Want to dress like a country gent this winter? Our style tips are here to help

As the temperature and rain start to fall, it’s time to finesse your winter wardrobe. Here are six must-have items, offering style that endures for the rural-dwelling gent

By Ernest Richardson

Winter may not be the cheeriest time of year in the countryside, but there are plenty of reasons to relish its arrival.

    ...it’s time to get your winter style game on. And, as ever, Just Recruitment is here to help,...  

For a start, it’s a chance to dust off your winter wardrobe and enjoy wearing thick jumpers, scarves and cosy jackets.

Appropriately attired, you’re then in a position to enjoy all the fun of the season: crisp country walks, strolls around Christmas markets, and cosy fireside suppers in quaint rural pubs.

All of which means it’s time to get your winter style game on. And, as ever, Just Recruitment is here to help, with six wardrobe essentials for the winter country gent. 

1. A decent coat

Buy a quality coat and it will give you years of faithful service. The trick is to choose one that’s enduringly stylish.

A classic Barbour jacket like the ever-popular Beaufort will never go out of fashion – largely because it’s never really been in fashion. Wear it and you’ll send a statement to the world: you’re prepared to pay for quality that lasts, and you’re not worried about following the latest fashion fad.

What’s more, the waterproof waxed cotton just gets better with age: the more you wear it, the nicer it looks.

2. Jumpers

As with coats, so with jumpers. Buy wisely and you’ll still be enjoying your winter woolly in your twilight years.

Nordic knitwear has enjoyed something of a renaissance of late. But as with all trends, it’s likely to pass. So if you want this vibe, go for a high-quality style that won’t age, from a specialist such as Dale of Norway.

A decent Dale jumper will cost you around £250, but it won’t look passé when the high-street chains have moved away from snowflakes and dancing reindeers.

Joseph Turner’s knitwear range is also worth a look. The Yorkshire-based company offers a wide variety of high-quality jumpers, with a particular favourite being the Fair Isle slipover: perfect for bringing some personality to a cords-and-jacket ensemble.

    Try experimenting with some colour in your corduroy wardrobe.  

3. Corduroy trousers

Did someone mention corduroys? Sometimes (unfairly in our view) associated with middle-aged fogeys or ruddy-faced land-owning aristos, the classic cord is a sartorial gift that keeps on giving.

Try experimenting with some colour in your corduroy wardrobe. Russets, greens, bright blues and even the occasional mustard will all bring some zing to your appearance.

Choose either a classic straight-leg corduroy slack like the beauties on offer at Cordings or, for a more contemporary style, go for Crew Clothing Company's cord jeans.

4. Winter shirts

Most shirts are four-season items, right? Apart from short-sleeved or linen efforts, you should be able to wear them throughout the year.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t merit in stocking up on winter-specific shirts, however. A thick Tattersall design like Musto’s Classic Twill Shirt will soon become a winter favourite, offering warmth and style in equal measure.

Alternatively, check out online specialists like Charles Tyrwhitt and TM Lewin. Time your shopping spree right, and you’ll find you can get an awful lot of bang for your buck thanks to their high-low pricing policies.

5. Tweed jacket

In the olden days, this item would have been called a “sports coat” – designed to be worn while enjoying winter pursuits like hacking out and shooting.

Nowadays, a tweed coat is a wardrobe staple for any style-conscious male. You can wear it with a shirt and tie for smart occasions, but it looks just as good slung over a weekend shirt and jeans for a trip to the shops or a casual cappuccino.

Either way, it’s worth spending on a quality weave and planning to keep it forever. Bucktrout Tailoring of Yorkshire supplies a range of well-designed Harris Tweeds. Its Callum Utility Jacket is an especially interesting twist on the genre.

Wherever you shop, be sure to choose a tweed coat with a generous enough cut to age with you, and a pattern that blends with any shirt-and-trouser combo.

6. Shoes

There’s no point investing in a high-quality winter wardrobe unless you’re prepared to buy some decent shoes. Choose wisely and your feet will be comfortable and protected from the elements, as well as being sheathed in style.

We like the Scandinavian vibe of ECCO’s range, offering waterproof and breathable performance and astonishing levels of comfort with classic products like the brilliant Track 25.

