Upholstery Leather Specialist

JOB PURPOSE

To provide expert technical knowledge of leather materials and stitching processes, and to ensure that all leather upholstery work meets the required quality standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Advise on leather selection by type, grade, thickness, and finish for each application (seating, panels, headboards, wrapped items) & able to calculate leather quantities required.

2. Inspect incoming hides /rolls /foul leather for defects, colour consistency, and thickness, and report non-conformances.

3. Plan hide layout and cutting to maximize yield and minimize wastage.

4. Select and set up the right machines, needles, threads, and stitch settings for each leather type.

5. Supervise stitching, skiving, wrapping, and finishing work, and ensure it is consistent with approved samples and drawings.

6. Train and guide upholstery staff on leather handling and stitching techniques.

7. Coordinate with the Production, Technical, QC, and Procurement teams on material specifications and availability.

8. Support sample preparation and approvals.

9. Maintain machines and tools, and ensure safe working practices.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

- Leather types and grades : full-grain, top-grain, corrected-grain, split leather, nubuck, suede,

bonded leather, and PU or synthetic alternatives.

- Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of latest machine & tools used as per specification of leather.

- Finishes: aniline, semi-aniline, and pigmented, and how each affects appearance, wear, and

maintenance.

- Applications: knowing which leather suits seating, wall panels, headboards, and wrapped

surfaces, based on wear, flexibility, and fire and safety requirements.

- Machines and equipment: walking-foot and compound-feed sewing machines, post-bed and

cylinder-bed machines, skiving and splitting machines, cutting tools, and pneumatic staplers.

- Consumables: the right needle type and size, thread type and thickness, and stitch length for

each leather type and thickness.

• Adhesives, foams, and backing materials used in leather upholstery.

• Understanding of common leather defects, stitching faults, and their causes and remedies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or trade certification in upholstery, leatherwork, or a related field is preferred.

• 8 to 10 years of hands-on experience in leather upholstery, preferably in luxury furniture or fit-

out.

• Ability to read shop drawings and work to approved samples.

• Good communication skills, and the ability to train and lead a team.