Upholstery Manager

Description Lead the Craftsmanship Behind Our Boats! Boater's World Manufacturing Group is seeking an experienced, hands-on Upholstery Manager to lead our Upholstery Department at our growing boat manufacturing operation in Chocowinity, North Carolina. This position is responsible for overseeing the daily production, quality, scheduling, and performance of our upholstery operation. The Upholstery Manager will lead a team of upholstery technicians and production employees responsible for manufacturing, assembling, fitting, and finishing marine seating, cushions, and other upholstered components used throughout our boats. We're looking for a leader who combines strong upholstery craftsmanship with proven manufacturing management experience. The ideal candidate understands upholstery materials, industrial sewing, foam fabrication, production processes, and quality standards while also having the ability to train employees, manage workflow, and consistently meet production expectations. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who takes pride in producing high-quality products, developing employees, and improving manufacturing operations. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Upholstery Department Management Oversee daily operations of the Upholstery Department, including production scheduling, staffing, workflow, and quality control. Supervise upholstery technicians, sewing machine operators, and other assigned production employees. Plan and coordinate daily production activities to meet established manufacturing schedules and output requirements. Assign work based on employee skills, production priorities, and department needs. Monitor production progress and adjust staffing or workflow to address changing priorities. Ensure upholstered components are completed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. Coordinate with Production, Assembly, Quality, Purchasing, and other manufacturing departments to support overall boat production. Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, material shortages, and workflow challenges. Maintain an organized, efficient, and productive upholstery operation. Provide regular updates to manufacturing leadership regarding department performance, staffing, and production concerns. Upholstery Production & Technical Oversight Oversee the fabrication, assembly, fitting, and finishing of marine upholstery components. Ensure proper use of marine-grade vinyl, fabrics, foam, backing materials, adhesives, and related components. Provide technical guidance on measuring, cutting, sewing, stretching, fitting, and securing upholstery materials. Oversee industrial sewing operations and ensure proper stitching, seam alignment, and finished appearance. Review upholstery patterns, templates, measurements, and production specifications for accuracy. Assist employees with complex upholstery projects, repairs, and production challenges. Ensure cushions, seating components, and upholstery assemblies meet established fit and finish requirements. Monitor material preparation, cutting, sewing, foam assembly, and final upholstery installation processes. Identify opportunities to improve production techniques, consistency, and efficiency. Provide hands‑on assistance with upholstery production when necessary to support department operations. Quality Control & Craftsmanship Establish and maintain consistent quality standards throughout the Upholstery Department. Inspect completed upholstery components for appearance, fit, stitching, alignment, and overall workmanship. Identify defects involving wrinkles, uneven seams, loose materials, incorrect dimensions, or improper fitment. Ensure upholstery components meet established production specifications and quality expectations. Work with Quality and Assembly teams to address defects, installation concerns, and rework requirements. Investigate recurring quality issues and implement corrective actions. Ensure finished upholstery is properly handled, stored, and protected from damage. Promote a culture of quality craftsmanship, accountability, and attention to detail. Monitor rework and material waste to identify opportunities for improvement. Team Leadership & Employee Development Lead, coach, train, and develop Upholstery Department employees. Establish clear expectations for productivity, attendance, quality, and workplace performance. Provide hands‑on training in upholstery techniques, equipment operation, and production procedures. Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new upholstery employees. Evaluate employee performance and identify opportunities for additional training or development. Address performance concerns professionally and consistently. Encourage teamwork, communication, and accountability throughout the department. Help develop employees' technical skills and support cross-training initiatives. Maintain a positive, respectful, and results‑driven work environment. Lead by example through strong work ethic, professionalism, and attention to quality. Production Efficiency & Continuous Improvement Monitor department productivity, labor utilization, material usage, and overall production efficiency. Establish and maintain production goals aligned with manufacturing schedules. Identify opportunities to improve workflow, reduce downtime, and increase output. Work to minimize material waste, unnecessary rework, and production delays. Review existing upholstery processes and recommend improvements to manufacturing leadership. Support the development and implementation of standardized work instructions and production procedures. Coordinate with Purchasing and Inventory teams to maintain appropriate material availability. Assist with improving department organization, equipment utilization, and production planning. Support continuous‑improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and cost control. Track and communicate department performance and production challenges. Equipment, Materials & Workplace Safety Oversee the proper operation and care of industrial sewing machines, cutting equipment, foam fabrication tools, and upholstery equipment. Ensure employees are trained on the safe and effective use of assigned tools and equipment. Coordinate routine equipment maintenance and report repair needs to appropriate personnel. Monitor upholstery material inventory and communicate purchasing requirements. Ensure proper handling, storage, and organization of vinyl, foam, fabrics, adhesives, and other materials. