Upholstery Fabric Cutter

DFS; Somercotes CP; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Enhanced parental leave

Discounts on DFS products

Healthcare access

Job summary

DFS, a leading UK sofa retailer, is seeking a Fabric Cutter in Somercotes. You will operate cutting machinery and prepare fabric components to spec, collaborating with experienced colleagues to deliver high-quality parts while maintaining a safe work environment.

The role offers a rotating morning/afternoon shift pattern, a long-term career path, and a comprehensive benefits package including holiday entitlement and wellbeing perks.

Qualifications

• Experience operating fabric cutting machinery to pattern and spec.
• Ability to read templates and align designs accurately.
• Knowledge of fabric types, nap direction, and stretch behavior.

Responsibilities

• Operate cutting machines and hand-cutting equipment to produce fabric components as per specs.
• Move cut fabrics to sorting area to maintain production flow.
• Identify and report fabric quality issues to supervisors promptly.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised work area in line with Health & Safety policies.

Skills

Industrial Machinery Operation

Pattern Matching

Advanced Fabric Knowledge

Yield Optimization

Precision Hand-Cutting

Quality Inspection

Basic Tool Maintenance

Tools

CNC fabric cutters

Straight-knife cutters

Rotary shears

Band saws

Job description

Job Type: Permanent Job Sector: Manufacturing Region: East Midlands Location: Somercotes Salary Description: Training rate to be agreed depending on skills and experience Posted: 19/10/2026 Recruiter: DFS Job Ref: dfsgroup/TP/1953/871

About DFS:It takes a whole lot of passion to be at the centre of what makes a house feel like home — and that’s just what we do at DFS. We’re the leading sofa retail specialist in the UK, helping people find a comfy seat on their great quality sofas since 1969.About the role:As a Fabric Cutter, you will operate cutting equipment and support the production process by preparing fabric components in line with product specifications. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will develop the skills and knowledge required to produce accurate, high-quality work while maintaining a safe and organised working environment.Here's what we offer:Our rotating morning and afternoon shift pattern gives you the best of both worlds – sharing early finishes and later starts throughout the week while maintaining a consistent full-time schedule.You'll also enjoy a two-week shutdown every July at the start of the summer holidays, a week off at Christmas, and we don't work bank holidays, giving you even more time to relax, recharge and spend with the people who matter most.Once you've successfully completed your training, you'll move onto our performance-related pay structure, giving you the opportunity to increase your earnings. The more you develop your skills and performance, the greater your earning potential.It's a shift pattern designed to support a healthy work-life balance while giving you the opportunity to build a rewarding career at DFS. More time to enjoy life outside of work, the chance to earn more as your skills grow, and a supportive team around you – there's always room for more at DFS.Competitive Pay:Rate to be agreed depending on skills and experienceLocationWimsey Way,Somercotes DE55 4QQWorking hours :39hrs per week working an alternate shift on both mornings and afternoonsWeek One : Monday - Thursday 6:00 am – 1:50 pm, Friday 6:00 am – 2:05 pmWeek Two : Monday - Wednesday 2:00 pm – 12:20 amThursday 2;00pm - 11:05am (4 day working week)Growth and Training: Learn new skills and develop your career with us.There’s more…Generous holiday allowance – the time you need to rest and relax and the longer you’re with us, the more time you’ll get.Enhanced parental leave: to give you the time you need to settle in with your new family member.Discounts: Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, plus discounts for friends and family – and savings at big brands like Sainsbury’s, ASOS, and IKEA.Wellbeing Perks:Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships.Pension and Savings:Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes.Life Assurance & Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay.What you'll be doing:Operating cutting machines and hand-cutting equipment to cut fabric components in line with product specifications.Assisting in producing accurate, high-quality cut materials while developing an understanding of quality standards.Supporting the timely movement of cut fabric to the sorting area to ensure smooth production flow.Building knowledge of product specifications and manufacturing requirements.Handling customer orders with care, ensuring materials are protected and processed correctly.Reporting any fabric quality issues or production concerns to supervisors promptly.Following all Company Health and Safety policies and procedures at all times.Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and working practices.Helping maintain a clean, tidy, and organised factory environment, ensuring walkways and work areas remain free from obstructions.Working collaboratively with colleagues and participating in training and development activitiesThe role is for you if...Industrial Machinery Operation: Proficiency in operating commercial cutting equipment, such as automated CNC fabric cutters, straight-knife cutters, rotary shears, and band saws.Pattern Matching & Alignment: The ability to read templates and accurately align complex fabric designs (like stripes, checks, florals, or repeating motifs) so they match seamlessly across different sections of a sofa.Advanced Fabric Knowledge: Understanding how different materials (e, v, leather, velvet, chenille, linen) stretch, fray, and behave. This includes managing \"nap\" (the direction of the fabric pile, crucial for velvets).Yield Optimization (Nesting): The ability to arrange pattern pieces strategically on the fabric roll to maximize usage and minimize costly waste.Precision Hand-Cutting: Expertise in using industrial shears for bespoke pieces, intricate corners, or delicate fabrics that automated machines cannot handle.Quality Inspection: A trained eye to spot weaving flaws, misprints, or shade variations (dye lot differences) in the raw fabric before it is cut.Basic Tool Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on cutting equipment, such as safely changing out dull blades and adjusting machine tension.Our Commitment to Inclusion:We’re committed to a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and can thrive at work. We celebrate diverse voices, champion inclusion, and support each other through our growing colleague networks. We invest in partnerships that drive change, from introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and supporting Doncaster Pride, to partnering with Carers UK and developing leaders with Diversity in Retail.We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. So, if your experience doesn't quite match the specification, we'd still really love to hear from you.(All roles are subject to satisfactory DBS checks.)