Tool Management & Operational Excellence Intern

About the Role
The COOP trainee will play a vital role in supporting the development and implementation of an effective management system for CNC cutting tools, general tools, and fixtures. This includes conducting consumption analysis, enhancing inventory visibility, ensuring traceability, and managing replenishment controls. The trainee will also coordinate activities related to 5S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement, while receiving guidance from Operations Support and Operational Excellence teams.

Key Responsibilities
1. Tool Management – CNC Cutting Tools, General Tools and Fixtures

• Study current practices for managing CNC cutting tools, general tools, and fixtures; identify gaps and recommend practical improvements.
• Analyze cutting-tool consumption, cost, and tool-life data to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary consumption.
• Use consumption trends, production requirements, stock levels, and supplier lead times to support demand forecasting and recommend order quantities and timing.
• Support a simple tool-tracking system and pilot agreed improvements under supervision; document results and hand over recommendations at the end of the six-month placement.

2. Operational Excellence – 5S, Kaizen and Continuous Improvement

• Support 5S audits and Kaizen activities in assigned areas and follow up agreed improvement actions with area owners.
• Assist selected pull-system and A3 projects through data collection, gap analysis, and progress tracking under guidance.

Qualifications
You are meant for this job if:

1. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/FORMAL EDUCATION:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline, and eligible for a university COOP placement.
• Basic academic understanding of manufacturing processes, CNC cutting tools, tools and fixtures, inventory control, and Lean principles.

1. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• No prior professional experience required. Academic projects or exposure to manufacturing, data analysis, inventory management, or continuous improvement are advantageous.

1. REQUIRED CERTIFICATE(S):

• None

1. REQUIRED INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

• Clear communication, teamwork, attention to detail, initiative, and willingness to learn; ability to coordinate follow-ups respectfully with cross-functional teams.

1. REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS AND/OR PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data cleaning, formulas, pivot tables, and charts; ability to analyze trends and prepare clear reports and presentations. Familiarity with Power BI or inventory/ERP systems is an advantage; willingness to learn structured root-cause analysis is essential.

1. REQUIRED JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• Basic awareness of 5S, Kaizen, pull systems/Kanban, A3 problem solving, and standard work, with willingness to develop practical knowledge of tool traceability, consumption monitoring, and site HSE and quality requirements.

Skills

• Analysis and Problem Solving.