Workshop Team leader - Upholstery

Jet Aviation AG; Basel; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic environment

Professional development

Latest technologies

Team events

Job summary

Jet Aviation Inc. in Basel, Switzerland seeks an experienced Upholstery Team Leader to guide a skilled team of technicians in delivering high-quality aircraft upholstery work.

You will lead, coordinate, and mentor a group of Upholstery Technicians and Certifying Workshop Technicians, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and aviation standards. The role emphasizes hands-on upholstery expertise, effective communication with supervisors, and ongoing development of team members while driving

Qualifications

• Leadership of a ≥6 technicians team in a workshop.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft upholstery and workshop operations.
• Familiarity with aviation authority procedures (FOCA, EASA, FAA).
• English B1/B2; German or French a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and supervise Upholstery Technicians and Certifying Workshop Technicians.
• Ensure high-quality workmanship and compliance with aviation standards.
• Assign tasks, verify work, and track progress daily.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on technical issues and process improvements.
• Maintain safety, quality, and 5S in the workspace.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Aviation upholstery

Communication

Quality awareness

Education

Workshop Technician certification

Job description

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Job Category: VIP Completions & Large Refurbishments

Career Level: Technicians / Crew

Requisition Id: 5452

Since 1967, Jet Aviation has been crafting flight in its smoothest form. From one hangar in Basel, Switzerland, to over 4,500 employees, and some 50 locations worldwide. Aircraft Management, Aircraft Sales, Charter, Completions, Government Services, FBO, Fixed and Rotary Wing Maintenance, and Staffing. Behind every seamless Jet Aviation experience, is a team of dedicated professionals perfecting the art of flight. The artisans of aviation. The craft that brings our customers’ journey to life. In the hangar, on the ground, and behind the scenes. Enabling global flight, with passion.

Position Summary

The Upholstery Team Leader is responsible for leading, coordinating, and supervising a team of Upholstery Technicians and Certifying Workshop Technicians. In addition to hands-on upholstery expertise, this role ensures high-quality workmanship, compliance with aviation standards, effective communication, and continuous team development while supporting operational efficiency and process improvements.

Your mission

Leadership & Team Management

• Act as Functional Team Lead for a team of minimum six Technicians and Certifying Workshop Technicians.
• Assign tasks, assist team members during execution, and verify work upon completion.
• Ensure clear and effective communication within the team and with aircraft or shop supervisors.
• Encourage job skill development, training, and personal growth within the team.
• Support and train lesser-skilled employees and assist Senior Technicians in developing best practices.
• Act as deputy when required and keep management informed daily on job progress and issues.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on technical issues, modifications, product development, and prototyping.

Technical & Upholstery Responsibilities

• Perform identical core tasks as a Senior Upholstery Technician, including cutting, sewing, manufacturing, and installation of seat covers, foam build-ups, and complex assemblies.
• Design and manufacture complex templates, parts, and foam build-ups in compliance with safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Perform repairs, modifications, and rework on aircraft upholstery materials.
• Manufacture burn test samples in accordance with Engineering Test Plans.

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Quality, Safety & Process Excellence

• Ensure all work is performed according to relevant documentation, Jet Aviation procedures, and quality standards.
• Take responsibility for the quality of delivered products and workmanship.
• Enforce environmental, health, and safety regulations and Escalate issues when necessary.
• Maintain cleanliness, tidiness, tool control, and 5S standards within the work area and team zones.
• Coordinate with internal and external suppliers to ensure efficient project execution.
• Evaluate time, manage tasks efficiently, and ensure accurate paperwork and work order bookings.
• Maintain project supporting files (CAPA, Tier 4, Earned Value).
• Support supervisors and managers with quotations.
• Work with upstream and downstream stakeholders to develop and implement process improvements that enhance safety, reduce cost, and shorten cycle time.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

What we offer you

• An exciting and challenging job in a dynamic environment.
• Various opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Working with the latest technologies and tools.
• A motivated and cheerful team that looks forward to working with you.
• Our events are great! We also have lots of fun together outside of working hours.

Your profile

• Meets requirements for Workshop Technician or Certified Workshop Technician (based on business needs).
• Strong technical knowledge in aircraft upholstery and workshop operations.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Familiarity with aviation authority procedures and processes (FOCA, EASA, FAA).
• Strong personal values aligned with Jet Aviation values: Trust, Honesty, Alignment, Transparency.
• Team-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work under tight deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow within the role.
• Proactive, structured, and forward-thinking mindset.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Able to read and understand engineering data and maintenance documentation.
• English proficiency minimum B1 (B2 preferred), German and French is a plus.