Lead - Upholstery
Job Description
Position Summary
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Design Foundry community is seeking a Lead in our Upholstery/Trim Department. This role supports the Operations Manager in coordinating daily operations, supporting associates, and ensuring production, quality, and safety standards are consistently met.
The Lead serves as a working leader and cultural example on the floor — helping remove obstacles, drive accountability, and promote a positive, high-performing team environment.
The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, people-focused, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where teamwork, quality, and ownership matter.
Essential Functions
Team Leadership & Support
- Serve as a working lead to support and guide associates in daily production
- Model positive behaviors aligned with company values
- Help motivate the team to meet production and quality goals
- Provide real-time coaching and redirection as needed
- Assist with conflict resolution and escalate concerns appropriately
- Support a culture of respect, dignity, and teamwork
Production & Workflow Coordination
- Help coordinate daily workflow to maintain efficient production flow
- Monitor progress toward daily goals and communicate gaps to the manager
- Assist with balancing workload and labor needs
- Proactively identify issues and recommend solutions
- Help minimize downtime and rework
Quality & Standards
- Reinforce quality standards and proper upholstery/trim techniques
- Help identify defects early and reduce repair work
- Ensure associates follow specifications and build requirements
- Support training and reinforcement of best practices
Attendance & Staffing Awareness
- Maintain awareness of daily attendance to support staffing plans
- Communicate attendance concerns or trends to the manager
- Assist in onboarding and training new associates
Supplies & Organization
- Assist with monitoring supplies and notifying manager of needs
- Support inventory accuracy within the department
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area
Safety & Compliance
- Promote safe work practices at all times
- Reinforce safety expectations and proper tool use
- Report safety concerns promptly
- Support compliance with company policies
Core Values in Action
- We Are Family – Treat others with respect and support teammates
- We Own It – Take responsibility for results and follow through
- We Give Our All – Demonstrate strong effort and commitment to quality
- We Have Fun – Help maintain a positive, encouraging work environment
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Upholstery/trim experience in a manufacturing environment
- Strong communication and people skills
- Problem-solving mindset
- Ability to multitask and prioritize
- Basic comfort with technology and reporting tools
- Dependable attendance and reliability
- Ability to lead by example
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift, push, or pull materials as required in upholstery work
- Repetitive use of hands and tools
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment
Work Environment
- Manufacturing floor environment
- Exposure to typical production noise and materials
- PPE required as appropriate
