Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knitting Supervisor Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Knitting Supervisor Assistant supports the Knitting Supervisor and production team to ensure smooth, efficient, and quality-driven operation of knitting lines. This role involves machine setup and troubleshooting, operator coaching, quality inspection, production reporting, safety enforcement, and coordination with maintenance, planning and quality departments to meet daily targets and continuous improvement goals in textile and apparel manufacturing.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Knitting Machine Operator
Textile Technician / Machine Setter
Quality Inspector (Textiles)
Production Associate

Advancement To:

Knitting Supervisor
Senior Production Supervisor
Production Manager / Workshop Leader
Process Engineer (Knitting/Knitting Technology)

Lateral Moves:

Quality Assurance Technician
Maintenance Technician (Textile Machinery)
Sample Room Coordinator
Production Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist the Knitting Supervisor in planning and sequencing daily production runs to meet scheduled targets, minimize downtime and optimize machine utilization across flat-bed and circular knitting machines.
Set up, calibrate and configure knitting machines (circular, flat-bed, and jacquard where applicable) including yarn feeders, tension settings, cams, and needles to ensure first-time-right production.
Monitor machine production continuously, identifying root causes for defects and executing corrective actions or escalating to maintenance to reduce scrap and rework.
Conduct line-level quality inspections and in-line testing to verify conformance to pattern specifications, stitch density, GSM, dimensional tolerances and finished-goods standards.
Train and coach operators on standard operating procedures (SOPs), changeover techniques, machine safety protocols and best practices for yarn handling to increase operator competence and consistency.
Maintain accurate production records and daily logs (output, downtime reasons, yarn consumption, defect types) and prepare shift handover reports for the supervisor and next shift.
Coordinate with Maintenance to schedule preventive maintenance, manage breakdown repair priorities and ensure availability of critical spares to reduce mean time to repair (MTTR).
Enforce safety, housekeeping and PPE protocols on the knitting floor, ensuring compliance with company HS&E policies and local regulatory requirements.
Implement and follow quality control plans, sampling procedures and corrective action processes; assist with root cause analysis (5 Whys, fishbone) and CAPA execution.
Support yarn preparation and inventory control by verifying yarn lot numbers, labeling cones, monitoring consumption and reporting discrepancies to stores/planning.
Adjust machine settings to optimize yarn consumption, minimize waste and improve fabric quality while meeting target yields and cost-per-unit objectives.
Read and interpret pattern files, technical specs, and production orders; verify machine programming and test-knit samples prior to full production.
Assist with first-article inspections and prototype runs, capturing learnings and updating work instructions or pattern parameters as required.
Monitor production KPIs (efficiency, uptime, OEE, yield) and contribute to continuous improvement projects to increase throughput and reduce cost.
Participate in shift meetings, daily standups and production reviews to communicate status, issues and improvement opportunities with cross-functional stakeholders.
Support incoming raw material inspections for yarn quality, lubrication compatibility and packaging integrity to prevent machine or product defects.
Perform basic mechanical adjustments (needle replacement, cam timing, feeder alignment) and routine cleaning to maintain machine reliability and fabric quality.
Support internal and external audits (quality systems, HS&E audits) by preparing documentation, demonstrating controls and implementing corrective actions.
Liaise with planning and warehouse teams to prioritize production lots based on delivery schedules, customer requirements and fabric lead times.
Maintain and update standard operating procedures, line checklists and training material to reflect best practices and lessons learned.
Assist in implementing lean manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen, SMED) on the knitting floor to reduce changeover time and improve workplace organization.
Record and report on production incidents, near-misses and safety issues; participate in incident investigations and follow through on preventive measures.
Support cost-control initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption, yarn waste and consumable usage without compromising quality.
Mentor junior operators and act as the supervisor’s delegate during short absences, ensuring continuity of operations and adherence to standards.

Secondary Functions

Support sample development and prototyping for R&D and product development teams by producing trial runs and documenting machine parameters.
Assist planning with realistic lead-time estimates based on observed line performance and material availability.
Maintain spares and tooling inventory lists for knitting machines and report low-stock items to purchasing to avoid production interruptions.
Help prepare data for ERP systems (work orders, production confirmations, inventory adjustments) to keep production and inventory records synchronized.
Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement projects (quality, maintenance, planning) and pilot new process changes on the factory floor.
Conduct operator skill assessments, maintain training records and suggest individual development plans to the supervisor.
Provide support during customer visits, product inspections and sample approvals by demonstrating processes and explaining production controls.
Assist in implementing and monitoring environmental controls for fabric handling, such as humidity and temperature where required.
Support waste segregation and recycling procedures specific to knitting operations to meet sustainability targets.
Coordinate with dyeing/finishing and QC teams to ensure handover criteria are met for subsequent processing steps.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in operating and setting up circular knitting machines and flat-bed knitting machines, including jacquard and intarsia heads where applicable.
Hands-on experience with yarn handling: cone changeovers, tension control, feeder adjustments and understanding yarn properties (count, ply, twist).
Familiarity with pattern/program transfer and basic machine programming for computerized knitting (CAM or CMS systems).
Able to perform fundamental mechanical troubleshooting: needle replacement, cam adjustments, belts/gear checks and basic machine diagnostics.
Knowledge of quality inspection techniques: GSM measurement, stitch density, dimensional checks, visual defect grading and sampling plans.
Understanding of preventive maintenance concepts and experience coordinating routine maintenance tasks to reduce unplanned downtime.
Practical knowledge of textile process flows including knitting → inspection → finishing and an understanding of how upstream issues affect knitted output.
Experience using manufacturing software or ERP systems (SAP, MRP, production reporting tools) and maintaining production logs.
Competent with MS Excel for data entry, basic pivot tables, trend charts and KPI tracking.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing tools (5S, SMED, Kaizen) and continuous improvement methodologies.
Basic knowledge of HS&E and PPE standards relevant to textile manufacturing and machine operations.
Ability to read technical specifications, patterns, and knitting machine manuals.

Soft Skills

Strong communication skills to clearly instruct operators, report issues and coordinate across maintenance, planning and quality teams.
Leadership and people development: ability to coach, mentor and motivate operators to meet performance and quality targets.
Problem-solving orientation with analytical skills to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
Attention to detail to detect subtle fabric defects and maintain accurate production and quality records.
Time management and prioritization skills to balance production demands, maintenance needs and quality checks.
Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with frequent changeovers and shifting priorities.
Teamwork and collaboration across functional areas for integrated production outcomes.
Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to suggest and implement process enhancements.
Customer-focused attitude to maintain product standards and support on-time deliveries.
Conflict resolution and decision-making skills for day-to-day supervisory scenarios.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma / Secondary school certificate or equivalent with technical/vocational training in textiles or mechanics.

Preferred Education:

Diploma or Associate Degree in Textile Technology, Knitting Technology, Apparel Technology, or Mechanical/Electrical Maintenance.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Textile Engineering / Textile Technology
Apparel / Fashion Technology
Mechanical or Industrial Maintenance Technology
Production / Manufacturing Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1 to 5 years of hands-on experience in a knitting production environment (operator, setter, or assistant supervisor role).

Preferred:

2–4+ years assisting knitting supervisors or as a senior knitting operator with demonstrated experience in machine setup, troubleshooting, quality control and production reporting. Experience with computerized knitting systems and exposure to lean or continuous improvement projects is highly desirable.