Manufacturing Operative
| Posting date: | 05 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £12.21 per hour |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 April 2026 |
| Location: | DE4 5AG |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | John Smedley Limited |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Manufacturing Operative
Full Time | 2-3 Month Contract
Be part of 240 years of British knitwear excellence
Help bring our garments to life through precision, care, and craftsmanship.
At John Smedley, every piece we produce reflects over two centuries of British manufacturing heritage. Working in our newly designed wash area, the Wash Operator plays an important role in ensuring garments are processed to the highest standards before moving to the next stage of production.
If you enjoy hands-on work, take pride in quality, and want to be part of a skilled production team, this could be the perfect role for you.
What You’ll Do
You’ll be part of the team responsible for ensuring our garments are washed, finished, and prepared to the exact standards our customers expect. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
• Batching garments and yarns by colour, yarn count, and material to support efficient processing
• Operating specialist washing equipment, including the Pozzi autoclave
• Washing garments to the correct colour, finish, and quality standards
• Tumble drying garments correctly to maintain consistency and shape
• Turning garments to the face side and preparing them for the next stage of production
• Accurately barcoding batches before and after washing to ensure full traceability
• Monitoring wash processes and responding quickly to maintain quality and avoid delays
• Working to production schedules to ensure garments move smoothly through the factory
• Following health and safety procedures, including safe chemical handling
Your Impact
• Help deliver right-first-time quality for every garment
• Support efficient production flow across the factory
• Maintain high standards of safety and environmental responsibility
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to keep the department running smoothly
• Contribute to continuous improvements in how we process and finish garments
Who You Are
• Practical, reliable, and comfortable working in a hands-on environment
• Detail-focused with pride in producing high-quality work
• A strong team player who communicates well with colleagues
• Organised and able to work to deadlines
• Safety-conscious when working with machinery and chemicals
Experience in a wash, dye, or manufacturing environment is helpful but not essential — we’re happy to train the right person with the right attitude.
Why John Smedley?
• Join a globally recognised British heritage brand
• Be part of a skilled and supportive production team
• Receive training in specialist garment washing processes
• Work in a modernised production environment
• Competitive salary + benefits package
Interested in becoming part of our manufacturing team? Apply now and help craft the world’s finest knitwear.
Full Time | 2-3 Month Contract
Be part of 240 years of British knitwear excellence
Help bring our garments to life through precision, care, and craftsmanship.
At John Smedley, every piece we produce reflects over two centuries of British manufacturing heritage. Working in our newly designed wash area, the Wash Operator plays an important role in ensuring garments are processed to the highest standards before moving to the next stage of production.
If you enjoy hands-on work, take pride in quality, and want to be part of a skilled production team, this could be the perfect role for you.
What You’ll Do
You’ll be part of the team responsible for ensuring our garments are washed, finished, and prepared to the exact standards our customers expect. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
• Batching garments and yarns by colour, yarn count, and material to support efficient processing
• Operating specialist washing equipment, including the Pozzi autoclave
• Washing garments to the correct colour, finish, and quality standards
• Tumble drying garments correctly to maintain consistency and shape
• Turning garments to the face side and preparing them for the next stage of production
• Accurately barcoding batches before and after washing to ensure full traceability
• Monitoring wash processes and responding quickly to maintain quality and avoid delays
• Working to production schedules to ensure garments move smoothly through the factory
• Following health and safety procedures, including safe chemical handling
Your Impact
• Help deliver right-first-time quality for every garment
• Support efficient production flow across the factory
• Maintain high standards of safety and environmental responsibility
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to keep the department running smoothly
• Contribute to continuous improvements in how we process and finish garments
Who You Are
• Practical, reliable, and comfortable working in a hands-on environment
• Detail-focused with pride in producing high-quality work
• A strong team player who communicates well with colleagues
• Organised and able to work to deadlines
• Safety-conscious when working with machinery and chemicals
Experience in a wash, dye, or manufacturing environment is helpful but not essential — we’re happy to train the right person with the right attitude.
Why John Smedley?
• Join a globally recognised British heritage brand
• Be part of a skilled and supportive production team
• Receive training in specialist garment washing processes
• Work in a modernised production environment
• Competitive salary + benefits package
Interested in becoming part of our manufacturing team? Apply now and help craft the world’s finest knitwear.