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- Tasks: Lead bespoke upholstery projects from design to finish, ensuring top-notch quality.
- Company: Luxury furniture maker known for high-quality, custom-designed pieces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunity for overtime.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and showcase your craftsmanship in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury upholstery and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic workshop environment with opportunities for leadership and growth.
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.
This 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.
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 results.
Essential 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 manner.
Desirable:
- 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 8:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday; flexibility available).
- Opportunity to work overtime.
- Modern, friendly facilities.
How to apply:
For more information and to apply, please email your CV today or call the number provided.
Head Upholsterer in Esher employer: The Talent Branch
Contact Detail:
The Talent Branch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Upholsterer in Esher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the upholstery and furniture design world. Attend industry events or workshops where you can meet potential employers and showcase your skills. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring along examples of your best work. A well-presented portfolio can speak volumes about your craftsmanship and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like bespoke furniture makers. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that suit your skills. Keep an eye on our listings and don’t hesitate to submit your application for positions that excite you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Upholsterer in Esher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Craftsmanship: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in bespoke and luxury upholstery. We want to see how you've delivered high-end projects and the techniques you’ve mastered. Don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to structure your CV and cover letter well. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make your application specific to the Head Upholsterer role. Mention how your past experiences align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Talent Branch
✨Know Your Craft Inside Out
As a Head Upholsterer, you need to showcase your expertise in bespoke and luxury upholstery. Brush up on modern and traditional techniques, and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've delivered exceptional results. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and confidence in the craft.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since you'll be liaising with high-end clients and internal teams, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Prepare to explain technical options and solutions in a way that’s easy for clients to understand. This will show that you can represent the company professionally and effectively.
✨Bring Examples of Your Work
Having a portfolio or examples of your previous upholstery projects can really set you apart. Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the final outcomes. This not only highlights your skills but also your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Even though this role isn’t about big management, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead by example. Think of instances where you’ve mentored others or improved processes in your previous roles. This will illustrate your capability to oversee a small team and raise standards in the workshop.
