Embroidery Quality Control Specialist

About the role

The Embroidery Quality Control Specialist oversees embroidery decoration quality across three critical touchpoints: pre-production approval, inventory receive, and handling overage returns at third-party decorator operations, and final shipping verification. The role requires combining technical embroidery knowledge with vendor management skills and an obsession with getting it right.

Responsibilities

• Own pre-production approval — review art proofs from 3P decorators and assess sew-out samples against order specifications (placement, sizing, color match, stitch quality, trademark symbols); approve or reject with detailed written notes before production begins.
• Manage third-party decorator relationships — establish quality standards with our 3P decorators, and other partners; conduct inspections during production runs and review finished samples before shipment.
• Perform final shipping inspections — visually and tactilely inspect all decorated items for loose threads, puckering, seam integrity, color accuracy, and placement precision; pull non-conforming work and route to rework or disposal.
• Track and communicate quality metrics — maintain detailed records of all approvals, rejections, and rework; document defect trends by decorator and order type; report monthly on quality performance and escalate issues to Operations Manager.
• Conduct daily quality audits with 3P decorators — review performance data, identify root causes of defects, and collaborate on corrective action plans to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain complete audit trail — document all quality decisions in Cadence, maintain photographic records of pre-pro approvals, and organize digital quality files for compliance and dispute resolution.
• Support order management — coordinate closely with Order Management Coordinator on rush orders, approval timeline changes, and delivery commitment risks driven by quality issues.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in embroidery production, quality control, or decoration operations with hands-on knowledge of embroidery standards (stitch quality, density, color accuracy, placement)
• Proficiency with embroidery software (Wilcom, Tajima, Hatch, or similar) for file review and digitizing verification.
• Demonstrated ability to set and enforce quality standards; experience managing vendor or decorator relationships a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable drafting detailed approval/rejection notes and briefing management on quality trends.
• Proficient with Cadence, Printavo, Google Sheets, and photography documentation systems.
• Meticulous attention to detail; calm under pressure; solutions-oriented mindset.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform detailed visual inspections of garments and decorated products

Preferred

• 5+ years in embroidery/decoration quality or production leadership.
• Experience with heat transfer, sew-on labels, or screen printing as additional decoration types.
• Familiarity with Madera thread colors and color-matching workflows; certification in Quality Assurance.

Physical Requirements

• This is a fully on-site role, present Monday through Friday during shift hours.
• Ability to stand and walk the production floor for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds — moving garment boxes, supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to work in a production environment with machinery noise, ink, and chemical exposure (PPE provided).

Pay Range

$23/hr - $25/hr

Benefits

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Benefits

Not specified.

Skills

Not specified.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Not specified.

Job Title

Embroidery Quality Control Specialist

Job ID / Requisition Number

Not specified.