EMBROIDERY SUPERVISOR - DURBAN

Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Employment Type: Permanent | Full-Time

Salary: Market Related (Bargaining Council) | Dependent on Experience

Reporting To: Production Manager

About the Opportunity

Our client is a leading South African manufacturer specialising in branded apparel, promotional merchandise and customised clothing solutions. Renowned for delivering high-quality embroidered products, they are committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.

They are looking to appoint an experienced Embroidery Supervisor to lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of their embroidery department.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on production leader who combines strong technical embroidery knowledge with proven people management skills. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving production efficiency, maintaining exceptional quality standards and ensuring customer orders are delivered accurately and on time.

About the Role

The Embroidery Supervisor is responsible for managing the daily operations of the embroidery department, ensuring production schedules are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of quality, productivity and workplace safety.

Working closely with Production Management, Planning, Quality Assurance and Warehouse teams, you will coordinate workflow, supervise embroidery operators, monitor machine performance and proactively resolve production challenges.

This role requires a leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, enjoys developing people and takes ownership of achieving production targets while maintaining a positive team culture.

Key Responsibilities

Production Leadership

• Supervise the daily operations of the embroidery department.
• Plan and allocate production work across embroidery machines and operators.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved in line with customer delivery commitments.
• Monitor departmental productivity and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Balance workloads to maximise efficiency and minimise production delays.
• Ensure customer priorities are effectively managed throughout the production process.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach and motivate embroidery operators to achieve departmental objectives.
• Provide ongoing training and support to improve technical skills and productivity.
• Monitor employee performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Promote teamwork, accountability and a positive working culture.
• Assist with staff scheduling, leave planning and workforce allocation.
• Support the onboarding and development of new employees.

Production & Operational Management

• Monitor work-in-progress and ensure efficient production flow.
• Coordinate closely with Production Planning to manage changing priorities.
• Resolve production bottlenecks quickly and effectively.
• Ensure accurate completion of production documentation.
• Monitor production targets, efficiency and machine utilisation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing operational performance.

Machine & Equipment Oversight

• Oversee the effective operation of commercial embroidery machines.
• Assist operators with machine setup and troubleshooting where required.
• Monitor machine performance to minimise downtime.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance requirements.
• Ensure equipment is operated safely and according to company procedures.
• Report technical issues promptly to minimise production interruptions.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure embroidered products consistently meet company quality standards.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to minimise defects and rework.
• Conduct regular quality inspections throughout production.
• Ensure operators follow approved embroidery specifications and production procedures.
• Promote a culture of quality throughout the department.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe production environment.
• Ensure all health and safety requirements are adhered to.
• Promote safe work practices throughout the embroidery department.
• Participate in operational audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Performance Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Achievement of daily and weekly production targets.
• On-time completion of customer orders.
• Departmental productivity and efficiency.
• Machine utilisation and reduced downtime.
• Product quality and reduction in defects.
• Team performance and staff development.
• Compliance with health and safety standards.
• Overall contribution to operational excellence.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Minimum 5 years' supervisory experience within an embroidery or garment manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading production teams.
• Strong knowledge of commercial embroidery production processes.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Ability to work flexible hours when operational requirements demand.

Highly Advantageous

• Experience operating and supervising ZSK, Tajima, Barudan or similar commercial embroidery equipment.
• Working knowledge of Wilcom Embroidery Studio or similar embroidery software.
• Experience interpreting embroidery production files including DST and EMB formats.
• Previous experience within a high-volume branded apparel or promotional merchandise manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Skills & Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent production planning and organisational ability.
• Advanced technical embroidery knowledge.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make sound operational decisions under pressure.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Results-driven mindset with a strong focus on productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Professional, proactive and solutions-oriented approach.

Working Environment

This role operates within a busy embroidery manufacturing facility where production deadlines, customer expectations and quality standards are fundamental to business success.

The successful candidate will spend the majority of their time on the production floor, leading a team of embroidery operators while coordinating workflow, monitoring quality and ensuring production targets are consistently achieved. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring energy, resilience and a passion for operational excellence.

What's on Offer

• Market Related Salary (Bargaining Council) – Dependent on Experience
• Permanent, full-time opportunity.
• Leadership role within an established South African manufacturing business.
• Opportunity to manage and develop a skilled production team.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Long-term career growth within a dynamic manufacturing operation.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on production performance and customer satisfaction.

Application Process

If you're an experienced embroidery production leader with a passion for operational excellence, quality and people development, we'd love to hear from you.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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