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe department. Ensure compliance with company safety procedures and manufacturing standards. Address unsafe conditions or equipment concerns promptly. Promote responsible material usage and proper equipment care throughout the department. Requirements Minimum of five (5) years of professional upholstery experience in marine, automotive, furniture, RV, commercial, or related manufacturing environments. Previous supervisory or management experience overseeing upholstery employees or a related manufacturing production team. Strong hands‑on knowledge of upholstery fabrication, sewing, material preparation, fitting, and finishing. Experience working with upholstery materials, including vinyl, fabrics, foam, backing materials, and adhesives. Ability to operate and troubleshoot industrial sewing machines and upholstery equipment. Experience reading and interpreting upholstery patterns, templates, measurements, and production specifications. Demonstrated ability to manage production schedules, assign work, and meet manufacturing deadlines. Strong understanding of upholstery quality standards and defect identification. Experience training employees, monitoring performance, and maintaining department accountability. Strong organizational, leadership, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to manage multiple production priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively with Production, Quality, Assembly, Purchasing, and other departments. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship. Ability to work full‑time on‑site in Chocowinity, North Carolina. Preferred Qualifications Previous Upholstery Manager, Upholstery Supervisor, or Production Supervisor experience. Experience managing an upholstery department within a boat manufacturing facility. Strong knowledge of marine‑grade vinyl, foam fabrication, marine seating, and boat interior components. Experience with fiberglass boat manufacturing and marine assembly operations. Experience supervising industrial sewing, cutting, foam preparation, and upholstery assembly processes. Familiarity with upholstery production planning, labor efficiency, and material cost control. Experience implementing standardized production processes and quality improvements. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or other continuous‑improvement methodologies. Experience supporting manufacturing startups, facility expansions, or production ramp‑ups. Familiarity with ERP systems, production tracking, or manufacturing reporting software. What We're Looking For We're looking for a manager who understands upholstery craftsmanship and knows how to lead a productive manufacturing team. The ideal candidate should be comfortable reviewing the production schedule, assigning work, inspecting completed components, troubleshooting upholstery issues, training employees, and working directly with other manufacturing departments to keep production moving. This individual should be: An experienced upholstery professional with strong technical knowledge. A hands‑on leader who is comfortable assisting employees on the production floor. Detail‑oriented and committed to producing high‑quality finished components. Organized and capable of managing staffing, workflow, and production deadlines. Experienced in coaching employees and maintaining accountability. Proactive about identifying quality concerns and production inefficiencies. Comfortable working with industrial sewing equipment, upholstery tools, and manufacturing materials. Focused on reducing material waste and improving department productivity. Able to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and manufacturing leadership. Motivated to help build and develop a successful upholstery operation. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Work is performed in an active boat manufacturing environment. Regular presence on the manufacturing floor is required. Exposure may include manufacturing noise, dust, adhesives, upholstery materials, machinery, and varying temperatures. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday. Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and perform hands‑on upholstery tasks as needed. Ability to lift and move upholstery materials, tools, and components with appropriate assistance or equipment. Ability to safely operate industrial sewing machines, cutting tools, and upholstery equipment. Must follow established safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment. Flexibility to work additional hours when necessary to meet production requirements. Why Join Boater's World Manufacturing Group? Boater's World Manufacturing Group is growing its marine manufacturing operations in Eastern North Carolina, supporting the production of NauticStar boats. As our Upholstery Manager, you'll play an important role in developing and leading the department responsible for some of the most visible and important components of our finished boats. You'll have the opportunity to build a strong team, establish consistent production processes, improve department efficiency, and help maintain the craftsmanship and quality standards our customers expect. This is an opportunity for an experienced upholstery professional to take ownership of a key manufacturing department and contribute directly to the continued growth of our organization. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life insurance. 401(k) with company match. Paid time off. Paid holidays. Employee discounts. Professional development opportunities. Career growth and advancement opportunities. Equal Employment Opportunity Boater's World Manufacturing Group is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr