Embroidery Machine Operator

SUMMARY:

EMBROIDERY MACHINE OPERATOR

Location: Killarney Gardens, Cape Town
Department: Branding

My client is looking for an experienced Embroidery Machine Operator to join their Branding team. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating and maintaining embroidery machinery, ensuring accurate design placement and producing high-quality embroidered products efficiently and to customer specifications.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

Machine Operation & Setup

• Operate and monitor multi-head embroidery machines during production.
• Load and change threads, needles, bobbins and backing materials.
• Set up embroidery files and ensure correct placement, hooping and tension.
• Complete daily machine start-up and shut-down procedures.

Production & Quality Control

• Interpret embroidery design instructions from digitised files.
• Ensure accurate thread colours and design alignment.
• Monitor production runs and correct errors promptly.
• Conduct regular quality checks to maintain high embroidery standards.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform basic machine maintenance, including cleaning, oiling and first-line maintenance.
• Troubleshoot thread breaks, tension issues and minor machine errors.
• Report major mechanical issues to the relevant manager or supervisor.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all health and safety procedures when operating machinery.
• Maintain a clean and organised workstation.
• Ensure safe handling of tools, accessories and materials.

Documentation & Production Support

• Record production output, downtime and machine issues.
• Monitor stock levels of threads, backing materials and consumables.
• Assist with meeting production schedules and deadlines.

Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12 (NQF 4) – Essential
• 2–3 years’ experience operating multi-head embroidery machines
• Ricoma experience will be advantageous
• Knowledge of embroidery software and digitising is advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret embroidery files such as DST and EMB.
• Basic understanding of embroidery machine mechanics.
• Strong attention to detail and precision.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.