Senior Vehicle Seat Trimmer

Go-Ahead Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Go-Ahead Ireland in Ballycoolin, Dublin 15, is seeking a Senior Vehicle Seat Trimmer to lead trimming of seating and interior trim. You will remove, retrim and refit components to high-quality standards while ensuring safety and efficiency.

The role requires experienced upholsterers with knowledge of moquette, vinyl, leather and foams, and the ability to work from patterns and with industrial sewing equipment. You will guide colleagues and help meet vehicle refurbishment timelines.

Qualifications

• Full B licence required or equivalent.
• Experience in senior/lead trimming role is essential.
• Experience working on buses, coaches or heavy vehicles is preferred.
• Experience with moquette, vinyl, fabric, leather and automotive foams.

Responsibilities

• Inspect vehicle seats and interior trim and identify repair work.
• Remove and refit vehicle seats and trim safely and efficiently.
• Strip and retrim seat bases and backs with covers, foams and materials.
• Cut and prepare moquette, vinyl, fabric, leather using patterns and templates.
• Operate industrial sewing machines and trimming equipment to produce high-quality covers and panels.
• Carry out repairs and modifications to seats and trim components as required.
• Work from patterns and templates; adapt patterns as needed.
• Colour match and select materials for consistent finish.
• Use workshop equipment (presses, cutters, air tools) safely.
• Check finished seats for fit, appearance and quality.
• Provide day-to-day technical leadership to other trimmers.
• Coordinate trimming across vehicles to meet refurbishment timelines.
• Plan material requirements and communicate with suppliers.

Skills

Full B licence

Lead trimming experience

Automotive upholstery

Industrial sewing machines

Pattern and templates

Moquette knowledge

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Presses & die cutters

Air tools

Job description

Job Description and Person Specification

Job Title: Senior Vehicle Seat Trimmer

Reporting To: Bodyshop Manager

Location: Ballycoolin, Dublin 15

Purpose: To remove, repair, retrim and refit vehicle seating and associated interior trim to the standard required by the Company to achieve maximum vehicle availability and a high-quality finished appearance. To take responsibility for completing trimming activities safely, efficiently and to the required quality standard, in accordance with current legislation and company policies and procedures

Key Responsibilities and tasks

• Inspect vehicle seats and interior trim and identify the repair, replacement and retrim work required.


• Remove and refit vehicle seats and associated trim components safely and efficiently, taking care to protect vehicle interiors and fittings.


• Strip and retrim seat bases and backs, including the removal and replacement of covers, foams and associated materials as required, for both full and partial retrims.


• Cut and prepare moquette, vinyl, fabric, leather and other trim materials using approved patterns, templates and cutting methods.


• Operate industrial sewing machines and other trimming equipment to produce accurate, consistent and high-quality finished covers and panels.


• Carry out repairs and modifications to seat covers, foams and trim components as required to return vehicles to the required standard.


• Work from existing patterns and templates and produce or adapt patterns where required to support efficient and accurate retrimming.


• Carry out colour matching and material selection where required to achieve a consistent finished appearance.


• Use specialist workshop equipment including presses, cutting equipment, die cutters and air tools safely and in accordance with instructions.


• Check completed seats and trim for fit, appearance, stitching, tension and overall quality before they are returned to service.


• Provide day-to-day technical leadership and guidance to other trimmers, helping less experienced colleagues develop their skills and maintain required standards of workmanship.


• Coordinate trimming activities across vehicles within the refurbishment programme, organising work to meet agreed turnaround times and support maximum vehicle availability.


• Support the identification and planning of material requirements and maintain effective communication with suppliers where required.


• Keep accurate records of work completed and report any defects, material requirements or issues that may affect vehicle availability.


• Communicate effectively with operational staff and other engineering colleagues regarding vehicle condition, progress and completion.


• Carry out any reasonable instructions given by the Workshop Controller or any other supervisor.


• Be prepared to work the hours necessary to complete tasks required to achieve Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR).

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

• Ability to understand and execute training and instruction.


• Ability to operate safely in a workshop environment.


• Clean and valid Full B licence.


• Previous experience in a similar senior or lead trimming role.


• Experience working on buses, coaches or other heavy commercial vehicles.


• Experience working with moquette, vinyl, fabric, leather and automotive seating foams.


• Automotive trimming experience is preferred, but experienced upholsterers or sewing machinists from closely related upholstery trades may also be considered where they have the required technical skills and attitude.


• Experience using presses, cutting equipment, die cutters and air tools.


• Ability to work from existing patterns and templates and produce or adapt patterns where required.


• Confident use of industrial sewing machines and associated upholstery equipment.

Competencies, desirable traits or attributes:

• Highly motivated


• Has a demonstrable technical background within the automotive, upholstery or Passenger Carrying / Heavy Vehicle sector


• Ability to work autonomously, take ownership of quality and output, and lead by example


• Good communicator with the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and colleagues


• Clear and concise written skills


• Organised and efficient


• Ability to adapt within changing environment


• Willingness to learn and support the development of others


• Ability to work accurately to deadlines and agreed timescales to minimise vehicle downtime and loss of mileage


• Positive attitude to safety

Key Safety Responsibilities:

To act in a manner as to ensure the health, safety, welfare, environment and fire safety of yourself and others in the organisation as well as any clients and visitors.

Ensure that you and any guests to any company premises understand emergency and evacuation arrangements.

Ensure your working environment is maintained in a safe and tidy condition. To act proactively in identifying and any unsafe practices or safety risks in the organisation and reporting these through the appropriate channels.

Ensure adherence to all relevant company and Go-Ahead group company policies and procedures.

Note:

All training, tools and equipment will be provided.

This job description is a guide only. Any omission from this job description does not in any way imply that it is not part of the required duties. Employees are expected to comply with the instructions of any Company Official.