Production Sewing Machinist
1 day ago
Stockton-on-Tees
Post Title: Production Sewing Machinist Reporting To: Lead Machinist Location: Daisy Chain (new warehouse on Portrack Lane, Stockton. tbc) Salary: £25,400 FTE or pro rata for reduced hours. Fixed term until June 2028. Hours: We currently have 2 x 37.5-hour posts available for the this role. However, we are flexible and open to considering a mixture of part-time hours ranging from 15 hours to 37.5 hours per week. If you're interested but require different hours, please feel free to apply and specify your preferred working hours. Daisy Chain is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care and therefore this post is subject to a DBS check. Please note that if enough applications are received, we will close the job early, please ensure you apply as soon as possible JOB SUMMARY Neuthread: where reharvested waste becomes ethical fashion Daisy Chain has launched Neuthread, a pioneering community sewing and social enterprise project that transforms reharvested fabrics and garments into high-quality, sustainable fashion. Alongside reducing textile waste, we create training, jobs, and meaningful work for autistic and neurodiverse people. We are now seeking a skilled machinist to join our eco-manufacturing team. This is a fast-paced, production-focused role, working with a variety of textiles on industrial sewing machines and overlockers to produce garments and upcycled products with speed, accuracy, and a consistently high-quality finish. You will work closely with the Lead Machinist, following agreed workflows and helping to deliver ambitious production targets in terms of both quality and quantity. As part of the team, you will: • Ensure all items are completed on time, to specification, and to a consistently high finish., • Support the smooth day-to-day running of the production line, including fabric selection, handling, and machine maintenance., • Work collaboratively to build a positive, inclusive, and creative workshop culture that aligns with Neuthread’s sustainable brand ethos. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative new project that blends sustainability with social impact, playing a vital role in producing high-quality garments at scale, contributing to both sustainability goals and Neuthread’s growing reputation. KEY TASKS • Meet daily and weekly production targets for garments and upcycled products, ensuring all items are completed to specification, on time, and to a consistently high finish., • Operate a range of industrial sewing machines and overlockers with precision and efficiency, carrying out sewing, stitching, and finishing tasks in a fast-paced environment., • Work from set patterns and technical specifications, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all garments produced., • Prepare and process textiles (cutting, sewing, finishing) to maximise speed and throughput while maintaining high quality standards., • Support the smooth running of the production line, including fabric handling, machine maintenance, and workflow efficiency., • Communicate effectively with the Lead Machinist and production team to prioritise workloads and resolve any production issues quickly., • Ensure all garments meet Daisy Chain’s brand standards for quality, durability, and finish before release to retail. Additional Tasks: • Comply with Daisy Chain’s Health and Safety policies in all employment practices., • Work in ways that promote equality, opportunity, participation, and responsibility., • Maintain the integrity of the Daisy Chain brand in all internal and external communications., • Contribute proactively to the role and responsibilities, maintaining a positive ethos within the organisation., • Attend staff meetings and contribute to continuous service improvement and quality initiatives., • Ensure attendance and engagement with all required training and development activities., • Any other reasonable tasks as required, in line with the level of the post., • To ensure that confidential/sensitive information is handled in an appropriate manner and in line with GDPR, • Work in a way that contributes to the continuous improvement of the Charity’s services and embraces the organisations quality initiatives PERSON SPECIFICATION Experience • A background and experience in working with a broad range of textiles, including clothing, denim, leather, and cotton. E, A, I & T, • Experience of making or adapting clothing in a production-line or factory setup, meeting set targets and deadlines. E, A, I & T, • Ability to create clothing from set patterns, working to established designs and specifications. E, A & T, • Experience in working under pressure to meet production targets and deadlines while maintaining quality standards. E, A & I, • Previous experience of working within a team in a manufacturing or factory environment. E, A & I, • Experience in using industrial sewing machines, overlockers, and other related equipment to produce clothing. E, A & T, • Ability to work at speed without compromising on quality. E (A,T), • Demonstrated accuracy in sewing and finishing across a range of textiles – E (A, I, T), • Creative and flexible approach to working, including adapting to different styles, materials, and techniques based on production needs. E & I, • Organised approach to practical work with excellent attention to detail, ensuring all garments meet high-quality standards. E, A & I, • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively while meeting production targets. E, A, I & T Qualifications/Skills • Tailoring qualification or similar, OR relevant qualification/experience in garment production. E & A, • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to work collaboratively with the design team and production staff. E, A & I, • Ability to use an overlocker and industrial sewing machines with confidence and accuracy. E, A, I & T, • Practical and creative skills, with the ability to transform donated textiles into desirable, fashionable items. E, A & T, • Ability to use a range of equipment and tools associated with the garment production process. E, A & T Knowledge & Skills • Strong practical skills in garment creation, including pattern cutting, sewing, and finishing techniques. E, A & T, • Understanding of how to make clothing from patterns and the ability to adapt designs where necessary. E, A, I & T, • Knowledge of safety regulations and legal requirements related to textile production, including fire retardancy standards. E, A & I, • Ability to follow production targets and timelines, ensuring efficient workflow and meeting deadlines. E, A & I, • Understanding of sustainable fashion practices and upcycling techniques to maximise the value of donated textiles. E, A & I Other • A passion for sustainability, upcycling, and contributing to environmental and community-driven initiatives. E, I & A, • Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding in working with a diverse team and community volunteers. E, I & A, • Sympathetic with the aims of Daisy Chain, including its values in social inclusion and environmental sustainability. E & A, • Comfortable working in a structured environment with clear performance expectations and targets. E, I & A, • Ability to form positive relationships with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and needs. E, I & A