1st Shift Upholstery Supervisor

Ashley Furniture Industries•Ecru, MS

5d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Upholstery Supervisor – 1st Shift leads daily upholstery production activities, manages a team of upholsterers, ensures high quality and safety, and optimizes workflow to meet schedules and standards. This hands-on leader blends technical upholstery expertise with strong people leadership—training staff, controlling materials, troubleshooting issues, coordinating with other departments, and maintaining production records—to deliver high-quality upholstered products on time and in alignment with Ashley’s operational and safety expectations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum 2 years in a manufacturing or distribution center environment
Experience with manufacturing or warehouse equipment and department processes
Ability to work Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Strong leadership and team management skills
Good communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, timekeeping systems)
Physical ability to walk production floors, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 50 lbs as needed

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Supervisory Management or related field
Previous supervisory or lead experience in upholstery or furniture manufacturing
Experience with upholstery processes (padding, covering, stapling, finishing)
Familiarity with Lean, continuous improvement, and production metrics
Understanding of OSHA regulations and workplace safety management

Responsibilities

Lead daily upholstery production operations to meet output, quality, and schedule requirements.
Assign work, balance workloads, and adjust priorities to maintain steady flow through upholstery lines.
Monitor production performance (pieces per hour, quality, rework) and take corrective actions as needed.
Work hands-on with upholstery processes when necessary, demonstrating best practices and standards.
Manage a team of upholsterers and support associates, providing direction, coaching, and support.
Train staff on upholstery techniques, safe equipment use, quality standards, and standard operating procedures.
Conduct regular performance discussions and support improvement plans for team members.
Foster a positive, inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning.
Ensure all upholstered products meet Ashley’s quality standards, specifications, and customer expectations.
Conduct visual and functional inspections to catch defects early and reduce rework.
Champion a safety-first culture by enforcing the proper use of PPE and adherence to safety rules.
Identify and correct unsafe behaviors or conditions, and participate in safety meetings and audits.
Optimize upholstery workflow by organizing workstations, material staging, and tooling.
Coordinate with materials, cutting, frame, and foam departments to ensure timely availability of components.
Control material usage and minimize waste while maintaining supply levels to support uninterrupted production.
Troubleshoot production issues (e.g., material shortages, equipment problems, quality concerns) and drive resolution.
Collaborate with other production areas (frame mill, cutting, sewing, assembly) to align schedules and priorities.
Communicate daily production status, challenges, and resource needs to peers and leadership.
Work with quality, maintenance, and HR to support broader operational goals and initiatives.
Maintain accurate production records including output, scrap, rework, and attendance.
Track and report key metrics to support performance analysis and decision-making.
Ensure timekeeping and absentee records are accurate and aligned with company policies.
Demonstrate the company’s core and growth values in the performance of all job functions.
Model “dirty fingernail” behavior by going to the work, inspecting details, and ensuring standards are met on the floor.
Promote continuous improvement and growth-focused thinking within the upholstery team.