Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in crafting luxury knitwear with precision and quality.
- Company: Join John Smedley, a prestigious British brand with over 240 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing is a plus; leadership skills are desirable but not essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values tradition and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Be part of over 240 years of British knitwear excellence. Are you ready to lead from the front and play a key role in shaping the future of luxury British manufacturing? At John Smedley, we don’t just make garments—we craft timeless pieces with a heritage spanning over two centuries. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, we are proud to be one of the world’s finest knitwear manufacturers.
We are now looking for a Production Team Leader to join our First Make Up & Press Department—a vital area of our production process where quality, precision and teamwork are essential.
The Role
As a Production Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading and developing a team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You’ll ensure that production runs smoothly, targets are achieved, and every garment meets our exceptional quality standards. Acting as the link between management and the production floor, you’ll provide clear direction, hands-on support, and strong leadership to create a motivated, high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and support your team to consistently deliver quality products on time
- Plan and coordinate workflow to maximise efficiency across the department
- Monitor output and performance, identifying and implementing improvements
- Take a proactive, hands-on approach to problem solving
- Ensure all garments meet required quality standards and specifications
- Champion safe working practices and a culture of continuous improvement
- Communicate effectively with other departments to ensure smooth production flow
- Support the training and development of team members
About You
- A natural leader who brings out the best in others
- Calm under pressure, organised and solutions-focused
- Detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to quality
- A positive, team-first approach with strong interpersonal skills
- Ambitious and ready to take the next step in your leadership journey
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment (knitwear or textiles experience is a bonus)
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience is desirable but not essential
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
- Ability to build effective working relationships across teams
Why Join John Smedley?
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Be part of a world-renowned British heritage brand with over 240 years of craftsmanship
- Work within a business that blends tradition with innovation
- Join a passionate, skilled and supportive team
- Opportunity to develop your leadership career in a growing and evolving company
- Play a key role in delivering products recognised globally for their quality
If you’re passionate about manufacturing, take pride in quality, and are ready to step into a leadership role, we’d love to hear from you.
Production Team Leader in Derby employer: JOHN SMEDLEY LTD
Contact Detail:
JOHN SMEDLEY LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Team Leader in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase why you're the perfect fit for the Production Team Leader role at John Smedley.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've motivated a team or solved problems effectively. Be ready to share these stories during interviews to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining the John Smedley family and being part of our rich heritage.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Team Leader in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Production Team Leader role. Highlight any leadership experience and your ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about knitwear and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention your commitment to quality and teamwork!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with effective solutions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at John Smedley!
How to prepare for a job interview at JOHN SMEDLEY LTD
✨Know Your Craft
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of knitwear and textiles. Understand the production process and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to maintaining quality standards. This shows your passion for the industry and your commitment to excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. Highlight your ability to motivate others and solve problems under pressure. This will demonstrate that you're not just a manager, but a true leader who can inspire a high-performing team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice clear and concise communication. Be ready to explain how you would facilitate collaboration between departments to ensure smooth production flow. Good communication is key in a fast-paced environment, so show them you can bridge gaps and keep everyone on the same page.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your proactive mindset and how you’ve implemented improvements in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you’ve championed safe working practices or enhanced efficiency. This aligns perfectly with their focus on quality and innovation, making you a strong candidate.