If you prefer a more traditional approach to cobbling, check out Tricker’s Country Shoes. At more than £400 a pop, they’re not cheap. But with timeless styles including an array of smart brogues, it’s fair to say these thick-soled behemoths will last a lifetime.

© Copyright Just Recruitment 2019

Published: 27 November 2019

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Want a good opening gambit? These writers can help

You may also enjoy: Why smart workers aren’t always busy doing nothing

Jobs currently available

Design Technician
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC26
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a Design Technician to produce, check and process technical drawings for a company based in Ipswich, Suffolk, as part of its wider technical department.

Ideally, you will have a construction or architectural background, strong CAD skills, and excellent overall computer literacy.

Duties include:

  • Produce, check and process incoming design drawing requests, technical documentation and technical calculations.
  • Liaise with clients and Area Technical Managers.
  • Deal with telephone and email enquiries.
  • Keep up to date with Part L and Thermal Calculations.
  • Keep up to date with industry Codes of Practice and Building Regulations.

Essential key experience & skills required are:

  • Basic level CAD experience.
  • Ability to read and understand architectural drawings.
  • Advanced level of grammar and spelling.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Includes an end-of-year bonus and an excellent benefits package.
Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period, with a minimum of three days in the office and up to two days working from home.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913735
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with an expanding manufacturing company on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a dedicated and reliable Warehouse Operative on a permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to support the business with the movement of raw materials and finished products as required.

In order to be considered for this role, you must possess a valid counterbalance forklift licence.

Key duties include:

  • Carrying out warehousing tasks, including order picking, storage allocation and record keeping.
  • Carrying out dispatch duties, including consolidating finished goods for daily loads.
  • Taking responsibility for ensuring goods are checked in and out using the stock management system.
  • Replenishing stock throughout the day and assisting with stock checks.

Role requirements include:

  • Counterbalance forklift driving licence and experience in driving forklift trucks.
  • The ability to follow written instructions, quality and safety standards.
  • The ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels and the confidence to escalate any issues to ensure quality and safety.
  • Computer literate - able to input data into the systems and maintain accurate records.
  • Conscientious with strong attention to detail.

This role operates on a three-week rotating shift pattern, Monday to Friday:

  • Weeks 1 & 2: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Week 3: 4:30pm – 1:30am

This role offers a competitive basic salary, shift allowance, and benefits package — an excellent opportunity to join a growing business.

Free parking is available on-site, and due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Design Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB17
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Design Engineer to join a manufacturer based in Sudbury, Suffolk.

Due to expansion and an increased order book, an experienced Design Engineer is required to join the design team. The Design Engineer will work with other Design Engineers, Project Managers, and other internal company personnel to create final design solutions working to detailed project and technical specifications and sales layout drawings, in line with the project and production plan. They shall also provide design and technical support to the sales team for the production of functional design specifications for inclusion within sales documentation and presentations.
Previous project management experience would be advantageous as the role will sometimes require taking projects from initial concept, through design and manufacturing, and project managing the installation. This will involve liaising with external suppliers, sub-contractors and customers where required.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Mechanical engineering design using AutoCAD, Inventor, and Vault, working to project and technical specifications.
  • Provide design calculations for frame structures, airflow, and energy requirements.
  • Produce designs to the conforming standards and certification requirements.
  • Preparation of production drawings for parts, fabrications, and assemblies.
  • Creation of bills of materials.
  • Carry out drawing modifications as and when required to existing drawings using revision control, change processes and procedures.
  • Liaise with purchasing and manufacturing departments for the distribution of information and assist with technical queries.
  • Participate in project design reviews and provide technical solutions to design problems.

Experience/skills requirements include:

  • A skilled and experienced Mechanical Design Engineer using AutoCAD & Inventor/Vault/Solidworks.
  • Experienced in understanding 2D sales layout approval drawings.
  • Experience with working to standards and certifications.
  • Experience with manufacturing techniques, including sheet metal fabrication and welding.
  • Experience in M&E design for manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of building services and construction management is desirable.
  • HNC Mechanical Engineering qualified or equivalent qualification minimum.
  • Minimum 3 years of previous experience in a similar design role with transferable skills.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Customer Services Executive
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB14
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Customer Services Executive for a manufacturer based in Sudbury, Suffolk.

