At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure our knitwear meets high standards by inspecting and improving production processes.
- Company: Join John Smedley, a historic brand known for quality knitwear.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days holiday, wellbeing programmes, and discounts on products.
- Other info: Be part of a legacy in craftsmanship and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality while working hands-on with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and problem-solving skills are key; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
About Disability Confident: Disability Confident is a government scheme that encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
Company: John Smedley Limited
Salary: from £26,080.08 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Matlock, DE4 5AG
Working pattern: On-site
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 16 Sept 2026
Closing date: 16 Oct 2026
Summary:
Quality is about more than checking the finished product. It’s about understanding how we get there. We’re looking for a Quality Auditor to join our team at John Smedley’s historic Lea Mills in Matlock. This is a hands-on role at the heart of our manufacturing operation. You’ll spend your time out on the production floor, working alongside our teams to ensure our garments meet specification, our processes are being followed correctly and, when something isn’t quite right, helping us understand why.
You’ll check, question, investigate, coach and improve – helping us maintain the exceptional standards behind our world-renowned knitwear. If you have a great eye for detail, enjoy solving problems and are confident working with people, you could have exactly the skills we’re looking for.
What does a Quality Auditor actually do?
- Measure and inspect garments against specification and agreed tolerances.
- Identify and stop products that don’t meet the required standard.
- Audit processes and working practices across our production departments.
- Identify quality issues, gaps and potential risks before they become bigger problems.
- Work with teams to understand why issues have occurred and help prevent them happening again.
- Coach and support colleagues to build understanding and ownership of quality standards.
- Constructively challenge working practices when required and encourage best practice.
- Record and communicate your findings clearly and accurately.
- Support continuous improvement across our manufacturing operation.
- Play a part in maintaining consistency and compliance as we work towards ISO 9001 accreditation.
Who Could Be a Good Fit?
You may already have experience in quality assurance, quality control or auditing – but that isn’t the only background we’re interested in. You might currently work in manufacturing, production, textiles, garments or operations and be looking for an opportunity to develop your career in quality. Perhaps you’re a team leader, supervisor or experienced operative who naturally spots when something isn’t right, enjoys improving how things are done and is comfortable helping others follow the right processes.
What matters to us is that you:
- Have an excellent eye for detail and take pride in getting things right.
- Are methodical, organised and comfortable following specifications and processes.
- Enjoy problem-solving and getting to the root of an issue.
- Have the confidence to speak up when something doesn’t meet the required standard.
- Can challenge people constructively and respectfully.
- Are approachable and enjoy helping, coaching and supporting others.
- Can record and communicate information clearly.
- Are comfortable using Microsoft Office and learning new systems.
- Enjoy being hands-on and working directly with people in a production environment.
Why John Smedley?
For over 240 years, John Smedley has been manufacturing some of the world’s finest knitwear, with craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail at the heart of what we do. This is an opportunity to become part of the team responsible for protecting those standards while also helping us continuously improve the way we work. You’ll be joining a role where you can see what you’re influencing first-hand. You won’t simply identify problems – you’ll work with people across the business to understand them, address them and help make our processes stronger.
You’ll also receive:
- 32 days’ holiday
- Access to wellbeing programmes and our in-house Culture Club activities
- Discounts across hundreds of retail, travel and leisure services
- Discounts on John Smedley products
- The opportunity to develop your knowledge and experience across quality and manufacturing
Think you could be our next Quality Auditor? You don’t need to have had “Quality Auditor” as your previous job title to apply. If you’re someone who notices the details others miss, asks “why has that happened?”, enjoys working with people and takes pride in making sure things are done properly, we’d like to hear from you. Apply today and help us continue to protect – and improve – the quality behind John Smedley.
Read more in Matlock employer: John Smedley Limited
John Smedley Limited is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque Matlock, offering a unique opportunity to work in a historic setting while contributing to the production of world-renowned knitwear. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, the company provides 32 days of holiday, access to wellbeing programmes, and discounts on products, fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. Join a team where your contributions are valued, and you can make a tangible impact on quality standards and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Read more in Matlock
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like John Smedley Limited, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Read more in Matlock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to John Smedley Limited specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Smedley Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with John Smedley Limited, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like John Smedley Limited value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
