Sewing Machine Operator

Overall Function:

Create stitches in materials (fabric, leather, vinyl) used to produce covers for seating products.

Job Responsibilities:

• Retrieve required materials from the conveyor line or designated area and bring them to the workstation.
• Inspect fabric or components for visible defects and remove any non-conforming pieces before sewing.
• Position and align material pieces accurately on the sewing surface, sometimes over foam padding as required.
• Insert the material into the sewing machine work area and operate the machine using a foot pedal (treadle).
• Guide materials under the needle during sewing; the machine feeds the material automatically with no force required.
• Use the thread cutter and manually trim any excess or loose threads from finished pieces.
• Place completed work pieces on the conveyor or designated collection area only when quality standards are met.
• Remove finished items from the machine and set them aside for pickup by others when applicable.
• Re-thread the machine when thread breaks or when changing spools. Spool changes may occur every few hours or every two days depending on the material type (approximate spool weight: 5 lbs).
• Ensure proper working order of the sewing machine and changing needles when required.
• Sew zippers and Velcro features as required.
• Housekeeping – keeping own work area neat and tidy

Qualifications & Experience:

• High school education.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience operating industrial or commercial sewing machines in a manufacturing or upholstery environment (training may be provided for entry-level candidates with aptitude).
• Ability to follow production instructions, quality standards, and safety procedures.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for guiding materials and trimming threads.
• Basic understanding of machine threading, troubleshooting minor issues, and changing spools.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and handle light material handling tasks (up to 5 lbs).
• Attention to detail and ability to identify and remove defective pieces.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to work in a fast-paced production setting.
• English is required

Physical Job Demand

Repetitive Movements & Exposure:

Sitting/standing/walking: The job is performed entirely while seated. Ergonomic office seating is provided, including full height adjustability, as well as back supports.

Walking is only required to access/leave the work area at start/end of the day and for breaks.

The treadle is approximately 27 cm wide requiring a low amount of force to depress. Treadle depression can be either with one foot or two feet. Treadle operation is in short bursts.

Pushing/pulling: None for making armrests. Bilateral pulling is required in making seat pan and backrest covers.

Lifting/carrying: Unilateral or bilateral handling of work pieces to be sewn and sewn materials while seated at the workstation. Weights in the range of 1 to 2 lbs.

Overhead Activity: Removing materials from and placing completed materials back onto the conveyor line is done at or above shoulder level while seated at the work station.

Low level activity: None

Cognitive Demands:

• Continuous attention to detail, including ensuring that orientation of patterned fabrics is correct, and that stitching is performed correctly
• Requirement to identify flaws in the work piece as received and incorrectly processed work pieces.
• Avoid being struck in a hand by an operating needle.

Chemical Exposure:

            N/A

Environmental Exposure:

• Well lit, heated in winter.
• Noise from other sewing machines and cutting tables/CNCs (8 hr twa measured as less than 85dBA)
• Works in close proximity to others but independently for the most part.

Operating Motorized Vehicle:

N/A

Use of PPE:

• Safety Glasses.
• Safety Shoes.

Restrictions Related to Medications (Specify):

• Must be free from all recreational substances including alcohol.
• Any medication hindering ability to perform any one task restricted.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  No agencies please.

Global Furniture Group values employment equity and is an equal opportunity employer.   We will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. Those requiring accommodation should advise Human Resources and Global will provide suitable accommodation in a manner that considers the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability. Global Furniture Group offers a competitive salary, benefits package and opportunities for professional growth and development.  If you're ready to join a team that is committed to delivering the best products and services to our customers, please apply now.