Lead - Upholstery

Design Foundry; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Foundry in Hickory, NC is seeking a Lead - Upholstery to supervise daily upholstery production, coach team members, and ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate has upholstery/trim experience, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to lead by example in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. This role emphasizes dependable attendance and proactive problem solving on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Upholstery/trim experience in a manufacturing setting.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Upholstery/trim experience

Strong communication

Problem solving

Multitasking

Tech/tools literacy

Dependable attendance

Lead by example

Job description

Lead - Upholstery

Full Time Professional Hickory, NC, US

17 days ago Requisition ID: 1135

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

• 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
• Manufacturing floor environment
• Exposure to typical production noise and materials