Job Description

Job Advert for Mill Operator & Retail Assistant

We are a small-scale worsted Mill in North Devon, specialising in processing luxury wool blend yarns and tops using re-conditioned vintage machinery. Our production concept is simple - a return to old style textile manufacture - sustainably sourcing raw fibre, locally wherever possible, and converting it into high quality tops and yarns. If you would like to learn more about John Arbon Textiles, please visit our website www.jarbon.com.

We believe a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment is one where all employees and customers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, religion, education or disability, feels valued and respected.

If you are interested in joining our team, then please reply to this application by responding to the questions in the Information Required section below. Please feel free to also enclose a CV and covering letter if you have them. Thanks! Deadline for applications is 16th October, 2025. Interviews week of 20th October, 2025.

Job Title:

Production & Finishing Assistant

Hours:

21-35 hours per week, Monday-Friday (flexible hours possible)

Location:

South Molton, Devon

Salary:

14.00 per hour, plus 6.5 weeks paid holiday

Applications by:

16th October, 2025

Application method:

Send your answers to information required to sonja@jarbon.com

Start Date:

November - December (flexible for right candidate)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary:

We are a small company, so you would quickly become an essential part of our team. This role encompasses both production and retail/stock management tasks. You will be responsible for running a skein-winding, cone winding and folding machine as well as possibly also spinners, gill boxes and roving machines - we know this is specialist machinery and full training will be provided. The role will also encompass labelling and packing yarn orders, assisting with managing stock and other duties as necessary. There is lots of scope for learning more areas of the business or taking on additional tasks if that is of interest as well!

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Carry out production, inspection, packaging and machine operation duties Support on both retail and wholesale order fulfilment Stock management / stock checking yarn and fibre Assisting with picking and packing retail orders or packing for yarn shows Working as a team with our tight knit (excuse the pun) staff

Job Requirements:

Good basic numeracy and literacy Attention to detail is crucial Working to deadlines, managing priorities Basic familiarity with MS office programs Ability to work independently with supervision, as well as part of a team Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise jobs accordingly Knowledge of yarn based crafts a plus but not necessary Experience in production, retail, and / or stock management a bonus

Please be aware that this is an active and physical job which requires manual handling and ability to operate machinery whilst standing and moving in a busy and noisy factory environment.

INFORMATION REQUIRED

1. Name:
2. Email:
3. Phone:
4. Relevant Experience paid, voluntary and self-employed (eg. Retail / Customer Service / Hands on Work / Office Based / Other):
5. An example of when you worked to a deadline successfully:
6. An instance where attention to detail was an important part of your role for a project:
7. Why are you interested in working with us:
8. Any qualifications:
9. Further skills and interests:
10. How did you first hear about this role:
11. Please confirm you are eligible to work in the UK:

If you have any questions or would like more information before applying then please

don't hesitate to get it touch. If you have a CV and / or a covering letter then please feel free to attach these as well. Applications with both of these will be prioritised.

Deadline for applications is 16th October, 2025. Interviews week of 20th October, 2025.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 14.00 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Employee discount Flexitime Free parking On-site parking Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:

South Molton: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person