Careers
Mill Operative
Join a small team creating internationally recognised Welsh textiles at one of Wales' most distinctive heritage manufacturing businesses.
We are looking for a Mill Operative to join our weaving team at Melin Tregwynt. Full training will be provided, so previous textile experience is not required.
This is a practical, hands-on role working with weaving machinery to help produce high-quality woven fabrics. You'll work as part of a small team and have the opportunity to learn specialist skills in small-scale industrial weaving processes.
The role would suit someone who is reliable, practical, enjoys working with their hands and is keen to learn new skills in a small manufacturing team.
About the company
Melin Tregwynt is a working woollen mill nestled in a valley near the sea, five miles from Fishguard in Pembrokeshire. We design and weave both traditional and contemporary woollen products, selling worldwide through our website and on-site shop. We also collaborate with selected hotels and design-led retailers.
Alongside our working mill, we operate as a popular visitor destination with a busy café and mill shop. Over 40 local people work here.
As an Employee Ownership Trust, we are proud to keep the tradition of weaving in Wales at the heart of our business — preserving skills, creating opportunities, and sustaining meaningful employment in a rural community.
Benefits
Full in-house training provided; 4-day working week; company pension; 28 days holiday (pro rata, including bank holidays); paid breaks; Employee Ownership Trust bonus (after one year’s service, tax-free, subject to eligibility and business performance); opportunity to be part of a values-driven, heritage-focused Welsh business.
Contract: Permanent
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Loom Set-up and Operation: Set up and operate weaving looms safely and efficiently, including loom shaft threading, tying-in, pull-through, pattern chain creation or programming, pattern selection and weaving to required standards.
Quality Control: Inspect fabric throughout production, check pattern accuracy, identify and resolve warp and weft breaks, and identify, report and repair weaving faults where appropriate.
Machine Maintenance and Technical Support: Carry out routine loom cleaning, running maintenance and adjustments; clean, repair or replace rapiers and straps as required; support basic mechanical and engineering aspects of loom operation as skills develop.
Materials Handling and Inventory Support: Undertake manual handling activities safely and in accordance with company procedures, including assisting with fabric and yarn stock movements, storage, stock rotation and weighing.
Administration and Record Keeping: Follow company procedures and complete production and operational paperwork accurately and on time.
Teamwork and Communication: Work effectively both independently and as part of a team; maintain positive communication with colleagues and managers; assist and communicate professionally with visitors when required; organise workload and time effectively to meet changing priorities and production targets.
Health, Safety and Housekeeping: Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment; adhere to company moving and handling procedures and health and safety requirements; report hazards, accidents and near misses promptly; help ensure visitors and members of the public remain safe and within designated public spaces.
Working Environment
- Factory-based manufacturing environment.
- Frequent standing, walking and manual handling activities.
- Regular work in close proximity to industrial machinery.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) where required.
- Work may involve exposure to noise, dust and other normal manufacturing environment conditions.
Essential Skills and Attributes
- Strong attention to detail.
- Good practical and manual skills, including working with hands.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Positive, enthusiastic and flexible attitude.
- Reliable, punctual and organised.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to carry out repetitive tasks while maintaining quality standards.
- Professional and approachable manner.
- Interest in machinery, manufacturing processes and manual tools.
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Previous experience in a manufacturing, production or textile environment.
- Experience operating machinery.
- An interest in mechanical or engineering activities.
- Experience of quality inspection or quality control processes.
- Basic computer skills and ability to complete production records.
Key Performance Measures
- Achievement of agreed production targets.
- Consistent production of quality products.
- Accurate completion of production and operational records.
- Compliance with health and safety requirements.
- Effective teamwork, reliability and attendance standards.
- Positive contribution to continuous improvement activities.
Additional Information
This job description is intended to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties that are reasonable and commensurate with the level and nature of the position.
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Expected hours: 35.0 per week
Benefits:
Company pension
Employee discount
On-site parking
Sick pay
Work Location: In person
Applications: Please send to jobs@melintregwynt.co.uk
Join the Team at Melin Tregwynt Café!
Melin Tregwynt is a much-loved visitor destination and iconic Welsh brand with over 100 years of heritage. Now proudly run as an employee ownership trust, we’re entering an exciting new chapter, and we’d love you to be part of it.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Café Assistant with a strong focus on kitchen preparation and barista experience.
If you enjoy working in a friendly, welcoming, fast paced environment and take pride in creating memorable visitor experiences, this could be the perfect role for you.
What you’ll be doing:
As part of our Mill Café team, you’ll play a key role in delivering an exceptional experience for every customer who visits.
- Supporting the day-to-day running of the café
- Creating a warm, friendly atmosphere and delivering outstanding customer service
- Preparing fresh food and ensuring high-quality presentation
- Making and serving hot drinks using an espresso machine
- Keeping shelves stocked and checking food quality and expiry dates
- Handling cash, card payments, and daily till reconciliation
- Managing bookings and responding to telephone enquiries
- Promoting all aspects of the Melin Tregwynt business
- Maintaining accurate daily records
- Ensuring the café and public areas are clean, tidy, and welcoming
- Carrying out regular deep cleaning of kitchen equipment, including coffee machines, fridges, and cooking appliances
- Upholding the highest standards of hygiene and food safety
- Supporting other areas of the business when needed
About you:
We’re looking for someone who brings energy, care, and a positive attitude to everything they do.
- A strong team player with a friendly, approachable manner
- Enjoys preparing and creating high-quality food and coffees
- Excellent customer service, communication and organisation skills
- Confident handling cash and working with tills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to manage time effectively in a busy environment
- Flexible and willing to help where needed
What we offer:
- A supportive, friendly team environment
- The chance to be part of a unique, employee-owned business
- Full-time and part-time opportunities available
- A varied and rewarding role in a beautiful setting
Weekend working is essential.
If you’re passionate about great service, quality food and coffee, and being part of something special, we’d love to hear from you.
Location:
Melin Tregwynt, off the main A487 between St.Davids and Fishguard, postcode SA62 5UX
Applications:
Please send to: jobs@melintregwynt.co.uk