Sample Department Supervisor

Position Summary:

The Sample Supervisor supports the Sales and Design teams by overseeing the creation, inventory management, and distribution of mattress and upholstery samples. This role ensures accurate, timely delivery of sampling materials, maintains organized sample libraries, and coordinates with internal teams and external partners to support product presentations, customer requests, and operational efficiency.

Position Responsibilities:

Sample Production & Assembly

• Execute mattress and upholstery sample projects to meet established deadlines.
• Cut, sew, assemble, and prepare mattress swatch sets and sales presentation materials.
• Perform overlock sewing on mattress samples as required.
• Use cutting tables and tools to measure and cut mattress fabric to customer specifications.
• Assemble mattress showroom and library hanger sets.

Inventory & Sample Management

• Maintain inventory of mattress sample supplies including header cards, backing materials, rings, yarn cards, and related components.
• Oversee organization, tracking, and replenishment of upholstery and mattress sample inventory.
• Maintain mattress yarn libraries, yarn reelings, display sets, and sample standards in an orderly condition.
• Store and organize mattress samples for efficient access and distribution.
• Assist sales in finding mattress samples to fit specific customer projects
• Manage upholstery inventory receiving, replenishment and sample making at RSVP sample distributor and the outside sample maker

Labeling & Quality Control

• Direct team on printing, applying, and maintaining accurate sample labeling on mattress samples.
• Direct team on replacement of damaged labels and ensure consistency across all mattress sample materials.
• Identify and resolve issues related to damaged, mislabeled, or defective samples.

Distribution & Logistics

• Receive order guidance, pull mattress samples, and prepare shipments.
• Coordinate timely distribution of samples to sales teams, customers, and events.
• Optimize shipping methods to balance cost and delivery timelines.
• Coordinate with external sample distributors regarding inventory, shipments, and operational needs.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with Sales to fulfill sample requests and support customer needs.
• Collaborate with Design on product specifications and sample requirements.
• Coordinate with global teams and external sample makers (U.S. and China) on sourcing, production, and replenishment.
• Manage upholstery yardage procurement, by allocating yardage, issuing sample yardage orders, cut orders, and color rotations for Open Line and Quick Ship programs.
• Coordinate window sampling and scheduled sales sample set deployments.
• Maintain and update sample tracking systems, including Monday.com.

Supervisory responsibilities:

• Lead a team of 4 sample department employees to meet assigned production and distribution goals.
• Approve time off requests ensuring full coverage of the department.
• Request new headcount, recruit, interview and train new employees as needed.
• Provide coaching and counseling in accordance with HR policies and recommend terminations where policies are not followed. 

Role Qualifications/Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• 4 years progressive management experience.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to read and interpret locator forms and shipping labels.
• Experience operating sewing equipment and material handling tools preferred.

Education requirements: 

AA in Business preferred, commensurate experience considered.