As a Customer Services Executive, you will play a key role within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to both new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You will answer customer questions, solve problems, and provide information about the company’s products and services — all while building strong relationships and ensuring long-term customer satisfaction.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Assess incoming enquiries from direct communication or the sales team
  • Create quotations and tender documentation
  • Follow up on quotations at appropriate points in the process
  • Manage the CRM system
  • Manage the lead generation tools
  • Processing incoming sales orders
  • Liaise with the order fulfilment team for the smooth supply of products to customers
  • Manage any after-sales requirements
  • Help project manage key projects and clients

Role requirements include:

  • Must possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Previous experience in a similar role is preferable
  • Experience within the engineering/manufacturing sector is preferred
  • Good knowledge of and proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic database skills
  • Must be able to understand business calculations and be competent to correspond via email in a professional manner
  • Must be an excellent face-to-face communicator
  • Telephone communication skills are of a high standard
  • One of the keys to success is to develop professional relationships with decision makers, and so the ability to ‘connect’ with people and build networks should come naturally
  • You will be based at the Sudbury office, with occasional requirements for site and customer visits

Skills and qualifications to include:

  • A highly capable person with strong planning and scheduling skills
  • Self–driven, results-oriented, and with a positive outlook and a clear focus on high-quality standards
  • An independent person with good organisation and planning skills, who is capable of objectively assessing and improving their own and the department’s performance
  • Must be reliable, tolerant, and be able to work under pressure. The ability to be professional at all times and represent the company in a professional manner is a prerequisite
  • Tenacity and the ability to see things through to the end goal are desired traits
  • Must be able to work alone as well as work within a team
  • When required, able to work extra hours to accommodate the business needs, which may include occasional travel


Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Technical Sales / Applications Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,000 - £34,000 per annum
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB13
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Technical Sales / Applications Engineer for a leading client in Tiverton, Devon — an excellent opportunity for a graduate, higher apprentice, or experienced engineer to develop their career within a technical engineering environment.

Reporting to the Technical Sales Manager, this role will focus on the promotion and sales of company products to prospective, new and existing customers.

Scope:

  • Providing a Technical Sales Service to Customers
  • Dealing first-hand with customer enquiries, by telephone and digital meetings where required
  • Solving Design Problems and providing new design solutions
  • Checking and validating applications, preparing costings and quotations
  • Preparation of drawings
  • Assisting the manufacturing team with design builds

Required qualifications/experience include:

  • Ideally qualified to HNC minimum in mechanical engineering
  • Consideration given to applicants with a Mechanical Design background and good CAD skills
  • Knowledge of Machine and Production processes is advantageous
  • Working knowledge of 3D design tools such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB11
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business based on the outskirts of Sudbury, in the search for a talented Procurement Manager to join their expanding team.

Required skills and qualifications:

  • CIPS Qualified - min level 5.
  • Substantial experience in a procurement leadership role within the food, ingredients, manufacturing, or FMCG sectors.
  • Experience in leading and developing high-performance teams.
  • Strong Negotiation and Supplier Management skills.

The key purpose of this role is to lead the delivery of greater strategic and operational value of the procurement function and help to deliver business-critical goals.

This is a hands-on, strategic, and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.

You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to shape and implement a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals across quality, cost, sustainability, and risk management. This role is pivotal in maintaining robust and value-driven supplier relationships while enabling continuous improvement in all procurement activities.

You will also oversee raw material planning and call-offs, ensuring that the business maintains the right balance between availability and inventory control — essential for production continuity and working capital efficiency.

This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.

Key duties include:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, operational needs, and sustainability goals.
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories to ensure quality, continuity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and other departments to align procurement with broader supply chain goals and business plans.
  • Contribute to the company’s sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing commitments through strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, indirect goods and services, and CAPEX items, ensuring optimal quality, cost and delivery performance.
  • Manage tendering processes, contract negotiation and supplier onboarding activities.
  • Ensure the ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
  • Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, savings and supplier performance metrics.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
  • Identify and assess risks within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team to achieve high levels of engagement, performance and professional growth.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
  • Support the wider Supply Chain team by contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects.
  • Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, financial controls and ethical standards.
  • Support internal and external audits with relevant documentation and compliance reporting.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives and embed best practices across the procurement function.

Build and nurture key working relationships with Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams, Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change within a business — offering a great working environment.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm, although some flexibility is required.

Please note that due to the location of the business, you must have access to your own transport.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more