents against purchase orders and stocking items in the inventory system.
Proactively monitor inventory levels of tools, hardware, and shop consumables, initiating purchase requisitions to prevent stockouts of critical items.
Assemble and preset tool kits required for specific production jobs or machine setups according to work orders or engineering specifications.
Maintain a perpetual inventory system, conducting regular cycle counts and assisting in periodic physical inventories to ensure data accuracy.
Label and engrave new tools and equipment with unique identification numbers for tracking purposes before they are entered into service.
Issue and track personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees, ensuring compliance with company safety policies.
Generate and analyze reports on tool usage, breakage rates, and inventory turnover to identify trends and recommend process improvements or cost-saving measures.
Liaise with supervisors, engineers, and machinists to resolve tooling issues, identify needs for new or replacement tooling, and provide technical support.
Uphold strict 5S/6S standards within the tool crib, maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly work environment at all times.
Document and report lost, stolen, or damaged tools according to established company procedures, assisting in any necessary investigations.
Manage the quarantine and disposition of non-conforming or obsolete tooling, ensuring they are removed from circulation.
Input and maintain accurate data within the ERP or inventory management software, including item descriptions, locations, and supplier information.
Provide exceptional customer service to internal stakeholders (production and maintenance staff), promptly and professionally addressing their tooling needs.
Assist in the evaluation and testing of new tools and equipment to determine their suitability and potential benefits for our operations.

Secondary Functions

Provide on-demand reports on tool usage, inventory levels, and breakage rates to support production and maintenance planning.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of tool crib processes and inventory management strategies by suggesting and helping implement new ideas.
Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to understand their tooling requirements and anticipate future needs.
Participate in daily production meetings and planning sessions to align tool availability with the manufacturing schedule.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Inventory Management Software: Proficiency in using computerized inventory systems, ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle), or dedicated tool crib management software.
Tool & Equipment Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of various hand tools, power tools, cutting tools, gauges, and precision measurement instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers).
Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform minor tool repairs, adjustments, and preventative maintenance.
Data Entry & Computer Literacy: Accurate and efficient typing skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and Word) for record-keeping and reporting.
MRO Principles: Understanding of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) storeroom and inventory management concepts.
Calibration Procedures: Familiarity with the process of sending tools out for calibration and maintaining a log of calibrated equipment and due dates.
Reading Technical Documents: Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints, schematics, or work orders to identify required tooling.
5S/Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of lean principles and workplace organization methodologies.
Receiving & Shipping Procedures: Experience with verifying packing slips, inspecting incoming goods, and preparing items for shipment.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures, especially regarding tool handling and PPE.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous nature is critical for maintaining accurate inventory records and inspecting tools.
Organizational & Time Management Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment and maintain an orderly workspace.
Strong Communication: Clear and professional communication skills for interacting with operators, supervisors, and vendors.
Problem-Solving Ability: Capacity to troubleshoot issues, such as locating missing tools or identifying alternatives for unavailable items.
Customer Service Mindset: A helpful and approachable demeanor, viewing production and maintenance staff as internal customers.
Dependability & Independence: A reliable self-starter who can work effectively with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Technical/Vocational school certificate or an Associate's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Maintenance
Supply Chain Management
Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of direct experience in a tool crib, stockroom, MRO, or parts warehouse environment.

Preferred: Experience within a fast-paced manufacturing, machining, or industrial setting is highly desirable. Experience operating a forklift is a plus.