We have an excellent opportunity available for an Upholstery Developer (Research & Development) for a global manufacturer of furniture design. As part of their continued growth, this exciting opportunity is for an experienced Upholstery Developer to join the team based at their manufacturing site in Elland, West Yorkshire.  

About the company
The story of our client is as impressive as it is inspiring. Established little more than 15 years ago they quickly became a global player in the world of contract furniture by designing and producing beautiful, stylish furniture manufactured to impeccable standards. Their products are now seen in offices all over the world, sold to many of the world’s most influential brands like Google, Microsoft and Amazon. They were recognised for its global position in the international market and they were the proud recipients of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2019. 

About the role
Reporting to the Head of Engineering & Design you will work closely with the Engineering and Product Management teams to introduce all new upholstery based developments into production. As Upholstery Developer (Research & Development) you will be:

• Working alongside the design and engineering team to guide projects from concept through to production
• Using your upholstery knowledge and experience to ensure the highest standards of finish are achieved 
• Ensuring the commercial upholstery piece is efficient, effective and seamless

About the responsibilities
The role of Upholstery Developer (Research & Development) will require a creative individual with a passion for perfection and high attention to detail who will ensure the key objectives are delivered, which will include to:

• Develop and manage the launch of new upholstery products
• Work closely with external and internal designers to realise concepts into a “production” ready product
• Provide training and support on new developments into the production teams
• Ensure key project milestones and dates for upholstery development are achieved
• Provide upholstery expertise and support to quality team.
• Work with localisation teams for effective handover and support of new developments to third party suppliers
• Full ownership of templates, digitisation and associated modification and deviation processes
• Champion continuous improvements in the production factory, providing support to CI engineer and team leads
• Develop the upholstery knowledge and competencies within the design department
• Liaise with Factory Manager to address issues that may need support in other departments

About you
To be successful for the role of Upholstery Developer (Research & Development), you must have / be:

• 5+ years of upholstery development experience - essential
• Exceptional pattern making skills
• Ability to work well with others as well as independently under strict deadlines
• Knowledge of furniture construction, development & production
• Strong communication skills: listening, verbal, writing, and visual communication
• Ability to appropriately prioritise projects
• Experience of MS Office essential, CAD/CAM preferred
• Influential in building positive partnerships with cross functional teams
• A creative and solution focused approach
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

If you feel you have the skills we are looking for and would like to be part of our clients’ team, we would love to hear from you.

About the hours & rewards
Our client believes their people are integral to their success.  As such they believe in both looking after you and helping you forge the career you deserve.  They believe people want more than just the usual benefits so for the role of Upholstery Developer (Research & Development) they offer a career with them that gives you:

• A generous and competitive remuneration package inclusive of bonus
• Pension
• Life/health insurance
• 33 days annual leave
• A host of employee support and wellbeing benefits
• Genuine opportunities for rapid career progression

These genuine opportunities for your growth are made possible as a result of their continued rapid growth globally, alongside a proactive, serious and supportive approach to both developing and looking after their people.

How to Apply
Please note that eRecruitSmart is advertising the role of Upholstery Developer (Research & Development) on behalf of the Hiring Company and your CV will be sent to the Hiring Manager who is responsible for the vacancy that you have applied to.   Please only apply if you consent to these terms.

You must have eligibility to work in the UK.   Please note, only suitable applicants will be contacted.  If your address and contact details are not on your CV, you will not be considered.

We look forward to hearing from you!




Upholstery, furniture, manufacturing, design, r&d, upholstery developer, upholsterer,