The Upholstery Finishing Manager owns the quality and output of Thuma's in-house upholstery finishing operation across both coasts. We fit tailored upholstered slipcovers to sectional frames on demand at our distribution center, and this person is fully accountable for both the throughput and the quality of everything that ships. This is a leadership role: you set the standard, build the quality system your teams run to, and drive a culture of craftsmanship. You will work closely with the Fulfillment Manager on stock, component sourcing, and solving problems across the wider operation, and you will be the connective tissue that keeps both sites consistent. This role is based in Riverside, CA or Essex, MD, with roughly 20% travel to the other, on-site Monday through Friday, roughly 8am to 5pm local time.
You Will
Production and Team
Own the day-to-day performance of the finishing operation at both sites: scheduling, throughput, and workmanship standards.
Lead, train, and develop the finishing technicians; coach on technique, efficiency, and safety.
Hold both coasts to a single standard, and build the teams as volume grows.
Review production methods and introduce improvements that reduce rework, waste, and downtime.
Quality Control
Establish, document, and enforce QC standards for every finished unit.
Own the inspection gates: incoming components, in-process, and pre-shipment.
Investigate defects and CX escalations, identify root causes, and put corrective actions in place.
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.
Operations
Troubleshoot production, quality, and logistics issues as they arise.
Partner with CX, eComm, sourcing, and product to resolve product issues quickly and professionally.
Ensure both sites operate safely and in line with applicable health, safety, and employment regulations.
Take on other quality-related work in the DC as needed.
This Might Describe You
Significant experience (5+ years) 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.
An excellent eye for craftsmanship across fabrics, foams, seams, frames, slipcover fit, and finish.
A practical, hands-on leader who can step onto the floor and demonstrate the standard, without needing to carry daily production.
Furniture medic, upholsterer, or furniture-finishing background, ideally at a premium furniture maker, retailer, or repair network.
Solid organizational and communication skills; comfortable coordinating across finishing, fulfillment, sourcing, and CX, and running two sites from a distance.
Comfortable with inventory and workflow systems (scanning, NetSuite, or similar a plus).
Willing to travel regularly between Riverside and Essex (roughly 20% of the time).
Lean manufacturing or continuous-improvement exposure.
Experience standing up or scaling a new production line.
Why Join Us
401(k): Participation in our 401(k) program with company matching up to 6% of your contributions.
Benefits*: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with generous employer contributions, 100% paid parental leave, and company-sponsored One Medical and WellHub memberships.
Equity: Participation in employee stock option plan.
Flexible by Design: We operate with a high-performance mindset, paired with thoughtful flexibility—flexible hours, flexible PTO, and a hybrid approach that supports both focus and balance.
Time to Recharge: Enjoy 13 company holidays each year to rest, reset, and celebrate what matters most.
Employee Discount**: 40% off almost all Thuma products.
Cell Phone Stipend: $100 per month to support work-related phone use.
Commute Reimbursement: Up to $150 per month for commuting to our office.
Room Upgrade: A complimentary product credit upon joining, valued at up to $3,000.
** Some exclusions may apply
* Eligibility for compensation, benefits, and perks may vary based on employment status (e.g., full-time, part-time, temporary), work schedule, and applicable holiday policies, and are subject to the terms of the relevant plans and company guidelines.
Who We Are
Thuma is a modern design company specializing in furniture and home goods. We believe simplicity is the ultimate luxury. That the details matter. And that good design is good hospitality.
We recognize that people come with a wealth of knowledge and are talented beyond the scope of a functional role. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t precisely match our job description. We hire for integrity, initiative, collaborative spirit, open mindedness, and willingness to learn.
Thuma is dedicated to going above and beyond to bring people with diverse perspectives and unique experiences together to do great work. We strive to create a sense of belonging by creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be their authentic self and by treating each and every team member with kindness, equity, and respect, always.
