Embroidery Machine Operator

About the role

Our client is seeking an experienced Embroidery Machine Operator to join the branding team. The role involves operating and maintaining multi‑head embroidery machines to produce high‑quality embroidered products according to customer specifications.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and monitor multi‑head embroidery machines, load and change threads, needles, bobbins and backing materials.
• Interpret digitised design files, ensure correct colour and alignment, and perform quality checks during production runs.
• Perform basic machine maintenance such as cleaning, oiling and first‑line repairs, and troubleshoot thread breaks and tension issues.
• Follow health and safety procedures, keep the workstation clean and handle tools and materials safely.
• Record production output, downtime and machine issues, monitor consumable stock levels and support meeting production schedules.

Required profile

• Matric / Grade 12 (NQF 4) – essential.
• 2–3 years’ experience operating multi‑head embroidery machines.
• Experience with Ricoma machines and embroidery software is advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret embroidery files such as DST and EMB.
• Basic understanding of embroidery machine mechanics and strong attention to detail.
• Good hand‑eye coordination, manual dexterity and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time‑management and organisational skills.

Required skills

• Operating multi‑head embroidery machines.
• Loading threads, needles, bobbins and backing materials.
• Setting up embroidery files, hooping and tension adjustment.
• Basic machine maintenance (cleaning, oiling).
• Troubleshooting thread breaks and tension issues.
• Reading embroidery file formats (DST, EMB).