Company Description ISA International Inc. is a custom furniture manufacturer with more than 44 years of experience serving the design industry. The company is known for providing tailored solutions, supporting projects of all sizes with a focus on design, functionality, value, and craftsmanship. ISA’s office, sales, and production teams work collaboratively to drive growth, explore new products, and stay ahead of trends and styles. Guided by the philosophy of “Inspiration by design,” ISA combines traditional manufacturing expertise with innovation to bring clients’ design visions to life.
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Upholstery Supervisor with strong expertise in pattern making, upholstery techniques, and production supervision. The successful candidate will oversee daily upholstery operations, ensure quality and productivity standards are met, and provide technical guidance to the upholstery team.
This role requires a strong understanding of furniture construction, fabric and leather applications, cutting and pattern development, and the ability to translate designs or specifications into accurate upholstery patterns.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise, coordinate, and support the daily activities of the upholstery and pattern-making team.
- Develop, modify, and approve upholstery patterns for new and existing furniture designs.
- Interpret drawings, measurements, specifications, and design concepts to create accurate patterns.
- Measure furniture frames and cushions and determine fabric, leather, foam, and other material requirements.
- Create templates and cutting patterns to ensure accuracy, consistency, and efficient material utilization.
- Train and mentor upholsterers and pattern makers in proper techniques and production standards.
- Inspect upholstery work throughout the production process to ensure quality, fit, finish, and consistency.
- Troubleshoot issues involving patterns, fabric alignment, seams, wrinkles, piping, cushions, and overall fit.
- Work closely with production, design, cutting, and management teams to meet production schedules.
- Monitor workflow, productivity, material usage, and production efficiency.
- Ensure proper handling and use of fabrics, leather, foam, thread, tools, and equipment.
- Establish and maintain quality-control procedures for upholstery production.
- Review completed products and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.
- Assist with developing production processes and improving pattern-making and upholstery methods.
- Ensure team members follow company policies, safety procedures, and quality standards.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- 5+ years of professional upholstery experience, preferably in furniture manufacturing.
- Previous experience supervising or leading an upholstery team.
- Strong pattern-making experience, including creating patterns from furniture frames, existing pieces, drawings, or measurements.
- Excellent knowledge of upholstery construction, cutting, sewing, foam shaping, and installation techniques.
- Experience working with a variety of fabrics, vinyl, leather, and other upholstery materials.
- Strong understanding of furniture dimensions, proportions, seams, allowances, pleats, piping, and pattern matching.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and measurements.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
- Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Ability to train and motivate employees and maintain production standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with custom furniture or high-end upholstery.
- Experience developing patterns for sofas, chairs, sectionals, ottomans, cushions, and other upholstered products.
- Knowledge of CAD or digital pattern-making software is an asset.
- Experience with production planning, material optimization, and quality control.
- Experience working with both residential and commercial upholstery projects.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and work for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and move upholstery materials and furniture components.
- Ability to use hand tools and upholstery equipment safely.
- Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
Key Performance Expectations
The Upholstery Supervisor will be expected to:
- Maintain consistent high-quality upholstery standards.
- Ensure accurate and efficient pattern development.
- Meet production deadlines and productivity targets.
- Minimize material waste and production errors.
- Develop and maintain a skilled, productive, and collaborative upholstery team.
- Continuously improve production methods, quality, and efficiency.
Employment Type
Full-time
