High-End Custom Upholstery Shop Manager & Master Craftsman (COM Specialist)

Job Title: High-End Custom Upholstery Shop Manager & Master Craftsman (COM Specialist)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Owner / Operations Director
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Upholstery Shop Manager to lead our custom residential workroom while actively building bespoke furniture. This role requires master-level craftsmanship in handling Customer’s Own Material (COM) fabrics, working alongside top interior designers, and leading a small production team. You will oversee custom builds from frame to white-glove finish, ensuring zero fabric waste and flawless execution on high-end luxury textiles.
Key Responsibilities
COM Fabric Management & Cutting
Receiving & Inspection: Inspect incoming designer-supplied fabrics for flaws, dye-lot variations, stretching, or weave defects before cutting.
Pattern Matching & Yield: Calculate precise layouts for complex directional prints, large pattern repeats, stripes, and plaids. Ensure maximum fabric efficiency with zero error on non-replaceable COM stock.
Precision Cutting: Execute hand cutting for delicate or high-value materials (e.g., mohair, silk velvets, embroidered linens, heavy leathers, performance weaves).
Bespoke Sewing & Upholstery Execution
Frame & Spring Setup: Rebuild, reinforce, and web frames; execute traditional eight-way hand-tied spring systems and edge roll building.
Tailored Sewing: Operate industrial walking-foot and double-needle machines to sew complex cushion casings, French seams, flange edges, channel tufting, and custom double-welt cords.
Cushioning & Padding: Shape high-density foam, apply custom spring-down/feather envelopes, and build plush ergonomic cushioning tailored to designer specification sheets.
Upholstery & Finish Work: Pull, align, and secure fabrics with uniform tension; hand-stitch blind seams; execute crisp diamond tufting; apply decorative nailhead trim or gimp.
Workroom Leadership & Operations
Designer Specification Review: Review client tearsheets, CAD drawings, and designer instructions to translate concepts into technical shop builds.
Production Scheduling: Manage workroom queues, assign jobs to upholsterers and seamstresses, and track build times to hit strict residential install deadlines.
Quality Control: Conduct final white-glove inspections, verifying dimensions, stitch symmetry, pattern alignment, and seat comfort before delivery.
Qualifications & Experience
Experience: 7+ years of experience in high-end custom residential upholstery, with at least 2 years in a shop lead or management role.
COM Mastery: Expert knowledge of handling luxury, high-end textiles, including velvet, linen, silk, and leather.
Technical Expertise: Proficiency in 8-way hand-tying, deep diamond tufting, custom down cushion construction, and complex patterning.
Blueprint Literacy: Ability to interpret detailed interior design spec sheets, scale drawings, and custom order forms.