Job Details
Job Type: Permanent Job Sector: Manufacturing Region: London Location: Somercotes Salary Description: You will be paid an initial training rate until you are up to speed, you will then be paid piecework. Posted: 19/10/2026
About Us
It takes a whole lot of passion to be at the centre of what makes a house feel like home -- and that’s just what we do at DFS. We’re the leading sofa retail specialist in the UK, helping people find a comfy seat on their great quality sofas since 1969.
About the role
As a Sewing Machinist, you will use industrial sewing machines to stitch a variety of upholstery materials, including fabric, leather and velvet, creating components such as cushions, arm covers and sofa panels. You'll work from patterns and specifications to produce consistent, high-quality products while achieving daily production targets. The role combines craftsmanship with efficiency, ensuring every sofa cover is manufactured to exact standards before progressing to the upholstery team.
What we offer
Highlights
Imagine finishing your working week while others are only halfway through theirs. Our 4-day afternoon shift gives you three days off every week - that's a long weekend, every weekend. You'll also enjoy a two-week shutdown every July at the start of the summer holidays, a week off at Christmas, and we don't work bank holidays, giving you even more time to relax, recharge and spend with the people who matter the most.
Competitive Pay & Work-Life Balance
You will be paid an initial training rate until you are up to speed, you will then be paid piecework (so you will be rewarded for the more you machine) and a reliable schedule, leading to a strong annual earning potential including uncapped commission.
Working hours: 39 hours per week
Afternoon Shift Monday to Wednesday: 2:00pm-12:20am, Thursday: 2:00 pm-11:05 pm
Location - Lincoln House Somercotes, Derby, DE55 4QQ
Growth and Training
Learn new skills and develop your career with us. There's more… Generous holiday allowance- the time you need to rest and relax and the longer you're with us, the more time you'll get. Opportunity to purchase additional holidays each year.
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave: to give you the time you need to settle in with your new family member.
Discounts
Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, discounts for friends and family plus discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers.
Wellbeing Perks
Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships.
Pension and Savings: Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes.
Life Assurance & Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay.
What you'll be doing
Upholstery Sewing: Stitching heavy-duty fabrics, leathers, and velvets to create precision-fit cushions, carcasses, and arm covers for sofas.
Machinery Operation: Confidently operating and maintaining industrial sewing machines, specifically focusing on:
- Lock stitch - for strong, structural seams.
- Over lock - to finish raw edges and prevent fraying.
Component Assembly: Inserting and sewing zippers, piping, and valances neatly and efficiently.
Quality Control: Inspecting your own work to ensure seams are straight, tension is correct, and all pieces meet our high quality and measurement standards before passing them to the upholstery team.
Target Achievement: Working efficiently to meet daily production targets and maximise your earning potential under our piecework pay structure.
Workspace Management: Keeping your machinery clean, oiled, and maintaining a safe, tidy work environment.
We’re looking for someone who
- Has experience with Upholstery Sewing
- Experience of lock stitch, over lock and zipping
- Experience of working in a fast paced manufacturing environment
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We’re committed to a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and can thrive at work. We celebrate diverse voices, champion inclusion, and support each other through our growing colleague networks. We invest in partnerships that drive change, from introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and supporting Doncaster Pride, to partnering with Carers UK and developing leaders with Diversity in Retail.
We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. So, if your experience doesn't quite match the specification, we'd still really love to hear from you.
(All roles are subject to satisfactory DBS checks.)
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Industrial Sewing Machinist employer: DFS
DFS Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises leadership and collaboration, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Located in a dynamic environment, we offer our employees ample opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions. Join us to be part of a talented team where your contributions are valued and recognised.
