Sewing Machine Operator (Training Provided)

Location: St. Thomas, Ontario

Position Type: Full-Time

Starting Pay: $20-26/hour (base + profit-sharing bonuses)

Schedule: 8 AM - 4 PM, Monday to Friday. No evenings. No weekends.

Transportation: Reliable transportation to and from work is required.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. We're hiring for this role now.

To help us with the application review process, please include the year TagsForHope was founded at the top of your application or cover letter. (Hint: check our website!)

Why TagsForHope

We're TagsForHope, and we manufacture some of the most loved pet accessories in the world, right here in Canada.

But here's the part we're most proud of: our mission is to make the world a better place for animals.

We partner with dozens of rescue organizations around the world to help save animals' lives, and every product that leaves our factory plays a part in that. When you work here, what you create with your hands actually matters.

This isn't a faceless corporate gig. We're a close team of people who genuinely care about what we're building, and we're looking for more people like that.

The Role at a Glance

We're hiring a full-time Industrial Sewing Machine Operator to join our production team. You'll be crafting pet collars, leashes, harnesses, and bandanas using industrial sewing and serging equipment.

Experience with industrial sewing machines is preferred. If you don't have direct sewing experience, we're open to training the right person, but you'll need a proven track record working in a fast-paced production or factory environment, and you'll need to be a quick learner who's comfortable working with your hands.

Worth knowing: Our sewing team is the backbone of this company. This role is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. When new positions open up, we always look to promote from within first. Our best people get first shot.

The physical side: This is hands-on work. You'll spend most of the day at a sewing station doing detailed, repetitive work with your hands, and auxiliary tasks involve standing, walking, and lifting boxes and fabric rolls up to 20 lb.

A Typical Day

• Operate industrial sewing equipment to build high-quality pet products from scratch
• Move fast while maintaining the perfect quality our customers have come to expect from us
• Keep your sewing equipment maintained and running smoothly
• Compete (friendly) with your teammates through our gamification system, which ties directly into profit sharing. We're on the same team, but we love friendly competition.
• Collaborate with your team to solve problems, improve how we build products, and bring your ideas to the table
• Assist with auxiliary tasks including fabric preparation, packaging, printing, and inventory management

You'd Be a Great Fit If...

• You have sewing machine experience OR a strong background in fast-paced production/manufacturing work
• You have a sharp eye for detail and take real pride in your work
• You're reliable, disciplined, and show up ready to contribute every day
• You pick things up quickly and want to keep getting better at what you do
• You're a team player who's always willing to jump in and help others when they need it
• You're looking for a place to stay and grow. We value commitment, and it shows when you've invested real time with past employers. If layoffs, contract work, or life events shaped your resume, just tell us the story in your cover letter.
• You love animals and care about making their lives better

Why You'll Love Working Here

• $20-26/hour, above industry average for this trade
• Full benefits after the 3-month probation
• Consistent schedule, Monday to Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM. Your evenings and weekends are yours.
• A genuinely supportive team that invests in your growth
• Opportunities to advance as we continue to grow
• Pet-friendly workplace and free TagsForHope products!

Ready? Here's How to Apply

Click "Apply to Position" and include:

• The year TagsForHope was founded, at the top of your application (you'll find it on our website)
• Your resume
• A short cover letter that answers the following three questions:
• What's the longest you've stayed at one job, and what kept you there?
• Why are you leaving your current job? (Or why did you leave your most recent one?)
• What's something you've built or made with your hands that you're proud of?

As we receive a large volume of applicants, applications without these requirements may not be reviewed.

TagsForHope is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We're committed to building an inclusive, welcoming workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We appreciate all applicants, but only candidates selected for the next steps will be contacted.

If you need an accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process, let us know and we'll work with you to provide it.

AI Disclosure: TagsForHope does not use automated artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. All applicants are reviewed by real humans on our team.

All interviewed applicants will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their last interview.