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- Tasks: Lead bespoke upholstery projects, ensuring exceptional quality and client satisfaction.
- 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 high-end upholstery and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic workshop environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
- Experience supporting product development/prototyping for designers/clients.
- Continuous improvement mindset in a workshop environment.
- Experience coordinating small teams (informal leadership/mentoring).
- Permanent, full-time position 40 hours/week (typically 8:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday; flexibility available).
- Opportunity to work overtime.
- Modern, friendly facilities.
For more information and to apply, please email your CV today or call the number provided.
Head Upholsterer in Guildford 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 Guildford
✨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 work! Create a portfolio that highlights your best upholstery projects. Include before-and-after photos, technical drawings, and any client testimonials. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to upholstery techniques and project management. Be ready to discuss your experience with bespoke projects and how you handle client interactions. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right opportunities. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Upholsterer in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in bespoke and luxury upholstery. We want to see how you've delivered high-end projects and your attention to detail, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to match the job description. Use keywords from the posting to show us you’re a perfect fit for the Head Upholsterer role. It’s all about making it easy for us to see why you’re the one!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Share your passion for upholstery and how your experience aligns with our needs. We love a personal touch, so let your personality shine through!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 Technical Drawings
Make sure you can read and interpret technical drawings and specifications like a pro. Prepare examples of how you've translated client briefs into practical build methods in past projects. This will show that you can handle the end-to-end process with ease.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Even though this role isn't about big management, it's crucial to highlight your informal leadership skills. Share experiences where you've mentored others or led by example in a workshop setting. This will help convey your ability to organise work and set high standards.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since you'll be dealing with high-end clients, practice your communication skills. Be prepared to explain technical options clearly and confidently. Think of scenarios where you've successfully liaised with clients or internal teams, as this will reflect your professionalism and client-friendly manner.
