Cutter - Fabrics for Garment Production

Job Description

Post Title: Cutter - Fabrics for Garment Production

Reporting To: Production Leads

Location: Daisy Chain, Neuthread Eco-Manufacturing Centre, Unit 1, Teasway, Portrack Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 2RS

Salary: £25,400 per annum, full-time equivalent, pro rata for part-time hours

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract until 30 June 2028

Hours: 15-22.5 hours per week, with flexibility to agree your contracted hours and working pattern at interview.

Start Date: As soon as possible in November 2026

Closing Date: Friday 6 November 2026

Daisy Chain is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care. This post is therefore subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Neuthread: Difference by Design

Neuthread is Daisy Chain's sustainable fashion brand and social enterprise, transforming donated textiles and existing garments into high-quality clothing. We bring together skilled garment production, textile waste reduction and opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent people to develop skills and access meaningful employment.

Our ambition is to produce distinctive fashion while making better use of materials and creating a more inclusive industry. Achieving that takes technical skill, attention to detail and a team committed to delivering work of a consistently high standard.

We are looking for an experienced Cutter - Fabrics for Garment Production to play a key role in our eco-manufacturing team.

Purpose of the Role

Accurate cutting is fundamental to the quality of every garment we produce. Your work will ensure that our garment creators receive precisely cut, carefully prepared materials that allow production to move efficiently from one stage to the next.

This is a hands-on, production-focused role, primarily responsible for cutting fabrics and preparing garment components. Working closely with the Production Leads, you will follow agreed patterns, technical specifications and production schedules to meet daily and weekly targets without compromising quality.

Working with donated textiles brings variety and requires sound practical judgement. You will use your knowledge of different materials to achieve accurate results, make efficient use of available fabric and identify issues before they affect production.

You will join a team that values craftsmanship, collaboration and inclusion, contributing directly to the growth of a fashion brand with environmental and social purpose.

Key Responsibilities

Fabric Preparation and Cutting

• Prepare and organise fabrics from approved donated stock to meet production requirements.




• Cut garments and components accurately and efficiently, following agreed designs, patterns and technical specifications.




• Maintain consistency across all cut work, ensuring that garment creators receive the correct pieces and components, prepared to the required standard and ready for assembly.

Fabric Utilisation and Quality Control

• Follow agreed lay plans to maximise fabric utilisation and minimise avoidable waste, taking account of the characteristics, condition and usable area of each material.




• Check that patterns, materials and cut components meet Daisy Chain's and Neuthread's quality standards before release to production.




• Identify discrepancies or material concerns promptly and raise them with the Production Leads so they can be resolved before further work proceeds.

Production Targets and Workflow

• Organise cutting and preparation work to meet daily and weekly production targets and agreed critical path deadlines.




• Ensure the production line has the cut work and components it needs at the right time.




• Communicate effectively with the Production Leads, Lead Machinist, garment creators and design team to agree priorities, respond to changing requirements and resolve production issues quickly.

Teamwork and Workshop Standards

• Support the smooth day-to-day running of the production unit through a flexible, practical approach to tasks and a willingness to support colleagues.




• Use cutting tools and equipment safely and appropriately, and maintain a tidy, organised and well-maintained working area.




• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and creative workshop culture that reflects Neuthread's sustainable fashion ethos.

Additional Tasks

• Comply with Daisy Chain's health and safety policies in all working practices.




• Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately and in line with GDPR and organisational policies.




• Work in ways that promote equality of opportunity, participation and responsibility.




• Uphold the integrity of the Daisy Chain and Neuthread brands in internal and external communications, and contribute positively to the organisation's working culture.




• Take a proactive approach to your responsibilities and contribute to the continuous improvement of the charity's work and quality initiatives.




• Attend staff meetings and participate fully in required training and development.




• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the level of the post.

Person Specification

Assessment key: E = Essential; A = Application; I = Interview; T = Practical task or test.

Experience

• Experience of cutting fabrics for garment production, ideally within a production-line environment. (E, A, I, T)




• Experience of working with a broad range of textiles and existing garments, including denim, leather and cotton. (E, A, I, T)




• Experience of meeting production targets and deadlines under pressure while maintaining accuracy and quality. (E, A, I)




• Experience of working collaboratively within a production or manufacturing team. (E, A, I)




• Experience of handling, preparing and organising fabrics for garment production. (E, A, I)




• Demonstrable attention to detail in pattern preparation and material handling. (E, A, I, T)




• An organised approach to practical work that supports efficient production workflows. (E, A, I)




• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and meet agreed production targets. (E, A, I, T)

Qualifications and Practical Skills

• A qualification in pattern cutting, garment production or manufacturing, or equivalent relevant practical experience. (E, A)




• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with production and design colleagues. (E, A, I)




• Practical competence in using tools and equipment associated with pattern cutting and garment preparation. (E, A, T)




• Ability to interpret technical specifications and translate them into accurate, production-ready patterns. (E, A, T)




• A practical, solution-focused approach to working with donated textiles and materials of varying types and characteristics. (E, A, T)

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Experience of using cutting-room equipment, including manual and electric rotary cutters and a bandknife cutter. (E, A, I, T)




• An understanding of pattern cutting and its application within garment production. (E, A, T)




• Understanding of how patterns and accurately prepared cut work support efficient production-line garment construction. (E, A, I, T)




• Knowledge of relevant safety regulations and legal requirements within a textile production environment. (E, A, I)




• Understanding of production targets, timelines and the importance of maintaining an efficient workflow. (E, A, I)




• Understanding of sustainable fashion practices and the use of donated textiles in garment production. (E, A, I)

Personal Approach and Values

• A genuine interest in sustainability, upcycling and work that delivers environmental and community benefit. (E, A, I)




• Empathy and understanding when working with a diverse team and community volunteers. (E, A, I)




• Commitment to Daisy Chain's aims and values, including social inclusion and environmental sustainability. (E, A)




• Ability to work effectively within a structured production environment with clear performance expectations and targets. (E, A, I)




• Ability to build positive, respectful working relationships with people from a range of backgrounds and with different needs. (E, A, I)

Inclusive Recruitment

Daisy Chain is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and value the different experiences, perspectives and strengths that individuals bring to our workforce.

Please let us know about any adjustments that would help you participate fully in the recruitment process and demonstrate your skills.

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