Upholstery Finishing Manager

Own the quality and output of Thuma's in-house upholstery finishing operation across both coasts. Fit tailored upholstered slipcovers to sectional frames on demand at our distribution center, fully accountable for throughput and quality of everything that ships. This leadership role involves setting standards, building quality systems, and driving a culture of craftsmanship.

About the Role

Based in Riverside, CA or Essex, MD, with roughly 20% travel to the other site. On-site Monday through Friday, approximately 8am to 5pm local time.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day performance of the finishing operation at both sites: scheduling, throughput, and workmanship standards.
• Lead, train, and develop finishing technicians; coach on technique, efficiency, and safety.
• Hold both coasts to a single standard and scale teams as volume grows.
• Review production methods and introduce improvements to reduce rework, waste, and downtime.
• Establish, document, and enforce QC standards for every finished unit.
• Own inspection gates: incoming components, in-process, and pre-shipment.
• Investigate defects and CX escalations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain QC records and report trends and improvement opportunities to leadership.
• Partner with the Fulfillment Manager on inventory accuracy, stock rotation, and cycle counts for slipcovers, components, and packaging.
• Troubleshoot production, quality, and logistics issues as they arise.
• Collaborate with CX, eComm, sourcing, and product teams to resolve issues quickly and professionally.
• Ensure both sites operate safely and comply with applicable health, safety, and employment regulations.
• Take on other quality-related tasks in the distribution center as needed.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in upholstery or upholstered-goods production, with proven management experience leading a production team or upholstery line.
• Strong working knowledge of quality control: inspection techniques, defect resolution, and root-cause problem solving.
• Excellent eye for craftsmanship across fabrics, foams, seams, frames, slipcover fit, and finish.
• Practical, hands-on leadership with the ability to demonstrate standards without needing to carry daily production.
• Background as a furniture medic, upholsterer, or in furniture finishing, ideally at a premium furniture maker, retailer, or repair network.
• Solid organizational and communication skills; comfortable coordinating across finishing, fulfillment, sourcing, and CX teams, and managing two sites remotely.
• Comfortable with inventory and workflow systems (scanning, NetSuite, or similar is a plus).
• Willing to travel regularly between Riverside and Essex (roughly 20% of the time).
• Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement.
• Experience standing up or scaling a new production line.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company matching up to 6% of contributions.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with generous employer contributions.
• 100% paid parental leave.
• Company-sponsored One Medical and WellHub memberships.
• Employee stock option plan.
• Flexible hours, flexible PTO, and a hybrid approach supporting work-life balance.
• 13 company holidays per year.
• 40% employee discount on almost all Thuma products.
• $100 monthly cell phone stipend.
• Up to $150 monthly commute reimbursement.
• Complimentary product credit upon joining, valued up to $3,000.

Pay

$80,000 - $100,000 a year. Compensation may vary based on location, individual skills, qualifications, and experience.

About Us

Thuma is a modern design company specializing in furniture and home goods. We believe simplicity is the ultimate luxury, details matter, and good design is good hospitality. We value integrity, initiative, collaborative spirit, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn. Thuma is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can be their authentic self.