Embroidery Team Lead

Job Description

Job Description

A&K Designs, Inc is a family owned and operated sports apparel manufacturing company, proudly serving the Portland community for the last 35 years.  We have a strong company culture that is committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful, and inclusive.  Everything we produce has high visibility and we take pride in our quality, innovation, and on-time delivery.

We are moving forward, searching for new ways to improve what we do and who we are, and looking for energetic and engaged people to join our team.
 
Lead the Stitch. Own the Finish.
We’re looking for an experienced Embroidery Team Lead who can keep machines running smoothly, teams focused, and every stitch production‑ready.  If you thrive on the hum of multi‑head machines, can spot a tension issue from across the floor, and enjoy leading people as much as solving mechanical problems—this role was made for you.

 
What You’ll Do
You’ll manage the embroidery floor from setup to final fold, ensuring quality, efficiency, and on‑time delivery:

• Coordinate daily embroidery workflow based on production schedules, managing machine capacity and prioritizing rush orders
• Set up and assist in operating single‑head and multi‑head embroidery machines (Tajima, ZSK)
• Load, verify, and troubleshoot DST files, ensuring correct color sequences, placement, and stitch registration
• Lead and direct embroidery operators, assigning work based on skill level and machine availability
• Train new hires and cross‑train team members on: 

Proper hooping techniques
Thread tension adjustments
Basic machine operation and maintenance

• Conduct spot checks during production to catch issues like thread breaks, puckering, or registration errors early
• Enforce safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment
• Oversee and perform daily/weekly maintenance: cleaning, oiling, and greasing embroidery heads and rotary hooks
• Troubleshoot and complete minor repairs (birdnesting, needle breaks, tension, timing) and coordinate major repairs with technicians
• Jump in on additional duties as production needs evolve

  What You Bring
You’re confident with machines, fabrics, and people:

• Hands‑on expertise with commercial embroidery machines, especially Tajima and ZSK
• Deep understanding of fabric types (knits, wovens, performance fabrics) and correct stabilizers, backings, and needles
• Mastery of multiple hooping systems: tubular hoops, magnetic hoops, clamps
• Comfort using production tablets/computers; basic Wilcom digitizing knowledge for minor edits is a strong plus
• Sharp eye for quality issues such as density problems, registration shifts, or placement errors
• Mechanical mindset—you can diagnose issues quickly and minimize downtime
• Clear verbal communication skills for instructing operators and reporting updates to leadership
• Experience training, motivating, and leading a team is highly valued
• Strong reliability, punctuality, and follow‑through
• Self‑motivated team player who takes ownership of results
• Ability to read and follow production sales orders precisely
• Intermediate English reading/writing required; Spanish/English bilingual preferred
• 3+ years of hands-on experience operating commercial embroidery machines (multi-head experience preferred)
• 1+ years of experience in a lead or supervisory role within a manufacturing environment.

Why This Role Matters
You’re the bridge between design intent and finished product—and your work shows up in every final stitch.
If you’re ready to lead production with confidence, precision, and pride, we want to hear from you.

Our regular schedule is Monday - Thursday, 6:00am to 3:15pm, Friday, 6:00am to 11:00am.

 
What you'll get:

• Medical, dental and vision with generous employer contribution
• 401k with employer match 
• Two weeks of paid time off per year
• 8 company paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program

Compensation: $19.00 - $26.00 per hour