Tufting Operator

PURPOSE

***To efficiently operate Tufting machines such as Tuftco, Cobble and CMC and to ensure that carpets are produced and manufactured with no defects.

**This position reports to the Tufting Supervisor.**

**Responsibilities**:

- Responsible for operating tufting machine efficiently
- Responsible for mending yarn by use of hand and specific tufting needles e.g. C needle and by using the mending gun should defects occur
- Ensure the machines are threaded in its correct sequence from creel to needles
- Ensures selvedges are kept equal on both sides by aligning poly to the machine needles and ensure it is locked to avoid poly movement
- Ensure quality checks are carried out on backing, raw materials and polys.
- Report any defects on the material, creel, airlines, burling frame, tubing, electrical and mechanical faults to the supervisors.
- Visually observe raw materials and process product for potential faults.
- Ensure continuous running of the machine.
- Ensure that the correct color of yarn is used to mend the product on the machine.
- Responsible for reducing Tufting faults going through to Backing Plant
- Assists with creeling when required
- Responsible for doing creel changes and poly changes when poly runs out and when there is a product change.
- Responsible for documenting downtimes and productivity on all the machines using a live monitoring system.
- Checking of sequence on pattern production and R&D projects as per product specification and always ensure that specifications are correct even for pattern repeats i.e. dimensions, sequence, width and length
- Responsible for housekeeping as well as the machine and area around it
- Work within the company and departments rules and regulation
- Must be able to follow any reasonable instruction given by superior.
- Observe and adhere to Health and Safety requirements

***Competencies**:

- **Valuing Differences** - Working effectively with individuals of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, or backgrounds; seeks out and uses unique abilities, insights, and ideas from diverse individuals.
- **Work standards** - Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed.
- **Earning Trust** - Gaining others’ confidence by acting with integrity and following through on commitments while disclosing own positions; treating others and their ideas with respect and supporting them in the face of challenges_._
- **Initiating Action**:

- Taking prompt action to accomplish work goals; taking action to achieve results beyond what is required; being proactive.
- **Customer Orientation**:

- Placing a high priority on the internal or external customer’s perspective when making decisions and acting; implementing service practices that meet the customers’ and own organization’s needs.
- **Quality Orientation**:

- Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how detailed; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
- **Safety Focus**:

- Identifying and improving conditions that affect own and others’ safety, upholding safety standards_._
- **Planning and Organising**:

- Establishing an action plan for self and others to complete work efficiently and on time by setting priorities, establishing timelines, and leveraging resources_._
- **Continuous Learning**:

- **Influencing** - Using effective involvement and persuasion strategies to gain acceptance of ideas and commitment to actions that support specific work outcomes.
- **Technology Savvy**:

- Leveraging one’s practical knowledge and understanding of recent technology tools, solutions, and trends to improve work results, solve work problems, and take advantage of new business opportunities.

**Requirements**:

- 1 year experience as a machine operator essential
- Working Experience within the Tufting Department will be an added advantage
- Knowledge of a Live Monitoring System is advantages
- Good knowledge and understanding of ISO 90001 is advantageous

**Key relationships**:

- Line Manager/s
- Supervisor
- Backing Plant team
- R&D Team

**Qualifications**:

- Grade 12/Matric with Maths is essential

**Belgotex is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Employment Equity,**

**Transformation, Diversity & Inclusion