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 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.

Head 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 xbpsjku 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.