Head of Upholstery Production

About the company Burton James, recognized for its high-quality custom seating and home furnishings, is a privately owned, founder-led company with a fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture. We design, sell, and distribute luxury custom seating to interior designers and boutique/luxury retailers around the world.About the RoleBurton James is seeking an accomplished Head of Upholstery Production to lead full factory operations for custom upholstered furniture. This role oversees daily production execution, quality, and throughput across all departments. The ideal leader brings deep, hands-on knowledge of custom upholstery from start to finish, exceptional team leadership, and strong organizational and operational skills. This position reports to the Brand Director and manages two Production Supervisors, six Department Leads, and a broader team of craftspeople.Core ResponsibilitiesDirect daily operations across all departments including framing, springing and webbing, foam cutting, patterning, fabric cutting, sewing, cushion stuffing, upholstery, wood component finishing, QC, packaging, and shippingTranslate detailed order acknowledgements into clear production plans with assignments based on individual skillsets and lead time prioritiesUphold quality standards from framing through final packaging, resolving issues constructively and implementing solutions to prevent recurrenceBuild production schedules that align with fabric and component availability, tracking throughput, rework, and on-time completionPartner with Purchasing to make cost-conscious production decisions, monitor material usage, and identify opportunities for savings in supplies, labor, and process efficiencyPartner with design and CAD teams to validate construction details, reinforce frames, and confirm any unclear specifications before production beginsMaintain accurate pattern libraries and upholstery standards, verifying COM requirements to ensure precise planning across all styles and custom dimensionsOversee finishing of wood components, ensuring consistency in stain, color match, sheen, and specialty finish techniquesCoach Supervisors and Leads on daily problem solving, training plans, safety, and performance management while implementing and enforcing clear SOPs across all departmentsMaintain accurate production status updates in internal tracking systems and collaborate with Logistics and QC on packaging, photography, and order documentation standardsAdditional ExpectationsLead daily crew meetings and weekly production reviews with clear actions and follow-throughFoster a culture of craftsmanship, ownership, and collaboration, through clear and professional communicationMaintain an organized, clean, and safe factory with strong tool care and material handling practices, and ensure consistent use of required PPESupport the Production and Upholstery teams across the business entities as needed.Experience and Qualifications10 or more years in custom upholstery production with mastery across framing, springing, foam and fills, cutting, sewing, upholstery, and finishing of wood components5 or more years leading teams in a custom furniture environment, including Supervisors and Department LeadsStrong systems & scheduling skills with proven record of meeting lead time commitmentsBilingual English and Spanish required, with clear verbal and written communicationDetail oriented and able to read CAD or shop drawingsPhysical ability to move safely throughout a production environmentWhat we can do for you:Play a pivotal role in our company’s transformation and growthMaintain work/life balance with day shift work schedules and no weekends, in a wholesale distribution business (no manufacturing)Align with a growing company that operates in the luxury marketProvide training and career development opportunitiesOffer 3 weeks paid time off and 6 paid holidays per service yearEnjoy a high-paced and collaborative work environmentReceive up to 6% 401k employer contributionsParticipate in competitive benefits and incentivizing programsPhysical Requirements:The physical demands described here are representative of those that are required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; as well as reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Ability to work in open environment with fluctuating temperatures and standard lighting.Ability to work on computer and mobile phone for multiple hours; with frequent interruptions.Required to use stairwells to attend meetings and engage with employees on multiple floors throughout building.Other Considerations: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role.CompensationStarting annual salary: $95,000-110,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.