Internal - Lead Tooling Technician (Lead Die Maker) - Night Shift - Die Shop

About the role

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and employs around 76,000 people in 54 countries. The Tires group sector generated sales of €13.8 billion in fiscal 2025 and employs around 53,000 worldwide with 19 production and 16 development sites.

This position serves as the primary coordinator for die shop activities, trials, and cross‑functional collaboration while driving safety, performance, tooling improvements, and team development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for sequencing and Product Industrialization (PI) in coordinating trials and experiments.
• Manage procurement activities for the die shop, including orders and shopping carts.
• Partner with mixing and other departments to improve compound performance and tooling design.
• Oversee and report on die shop operations, activities, and KPI performance.
• Act as the liaison between hourly employees and management, escalating unresolved issues as needed.
• Lead, mentor, coach, and help train die makers to build a capable, self‑directed workforce.
• Promote, monitor, and enforce safety, quality, environmental, ISO, and company policy compliance.
• Support problem‑solving initiatives using established methodologies (CBS, 5 Why, 4D) and participate in related meetings.
• Coordinate attendance, vacation communication, and workforce needs with management.
• Demonstrate strong multi‑tasking, flexibility, and leadership to meet departmental objectives and drive continuous improvement.
• Be self‑managed, detail‑oriented, and capable of performing under pressure.
• Follow all plant, ESH, CBS, quality, and department processes and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two or more years of die shop department experience at Continental Tire, Sumter Plant
• Must be willing to work selected shift for this position
• This role is internal only; external applicants will not be considered
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required (no visa sponsorship)
• No relocation assistance is offered for this position