Sewing Operative

Johnstons of Elgin; Elgin; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnstons of Elgin is recruiting a Sewing Operative in the UK to help produce high‑quality soft accessories for luxury brands. You will operate sewing machines, perform intricate hand‑sewing and cutting tasks, and conduct quality inspections.

This permanent role offers a dayshift (38 hours) or a late shift (34 hours) with training provided to support skill development and a focus on precision and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Show an interest in sewing, fashion, textiles or crafts.
• Have the ability to carefully and accurately follow detailed written instructions.
• Take pride in doing a job well, and never compromise on high standards.
• Be a team player with good communication skills.
• Have good colour vision.
• Organised and reliable.
• Be able to work to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Operating a variety of sewing machines to manufacture high‑quality soft accessories.
• Carrying out intricate hand‑sewing and cutting tasks.
• Conducting quality inspections to ensure products meet required standards.
• Working with a range of fabrics, patterns, and finishes.
• Maintaining high levels of precision, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Supporting production requirements by achieving agreed output levels.
• Following production plans and quality standards associated with Johnstons of Elgin.
• Undertaking other practical production tasks as required within the department.
• Receiving full training and support to develop the skills required for the role.

Skills

Sewing

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Colour vision

Job description

Job Title: Sewing Operative

Do you have an interest or passion for sewing? Due to our Lockstitch department's growth, we have some exciting opportunities to join Johnstons of Elgin. If you have a passion for sewing and enjoy hands‑on, detail-focused work, this role offers the chance to help create high‑quality soft accessories for world‑renowned luxury brands.

We have a permanent position on dayshift shift (38 hours), working Monday to Thursday 0700-1600 and Friday 0700 - 1100 (38 hours per week)

Or late shift position working Monday to Thursday from 1600 to 0100 (34 hours per week)

Rate of pay for this role is £13.45 per hour.

About the Role

• Operating a variety of sewing machines to manufacture high‑quality soft accessories
• Carrying out intricate hand‑sewing and cutting tasks
• Conducting quality inspections to ensure products meet required standards
• Working with a range of fabrics, patterns, and finishes
• Maintaining high levels of precision, consistency, and attention to detail
• Supporting production requirements by achieving agreed output levels
• Following production plans and quality standards associated with Johnstons of Elgin
• Undertaking other practical production tasks as required within the department
• Receiving full training and support to develop the skills required for the role

About you

• Show an interest in sewing, fashion, textiles or crafts
• Have the ability to carefully and accurately follow detailed written instructions
• Take pride in doing a job well, and never compromise on high standards
• Be a team player with good communication skills
• Have good colour vision
• Organised and reliable
• Be able to work to deadlines

About Us

Founded in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is an innovative, luxury clothing brand celebrating 225 years of experience in working with the world's finest fibres. Across three centuries, our family‑owned company has carefully sources cashmere and fine woollen fibres from around the world, applying the latest technology and highest quality craft expertise in our very own vertical Scottish mills. Employing over 1,000 staff, our valued employees and communities are at the heart of everything we do, producing unique, high‑quality designs that are made to last. Our brand is focused on sustainability, working with natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibres and we are committed to maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

Johnstons of Elgin is proud to be an equal opportunity employer wholeheartedly supporting the principles of equality and diversity to build an inclusive workforce. Our aim is to embed diversity and inclusion in everything we do to create an environment where our employees feel safe to be their whole authentic self without having to downplay or change parts of their identity. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, which goes beyond those characteristics protected by law to include everything that makes us unique, from our backgrounds and experiences to our personalities and ways of thinking.

We endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and encourage any candidate who requires assistance to contact us at [e-mail].

Don't meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement or qualification. At Johnstons of Elgin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but think your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Please note all applicants must be able to provide evidence of their right to remain and take up paid employment in country job is based.