Sewing Operations Manager & product development

We are a design‑led production company developing specialist textile‑based sewn products for high‑end commercial applications. We currently seek the right candidate to join us in our workshop developing our techniques. In preparation for scale, we are building a structured sewing operation capable of moving from workshop‑level output to factory‑standard production.

We are looking for an experienced Sewing Operations Manager to build, structure, and lead our sewing department. Hands on cutting and sewing will be required, alongside pattern making and product development.

(Full details about the product and long‑term vision will be shared with shortlisted candidates.)

You will take responsibility for establishing and managing a professional sewing operation, including:

• Managing and leading a sewing team
• Designing and implementing efficient workflow systems
• Setting up structured production lines
• Ensuring technical accuracy and consistent quality
• Overseeing and working on pattern development and production readiness
• Translating prototypes into repeatable manufacturing processes
• Planning capacity and scaling output responsibly
• Delegating tasks and building clear team structure

This role is hands‑on but strategic — you must be comfortable on the machines as well as managing people and systems.

• Proven experience managing sewing teams or production workshops
• Strong industrial machine sewing skills
• Experience setting up production workflows and line systems
• Excellent attention to detail and quality control
• Pattern making experience (production‑ready patterns)
• Understanding of capacity planning and scaling
• Experience taking products from development into production
• Confidence in delegation and team structure

You are structured, commercially aware, and take pride in building efficient systems. You enjoy turning creative ideas into repeatable, high‑quality production processes. You’re willing to learn, but you already understand what it takes to build a workshop into a factory‑level operation.

Location:

Worthing / South East UK

Industry: Technical sewing / small‑scale manufacturing leadership