Reporting To: CEO
Location: Daisy Chain (new warehouse Portrack Lane)
Fixed term until 30th June 2028
Hours: 37.5 hours or 2 x 18.75 posts
Daisy Chain is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care and therefore this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Closing date 12th September 2025 at 12 noon with interviews scheduled to take place at Daisy Chain Megastore on Portrack Lane, Stockton as and when applications are received. 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 community sewing and social enterprise project turning reharvested fabrics and garments into high-quality, sustainable fashion. We provide training, jobs, and meaningful work for autistic and neurodiverse people while reducing textile waste.
We are seeking an exceptional machinist who can lead from the front - setting the standard for speed, quality, and creativity in our textile production line. This is a hands-on leadership role, working on the machines alongside your team to meet ambitious quality and quantity targets, while ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our eco manufacturing operations.
You will work closely with the Director of Business Development and the Project Manager to build a skilled, motivated team that delivers outstanding garments, develops innovative upcycled products, and fulfills sales orders on time and to specification.
> Production Leadership
- Lead by example on the production floor operating industrial sewing machines, cutting, assembling, and finishing garments.
- Set and maintain high standards of workmanship, efficiency, and consistency.
- Supervise day-to-day production operations, allocating tasks and managing workflow.
- Work with the Project Manager to ensure production meets sales and delivery targets.
> Technical Expertise & Training by Example
- Share your technical knowledge, demonstrating best practice sewing, finishing, and construction techniques.
- Support and mentor team members to improve speed, accuracy, and output.
- Work with the Skills Academy post holder to align training activities with production needs.
> Quality Control & Innovation
- Implement quality control processes to ensure garments meet customer specifications and brand standards.
- Contribute to product development, suggesting creative ways to use reharvested fabrics.
- Help develop efficient methods for small-batch ethical production.
> Collaboration & Coordination
- Work closely with the Project Manager to track production KPIs and progress.
- Liaise with sales staff to confirm product specifications and delivery schedules.
- Support event production and product showcases as required.
> Additional Tasks
- Comply with Daisy Chains 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 Charitys services and embraces the organisations quality initiatives.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
E - Essential; D - Desirable; I - Interview; A - Application; T - Task
> Experience
Leadership experience in managing garment production teams and workloads. E, A, I & T
Proven record of setting and monitoring production targets. E, A, I
Experience in creating and implementing staff induction or training plans. E, A, I
Background in sustainable production or upcycling practices. E, A, I
Experience in conducting layout assessments and advising on workflow efficiency. D, A, I
Strong background in garment construction, pattern cutting, and quality assurance. E, A, I & T
Experience in setting up or leading a production facility or manufacturing centre. D, A, I
> Qualifications
Tailoring qualification or equivalent relevant experience. E & A
Advanced skills in industrial sewing, cutting, and textile handling. E, A, I & T
Ability to design and implement efficient and eco-conscious workflows. D, A, I
Skilled in using overlockers and other industrial equipment. E, A, I & T
Excellent planning and organisational skills. E, A, I
Strong communication and mentoring abilities to lead staff. E, A, I
> Knowledge and Skills
Understanding of sustainable fashion and circular economy principles. E, A, I
Familiarity with garment production techniques and industry standards. E, A, I & T
Knowledge of health and safety regulations within textile production. E, A, I
Ability to assess and implement layout and workflow improvements. E, A, I
> Other
Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evening and weekend work E, I
Full driving license and access to a car D, I
Understanding of and commitment to the values and ethos of Daisy Chain E, I, A
Willingness to undertake other duties as necessary E, I
Comfortable working in a performance-driven, team-oriented environment. E, A & I
To apply, please send the following to recruitment@daisychainproject.co.uk or apply via the apply now button.
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Your CV
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A cover letter (no more than two pages) explaining why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to the Neuthread team. You must include a cover letter for your application to be considered
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Any access requirements or adjustments you would like us to consider during the recruitment process
Please note that the interview for this role involves a live task assessing practical skills.
We may close applications early if we receive high levels of interest, so please apply as soon as possible.
For informal enquiries or to discuss the role, please contact:
recruitment@daisychainproject.co.uk | www.daisychainproject.co.uk/neuthread