Job Purpose
The Upholstery Supervisor is responsible for supervising and coordinating all upholstery activities for luxury yacht interiors and exterior areas. The role ensures that upholstery work is completed according to approved drawings, design specifications, luxury-quality standards, production schedules, and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise daily activities of the upholstery team, including upholsterers, sewing/tailoring personnel, and helpers.
- Plan and allocate manpower according to yacht production schedules and project priorities.
- Coordinate fabrication and installation of upholstery items including:
- Sofas, seating and lounge furniture
- Mattresses, headboards and bed panels
- Wall and ceiling upholstered panels
- Cushions and decorative elements
- Exterior seating and sunbeds
- Curtains, blinds and other soft furnishings
- Read and interpret GA drawings, interior drawings, shop drawings, specifications, and designer requirements.
- Ensure accurate measurement, pattern making, cutting, stitching, foam preparation, fitting and final installation.
- Ensure high-quality finishing suitable for luxury yachts, including stitching alignment, fabric tension, symmetry, edge finishing and overall appearance.
- Inspect completed upholstery works and ensure defects, damages, wrinkles, uneven stitching or finishing issues are corrected before handover.
- Coordinate closely with Interior, Carpentry/Joinery, Production, Design, Engineering and Quality teams to ensure correct installation and avoid clashes or rework.
- Monitor upholstery materials including leather, fabrics, marine-grade vinyl, foam, adhesives, threads, fittings and accessories.
- Prepare material requirements and coordinate with Procurement/Stores to ensure materials are available according to the production schedule.
- Control material usage and minimize fabric/leather wastage and production rework.
- Ensure correct handling and protection of expensive fabrics, leather and finished upholstery components.
- Monitor team productivity, attendance, workmanship and completion of assigned tasks.
- Identify production delays and technical issues and take corrective action to meet yacht delivery milestones.
- Ensure upholstery work complies with relevant marine, fire-retardant, safety and project specifications.
- Maintain a clean, organized and safe upholstery workshop and installation area.
- Conduct toolbox talks and ensure workers follow PPE and HSE requirements.
- Coordinate inspections with the Quality team and close punch-list/snags before final yacht handover.
- Train and guide upholsterers to improve workmanship, productivity and luxury finishing standards.
- Provide daily/weekly progress updates to the Production/Interior Manager.
Requirements
- Diploma/Technical qualification in Upholstery, Furniture Manufacturing, Interior Fit-Out, Carpentry or a related field preferred.
- 5–8 years of upholstery experience, with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory/foreman role.
- Previous experience in luxury yachts, superyachts, marine interiors, luxury furniture or high-end interior fit-out is strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of upholstery materials, foam construction, leather/fabric cutting, sewing, pattern making and installation techniques.
- Ability to understand technical drawings, measurements and interior specifications.
- Strong knowledge of luxury finishing and quality-control standards.
- Good manpower planning, leadership and production coordination skills.
- Ability to work under tight production and yacht-delivery schedules.
Benefits
What We Offer:
· Competitive salary and benefits package
· Opportunity to work on innovative and sustainable projects
· Supportive and growth-oriented work environment
· Exposure to international standards and advanced technologies