Job Description
Senior 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.
Senior Upholsterer Opportunity
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.
Senior 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 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 8:00am5:00pm 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.
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