Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knit Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knit Supervisor, you are the pivotal leader of our knitting production floor. You will be responsible for orchestrating the entire knitting process, from raw material management to the final knitted fabric. This dynamic role involves managing and mentoring a team of skilled technicians and operators, ensuring the optimal performance of advanced knitting machinery, and rigorously enforcing quality and safety standards. You will be a key player in collaborating with design and development teams to bring new products to life, making you a cornerstone of our manufacturing success. We're looking for a proactive problem-solver and a motivational leader to drive efficiency, innovation, and excellence in our knitting operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Lead Knitting Technician / Senior Knitting Machine Operator
Textile Engineer (with hands-on production experience)
Assistant Production Supervisor

Advancement To:

Knitting Manager
Production Manager
Plant Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quality Assurance Manager
Fabric Development Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee and manage all daily operations within the knitting department to ensure production targets are met efficiently and on schedule.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of knitting machine operators and technicians, including performance management, training, and scheduling.
Develop and implement comprehensive production schedules, assigning personnel and resources to optimize workflow and meet deadlines.
Ensure all knitted fabrics meet stringent quality standards by implementing and monitoring quality control checks at all stages of production.
Troubleshoot complex technical issues with circular and flat knitting machinery (e.g., Stoll, Shima Seiki, Santoni), minimizing downtime.
Coordinate and oversee a preventative maintenance schedule for all knitting equipment to ensure long-term reliability and performance.
Manage the inventory of yarn and other raw materials, ensuring accurate consumption tracking and timely reordering to prevent production delays.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and lower operational costs.
Enforce all company safety protocols and OSHA regulations, maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment for all team members.
Train new and existing employees on machine operation, safety procedures, quality inspection techniques, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Analyze production data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement.
Act as the primary technical expert for knitting, providing guidance on machine setup, programming, and fabric construction.
Manage employee relations within the department, addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.
Conduct root cause analysis for any production defects or delays and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
Maintain meticulous records of production output, machine settings, quality audits, and maintenance activities.

Secondary Functions

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Design, R&D, and Quality Assurance, to facilitate new product development and sampling.
Prepare and present regular production reports, performance metrics, and project updates to senior management.
Contribute to departmental budgeting and strategic planning to support organizational goals and growth.
Support the evaluation and implementation of new knitting technologies, machinery, and software to enhance capabilities.
Participate in production planning and strategy meetings to ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
Assist in developing and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all knitting processes to ensure consistency and quality.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

In-depth expertise in operating, programming, and troubleshooting electronic knitting machines (e.g., Stoll, Shima Seiki, Lonati, Santoni).
Strong technical knowledge of various knit structures, including jacquard, intarsia, and fully-fashioned knitting.
Comprehensive understanding of different yarn types, their properties, and their behavior during the knitting process.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical design specifications, pattern graphs, and production orders.
Experience with production planning and inventory management using ERP or MES software.
Skilled in fabric analysis and quality control techniques, including identifying and resolving common knitting defects.
Knowledge of machine mechanics and preventative maintenance procedures for industrial knitting equipment.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, and other continuous improvement methodologies.

Soft Skills

Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team management abilities.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills for effective problem-solving.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
High level of attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality and precision.
Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment.
Superior organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Textile Engineering / Textile Technology
Manufacturing Management
Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of experience in a textile knitting environment.

Preferred: 5+ years of experience in a high-volume knitting production facility, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity. Direct experience with sweater-knit or seamless knitting is highly desirable.