Afternoon Embroidery Machine Operator Jobs in Rhode Island

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Embroidery Department Manager to lead our embroidery production team in Smithfield, Rhode Island. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who understands commercial embroidery operations from the ground up and can effectively balance production, quality, scheduling, documentation, and employee development.

The ideal candidate has strong experience setting up and operating both single-head and multi-head embroidery machines, understands production workflows, and can successfully lead a team of five or more employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the Embroidery Department.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot single-head and multi-head embroidery machines.
• Ensure garments and other products are properly hooped and prepared for production.
• Schedule embroidery jobs and prioritize workflow to meet production deadlines.
• Review job specifications, artwork, thread colors, placement, quantities, and production requirements before work begins.
• Monitor production for accuracy, efficiency, quality, and on-time completion.
• Inspect finished work for consistency, correct placement, and overall workmanship.
• Assign daily responsibilities and manage employee workload.
• Train, supervise, coach, and support a team of five or more employees.
• Conduct performance reviews and address attendance, performance, training, and other personnel matters.
• Maintain accurate production records, job paperwork, and departmental documentation.
• Communicate with other departments regarding job requirements, deadlines, and production status.
• Identify and resolve production problems, machine issues, and workflow bottlenecks.
• Monitor supplies and communicate inventory needs to management.
• Establish and maintain department procedures, quality expectations, and production standards.
• Ensure employees follow company policies and established safety procedures.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training new embroidery employees.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and productive work environment.
• Promote a positive and professional team culture.
• Perform other duties as needed to support the department and the company’s overall goals.

Required Qualifications

• Professional commercial embroidery experience.
• Hands-on experience setting up and operating single-head and multi-head embroidery machines.
• Ability to properly hoop a variety of garments and products.
• Strong understanding of embroidery production processes and workflow.
• Previous supervisory, team-lead, or management experience.
• Experience scheduling jobs and managing production deadlines.
• Experience completing and maintaining production records and paperwork.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot production issues and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to train, coach, motivate, and hold employees accountable.
• Dependable, professional, and able to work effectively with employees across multiple departments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform hands-on production duties throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability and willingness to work required overtime during peak production periods, typically October through December, including evenings and Saturdays.  Regular Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM