At a Glance
- Tasks: Join panels of knitwear using specialist industrial seaming machines with precision and care.
- Company: Join a historic family business dedicated to quality British knitwear since 1784.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, employee discounts, and enhanced annual leave.
- Other info: Experience the camaraderie of a strong team spirit and endless career opportunities.
- Why this job: Craft world-class knitwear and develop specialist skills in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a positive attitude are essential; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 25396 - 31040 £ per year.
John Smedley began in 1784 as a family business, and today, we are proud to remain a family business. Now in our eighth generation, the commitment to doing things the right way - the honest way - is a constant, not just in our craftsmanship but at our company's core. Today, our growing team of artisans live close to our historic mill: many of them, with specialist skills, have been employed by the mill for decades. In this era of responsible manufacturing, we are proud of this proximity to the needle and our commitment to British production.
Are you ready to play a hands-on role in crafting world-class knitwear? At John Smedley, we've been creating exceptional British knitwear for over 240 years, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques. We're looking for a Garment Seamer to join our Production team at Lea Mills. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop specialist skills, work as part of a supportive team and take pride in producing beautifully crafted knitwear worn around the world. Whether you have previous sewing experience or are looking to learn something new, full training will be provided to help you succeed.
What You'll Do
- As a Garment Seamer, you'll be responsible for joining panels of knitwear using specialist industrial seaming machines.
- Working to detailed specifications, you'll help ensure every garment is assembled with precision, care and attention to detail.
- Your key responsibilities will include:
- Joining knitted panels using specialist industrial seaming machines
- Following technical specifications and work instructions accurately
- Checking your work to ensure garments meet our high-quality standards
- Maintaining a clean, safe and organised working environment
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve production targets
- Taking pride in your craftsmanship and contributing to continuous improvement
What We're Looking For
- We're looking for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work and takes pride in getting the details right.
- You'll ideally have:
- Excellent attention to detail and a quality-focused approach
- Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- A calm, patient and methodical approach to work
- The ability to follow instructions and work consistently
- A reliable, positive attitude and willingness to learn
- The ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
- Previous experience with industrial sewing machines would be an advantage, but is not essential.
We provide full training, so what matters most is your attitude, attention to detail and enthusiasm to learn. You should be able to chat up your teammates and keep everyone in the loop effortlessly—communication is key! Having a keen eye for detail is super important; we need someone who can spot the little things that make a big difference. Patience and methodical thinking go hand in hand; take your time and be thorough because quality is what we're all about. A positive vibe and reliability are your trademarks, and you bring them to the table every single day. Being a lone wolf is cool, but you should also enjoy being part of the wolf pack when the project calls for teamwork.
What We Offer
- As part of the John Smedley team, you'll enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, work-life balance and everyday life.
- Pay & Working Hours
- Competitive annual salary of £25,775.88
- Permanent, full-time employment
- 39-hour working week
- Early finish every Friday at 12 noon
- Holidays & Everyday Perks
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement
- Free on-site parking
- Complimentary tea, coffee and milk
- Discounted on-site canteen
- Wellbeing & Lifestyle
- Access to health and wellbeing services
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offering additional support when you need it
- Access to our Culture Club events and activities
- Discounts at hundreds of retailers
- Exclusive John Smedley employee discount
Why Join John Smedley?
At John Smedley, every garment is a reflection of the skill, dedication and care of the people who make it. When you join our Production team, you'll become part of a proud British manufacturing heritage, working alongside experienced colleagues who are passionate about quality and craftsmanship. You'll have the opportunity to learn a specialist skill, develop your experience and play an important role in creating knitwear that's recognised and appreciated around the world.
Production Operative 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 Production Operative
✨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 Production Operative
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.
