Head Upholsterer

Job Description Head Upholsterer (Bespoke & Commercial)Esher, Surrey (South, West London)Salary: Up to 45,000 (depending on experience)Our client is a UK-based bespoke furniture maker and interior design/manufacturing studio, known for producing high-quality, luxury, custom-designed furniture. Their client base includes interior design practices, architects, and commercial clients across the South East and beyond. As the business continues to grow, they are looking to appoint a senior, commercially-minded upholsterer to lead the upholstery function and raise standards across delivery.Head Upholsterer OpportunityThis is a very senior, hands-on role within the workshop, with significant ownership of the end-to-end upholstery output. The Head Upholsterer will take projects from drawings/specification through prototyping and full production, ensuring exceptional finish, consistency, and reliability.You will be confident dealing with high-end clients and internal stakeholders, advising on frames and construction in partnership with the joinery department, and continuously refining how the department operates.You will oversee a small team (another upholsterer and a sewing machinist). This is not a big-management position it is a lead-by-example role for a top-level craftsperson who can organise work, set standards, and keep jobs moving.Head Upholsterer Key responsibilities Deliver bespoke, high-end upholstery to exceptional standards across modern and traditional techniques Own commercial upholstery projects end-to-end: planning, materials, build method, upholstery execution, finishing, and sign-off Read and interpret technical drawings, specifications and client briefs; translate them into practical build methods Support product development: prototype new designs, refine patterns and methods, and solve technical challenges Act as a confident, well-presented client-facing representative when required (supporting client discussions, presenting solutions, explaining technical options) Liaise closely with the joinery department to advise on frames and construction (comfort, durability, serviceability, and finish) Take ownership of materials planning and ordering (fabrics/leathers, foams, interlinings, sundries), ensuring cost control and availability Maintain and improve quality control: set department standards, run checks at key stages, and ensure consistent resultsEssential experience Proven background in bespoke, high end, luxury upholstery within a furniture maker/manufacturer studio (not volume/production-only) Strong track record delivering high-end luxury furniture with excellent finish and attention to detail Experience working on commercial upholstery projects end-to-end (managing the full process yourself) Confident reading and working from drawings/specs Strong knowledge of modern and traditional upholstery techniques Comfortable taking ownership of materials selection and ordering Excellent communication skills (written and spoken English); professional, client-friendly mannerDesirable Experience supporting product development/prototyping for designers/clients Continuous improvement mindset in a workshop environment Experience coordinating small teams (informal leadership/mentoring)Working hours & benefits Permanent, full-time position 40 hours/week (typically 8:00am5:00pm Monday to Friday; flexibility available) Opportunity to work overtime Modern, friendly facilitiesHow to applyFor more information and to apply, please email your CV today or call the number provided.JBRP1_UKTJ

Created: 2026-03-07