What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sewing Lead position at Design Foundry?
Job Summary
The Sewing Lead plays a key role in guiding and supporting the sewing team to produce high-quality sewn components for upholstered furniture. This position oversees daily sewing operations, maintains production schedules, ensures adherence to quality and safety standards, and collaborates closely with Cutting and Staging teams to optimize workflow.
This role reflects our core values—We Are Family, We Own It, We Give Our All, and We Have Fun—by fostering a collaborative environment, encouraging accountability, driving excellence, and building a positive, supportive workplace culture. The Sewing Lead trains and mentors team members, strengthens technical capability, and ensures all sewing activities contribute to meeting company production goals efficiently and effectively.
Key Responsibilities
We Own It – Accountability & Leadership
- Supervise and coordinate daily sewing operations to meet production goals and quality expectations.
- Monitor workflow, equipment status, and resource allocation to maintain operational efficiency.
- Troubleshoot sewing or equipment issues promptly to minimize downtime.
- Ensure accurate interpretation of production plans, work orders, and technical specifications.
We Give Our All – Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Train, mentor, and develop sewing operators to enhance skill levels, quality, and productivity.
- Provide coaching and performance feedback to support consistent workmanship.
- Conduct regular quality checks, identifying root causes of defects and implementing corrective actions.
- Support process improvements using lean or continuous improvement principles when applicable.
We Are Family – Teamwork & Support
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful work environment aligned with company culture.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with team members, production planners, and quality control.
- Support team success by encouraging open communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
We Have Fun – Positive Culture & Engagement
- Promote an energetic, motivated, and supportive team atmosphere while meeting production demands.
- Celebrate wins, encourage team engagement, and model a positive attitude on the floor.
Additional Responsibilities
- Oversee basic maintenance and cleanliness of sewing equipment; escalate major repair needs.
- Enforce safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, hazard-free work environment.
- Monitor and track production progress, reporting on schedule adherence, output, and exceptions.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 2 years sewing or textile manufacturing experience, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
- Ability to read and interpret production plans, tickets, and technical specifications.
- Basic computer literacy for reporting and communication.
Preferred
- 3–5 years sewing or furniture manufacturing experience.
- Certification in textile/garment production, sewing techniques, or lean manufacturing.
- Experience maintaining or troubleshooting industrial sewing equipment.
- Strong technical knowledge of industrial sewing machines, sewing techniques, and component construction
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
Core Competencies
- We Are Family: Builds trust, supports team members, and prioritizes a collaborative environment.
- We Own It: Takes responsibility for department performance, quality, and problem resolution.
- We Give Our All: Pursues excellence with consistency, craftsmanship, and strong work ethic.
- We Have Fun: Brings positivity and engagement to daily interactions, contributing to a healthy culture.
Performance Metrics
- On-time completion of sewing production goals.
- Reduction in defects, rework, and material waste.
- Team engagement, skill development, and overall productivity.
- Consistent compliance with safety and quality standards.
Work Environment
- Fast-paced manufacturing environment with exposure to fabric, machinery, and production tools.
- Requires standing, bending, reaching, and repetitive motions for extended periods.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and move up to 25 lbs.
- Comfortable working in a physically demanding environment.