Job Description

Here at Workwear Express we're proud to be one of the UK's fastest growing businesses, with a multitude of exciting products and opportunities to celebrate. With 35 years industry leader experience, some of the UK's most successful organisations trust us with their name, along with a whole host of SME's. We are proud employ over 270 colleagues on one site, in Durham, North East England and have several remote workers nationwide.

THE ROLE

Workwear Express are UK's largest workwear decorators, producing thousands of embroidered garments each day for customers nationwide. Our embroidery department is the beating heart of the operation -- and we're now looking for a hands-on Assistant Manager to help lead, motivate, and develop a 100-strong production team.

You'll be the kind of person who can walk the floor, spot issues early, engage directly with staff, and bring energy, structure, and accountability to a fast-paced environment.

This isn't a "clipboard" role -- we want someone who lives on the production floor, connects with people, and can drive high standards of both efficiency and quality.

It's a fantastic step-up opportunity for an ambitious production leader is looking for a role with plenty of opportunities for career development.

Duties

Support the Embroidery Manager in day-to-day operations of the department Lead, coach and motivate a team of c.100 embroidery operatives across multiple shifts Develop and mentor supervisors and team leaders to strengthen people management skills across the floor Drive a culture of ownership, pride, and quality in every garment that leaves the factory Monitor and improve efficiency, throughput and right-first-time quality metrics Manage staffing levels, resource planning, and training schedules Challenge poor performance or behaviour constructively and consistently Work closely with Warehouse, Quality and other production teams Monitor and manage stock levels of embroidery consumables, threads, and equipment Provide weekly operational and performance updates to the Embroidery Manager & Operations Director Carry out regular quality control checks to maintain high embroidery standards. Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives Deputise for the Embroidery Manager when required.

Person Specification:

Proven experience in a high-volume manufacturing, textile, or embroidery environment Strong people-management skills -- able to inspire, coach and hold people accountable Confident communicator at all levels, comfortable leading from the front. Eye for detail and pride in quality output. Organised, data-aware, and calm under pressure. Driven by results -- you'll want your team to be the benchmark others aim for. Ambition to develop career in operations management

Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience Performance-based bonus scheme 25 days holiday + bank holidays Company pension + staff discount scheme Full training and development plan with clear progression pathway
Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Additional leave Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Free flu jabs Free parking On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay
Work Location: In person