Embroidery Department Manager

The Role We're looking for a Self-Managing Embroidery Professional who will run our production department like they own it. This is not a "set and forget" role—you'll be responsible for your embroidery output from file to finished garments, ensuring every piece meets our quality standards as well as our client standards. You'll be responsible for machine operation, workflow efficiency, quality control, and supporting other departments as they support your department. If you can run multiple single head machines flawlessly, troubleshoot on the fly, communicate with other team members, make deadlines without sacrificing quality, you'll be successful at EMP Apparel. Our expectations Operate and manage 6-8 single head embroidery machines at high efficiency Hoop, align, and run garments with precision (hats, polos, jackets, specialty items) Read and interpret embroidery files, sequencing charts, and work orders Perform thread changes, tension adjustments, and machine maintenance Catch and correct issues before they become waste (registration, thread breaks, puckering) Optimize production flow and improve efficiency Maintain a clean, organized, production-ready department Assist other departments as needed. This is a reciprocal function Work closely with other department heads to meet deadlines What Makes A Good Fit 2+ years operating commercial embroidery machines (multi-head experience preferred) Proven understanding of digitized files (you will make adjustments as needed) Experience with hats, flats, specialty placements, and high-volume runs Strong troubleshooting skills—you recognize and fix problems immediately Ability to self-manage and interact with clients on walk-throughs Plan in accordance to deadlines, production time tables, and make necessary decisions to improve workflow Necessary Attributes Experience with Tajima, Barudan, or equivalent machines Familiarity with production workflows in print/embroidery shops Light digitizing and/or editing knowledge Experience scaling or improving shop efficiency What You Get Competitive pay based on experience Performance-based bonuses tied to overall team output and quality (monthly) Opportunity for a lead role as we continue to scale (and we are) Clean, organized, growth-focused production environment A Commitment to a balanced personal life vs work life (we don't make promises) Why EMP Apparel We're not a volume sweatshop and we're not a bedroom shop. We've built a reputable, customer first business for over 10 years and embroidery is a vital service to this operation. If you're someone who takes pride in precision, speed, and mastery of your craft, this is where you make your career commitment.

Pay:

46,000-$56,000 starting annual compensation + benchmark bonus + profit share

Benefits:

Guaranteed 40hr Schedule Performance Bonuses Random Team Lunches Relocation Assistance Flexible schedule Earning potential up to 50% of base This position offers an opportunity to grow with our company. Our goal is to foster individual long term growth as we continue on our path to success year after year!

EOE Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$46,000.00 - $74,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off Profit sharing

Experience:

Commercial Embroidery Machine Operation:

2 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

East Hampton, CT 06424 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

East Hampton, CT 06424: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location:

In person