Embroidery Machine Operator

Innovazi Consulting; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 100,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovazi Consulting in Cape Town is seeking an experienced embroidery machine operator to manage multi-head Ricoma machines, load threads, set up designs and ensure correct hooping and tension. You will monitor quality, perform basic maintenance and keep production records while adhering to safety standards.

A Matric/Grade 12 and prior experience with embroidery software or digitising are preferred. Demonstrated attention to detail and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12 (NQF 4) essential.
• 23 years experience operating multi-head embroidery machines.
• Knowledge of embroidery software and digitising is advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret embroidery files such as DST and EMB.
• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor multi-head embroidery machines during production.
• Load and change threads, needles, bobbins and backing materials.
• Set up embroidery files, hooping and tension and start-up/shutdown procedures.
• Interpret embroidery design instructions from digitised files and ensure colour accuracy.
• Record production output and monitor stock of threads, backing materials and consumables.
• Perform basic machine maintenance and troubleshoot thread breaks and tension issues.
• Follow health and safety procedures and maintain a clean workstation.

Skills

Embroidery machine operation

Quality control

Maintenance & troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Matric / Grade 12 (NQF 4)

Tools

Ricoma embroidery machines

Embroidery software

Digitising familiarity

Job description

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 23 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.