Previous experience desirable but not essential. 

Part time (initially 3 days per week).
Opportunity for increased hours in peak periods. 

Deadline for applications: Friday 18th July 2025

The Dartmoor Shepherd is a farm diversification business utilising the sheepskins from our own flocks of sheep alongside those of other UK shepherds to create a wide range of interiors and accessories in house. We are a small business based in the picturesque town of Chagford on Dartmoor. The business turned 9 this summer and has grown and evolved a lot during that time. In 2021 we brought our entire production in-house and in spring 2025 we relocated our shop and manufacturing workshop to the same premises in the centre of the moorland town of Chagford. We are looking to add a key role to The Dartmoor Shepherd Team as we look to broaden our range of interiors and accessories. This role is for a dynamic individual to join our team to help handcraft a range of our own sheepskin products. Experience in any sort of machine stitching would be preferred but is not essential as long as the applicant is keen and eager to learn and they embrace the company ethos with passion.

We are looking for a reliable, hard-working and creative individual with good attention to detail who is keen to work with us to further build our brand. We are offering the chance to earn a competitive wage in a role that should grow and develop as our business continues to flourish. You will be working with modern stitching machines and equipment. The successful applicant will be working from a newly renovated and comfortable studio space in the centre of Chagford. 

Role: The successful applicant will stitch a range of sheepskin, leather and woolen products the company currently manufactures and work on new designs, adhering to The Dartmoor Shepherd’s high quality standards. The successful candidate will be manufacturing products to be sold in our shop, on our website, at events such as Chelsea Flower Show and Badminton Horse Trials and for trade customers such as Soho House and The V&A Museum Shop. 

The successful applicant will:

• Accurately cut and sew together the component parts for a range of products using different industrial sewing and/or cutting machinery ensuring that quality standards are maintained at all times, working to meet set targets. 
• Work as part of a small, close-knit team, and communicate effectively with colleagues to ensure the flow of work is consistent and in line with production requirements.
• Carry out daily production duties inline with safety guidance ensuring quality is maintained at all times.
• Prioritise urgent work, as detailed by management.
• Be open and adaptable to change as new products are developed. 
• Trial stitch new products and even contribute your own design ideas.
• Sit in on design meetings with management to discuss the development of new products.
• Assist with the delivery of raw materials into the studio, accurately checking deliveries against purchase orders; checking for quality & suitability and noting any concerns.
• Monitor stock levels of raw materials needed to manufacture the required products alerting management when stock levels become low. 
  
  

The successful applicant will be part of a small team and therefore, at times, would be expected to help in other areas of the business. Flexibility and willingness to do so are essential. These areas may cover:

• Manning our retail shop on an occasional basis (based in the same premises in Chagford town square).
• Helping process, pack and ship online and/or wholesale orders.
• Occasionally answering the shop phone and noting down any messages.

The successful candidate will comply with wider company policies on:

• Health and safety within the workplace.
• Employment law within the workplace ensuring all procedures are fairly and safely applied across the company without prejudice.
• Maintain regular, consistent and professional attendance, punctuality and personal appearance.
• Converse with all customers of The Dartmoor Shepherd in a friendly and professional manner.
• Maintain good working relationships with your colleagues throughout the business.
  
  

Essential qualities and attitudes:

• An enthusiastic, positive and flexible approach to work 
• Close alignment with the values of The Dartmoor Shepherd
• Pride in your work showing great attention to detail
• Being a good team player
• Using initiative to solve problems as and when they arise
• Being able to work accurately under pressure
• Being friendly and approachable (meetings and tours will occasionally be hosted at the shop and studio space where the successful applicant will be required to engage politely with any visitors and be happy for them to observe the making process of our products). 

If you are interested in this role, please forward your CV along with a covering letter/email to flora@thedartmoorshepherd.co.uk please ensure the email subject is titled “Sewing Machinist - Job Application”.