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 responsibilitiesDeliver bespoke, high-end upholstery to exceptional standards across modern and traditional techniquesOwn commercial upholstery projects end-to-end: planning, materials, build method, upholstery execution, finishing, and sign-offRead and interpret technical drawings, specifications and client briefs; translate them into practical build methodsSupport product development: prototype new designs, refine patterns and methods, and solve technical challengesAct 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 availabilityMaintain and improve quality control: set department standards, run checks at key stages, and ensure consistent resultsEssential experienceProven 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 detailExperience working on commercial upholstery projects end-to-end (managing the full process yourself)Confident reading and working from drawings/specsStrong knowledge of modern and traditional upholstery techniquesComfortable taking ownership of materials selection and orderingExcellent communication skills (written and spoken English); professional, client-friendly mannerDesirableExperience supporting product development/prototyping for designers/clientsContinuous improvement mindset in a workshop environmentExperience coordinating small teams (informal leadership/mentoring)Working hours & benefitsPermanent, full-time position40 hours/week (typically 8:00am5:00pm Monday to Friday; flexibility available)Opportunity to work overtimeModern, friendly facilitiesHow to applyFor more information and to apply, please email your CV today or call the number provided.JBRP1_UKTJ
Job Title
Head Upholsterer