At a Glance
- 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 up to £45,000, flexible hours, and a friendly work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for overtime and informal leadership within a small team.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and showcase your craftsmanship in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury upholstery and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ 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).
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.
Upholsterer in Guildford employer: THE TALENT BRANCH
Join a prestigious bespoke furniture maker in Esher, Surrey, where craftsmanship meets creativity. As a Senior Upholsterer, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that values quality and innovation, with opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy competitive salary packages, modern facilities, and the chance to work on high-end projects that challenge your skills and elevate your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Upholsterer in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio ready! Showcase your best upholstery work, especially those bespoke pieces that highlight your skills. A strong visual representation of your craftsmanship can really set you apart when meeting potential employers.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or workshops where you can meet other professionals in the upholstery and furniture design world. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, be ready to talk about your experience and how you can add value to their team. Confidence is key, so rehearse what you want to say.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented upholsterers like you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over others.
We think you need these skills to ace Upholsterer in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in bespoke, high-end upholstery. We want to see how you've delivered exceptional finishes and tackled commercial projects from start to finish. Don’t hold back on showcasing your craftsmanship!
Read the Job Description Carefully:Take a good look at the job description and tailor your application to match. We’re looking for someone who can lead by example, so make sure your application reflects that hands-on approach and your ability to manage projects effectively.
Be Client-Focused:Since this role involves liaising with high-end clients, it’s important to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Share examples of how you’ve successfully interacted with clients and presented solutions in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. So, get your CV ready and hit that apply button!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE TALENT BRANCH
✨Know Your Craft Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your upholstery techniques, both modern and traditional. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that showcase your attention to detail and high-end finishes.
✨Master the Technical Drawings
Since the role involves reading and interpreting technical drawings, practice explaining how you've translated client briefs into practical build methods in the past. This will show your ability to handle the end-to-end process confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Even though this isn't a big-management position, be prepared to talk about how you lead by example. Share examples of how you've organised work and set standards in previous roles, especially when mentoring others.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since you'll be client-facing, practice articulating your ideas clearly and professionally. Think about how you can explain technical options to clients in a way that's easy to understand, while also showcasing your expertise.
