Job Introduction
About Us:
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 Sewing Machinist within our manufacturing team, you will be responsible for producing high-quality fabric covers for our sofa ranges. This is a fast-paced, piecework-rewarded role where precision and speed go hand-in-hand.
Here’s what we offer:The Highlights
Competitive Pay: You will be paid an initial training rate until you are up to speed, you will then be paid piecework (so you will be rewarded for the more you machine)
Shifts: Full time, 39hrs per week, Monday to Thursday - 2.00pm to 12.20am
Location: Somercotes, Derby, DE55 4QQ
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. Opportunity to purchase additional holidays each year.
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption 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, discounts for friends and family plus discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers
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:
Upholstery Sewing: Stitching heavy-duty fabrics, leathers, and velvets to create precision-fit cushions, carcasses, and arm covers for sofas.
Machinery Operation: Confidently operating and maintaining industrial sewing machines, specifically focusing on:
Lock stitch for strong, structural seams.
Over lock to finish raw edges and prevent fraying.
Component Assembly: Inserting and sewing zippers, piping, and valances neatly and efficiently.
Quality Control: Inspecting your own work to ensure seams are straight, tension is correct, and all pieces meet our high quality and measurement standards before passing them to the upholstery team.
Target Achievement: Working efficiently to meet daily production targets and maximise your earning potential under our piecework pay structure.
Workspace Management: Keeping your machinery clean, oiled, and maintaining a safe, tidy work environment.
We’re looking for someone who:
Has experience with Upholstery Sewing
Experience of lock stitch, over lock and zipping
Experience of working in a fast paced manufacturing environment
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.)
