REPAIR CUTTER

Position Summary:

The Repair Cutter is responsible for accurately cutting and recutting fabric for upholstery repairs while maintaining Vanguard Furniture's quality standards. This position requires extensive hand-cutting experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to identify pattern or fabric issues to ensure repairs are completed accurately and efficiently without disrupting production flow.

Essential Responsibilities

• Cut and recut fabric for upholstery repairs according to Vanguard Furniture's quality standards and specifications.
• Utilize 4-way matching and full-flow cutting techniques to ensure accurate fabric alignment and consistency.
• Prioritize and process repair requests in a timely manner to minimize production delays.
• Read and interpret production tickets, cutting patterns, and specifications to ensure accuracy.
• Identify and communicate issues with pattern design, fabric alignment, or material quality.
• Maintain accuracy and precision when cutting fabric to minimize waste and prevent additional repairs.
• Operate hand-cutting tools, automatic scissors, knives, and automated fabric-cutting equipment as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Work collaboratively with production teams to ensure repairs are completed efficiently and meet quality expectations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of previous hand-cutting experience, preferably in upholstery or furniture manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of fabric cutting, pattern matching, and 4-way matching techniques.
• Ability to read and accurately interpret production tickets and cutting patterns.
• Ability to recognize problems with pattern design and fabric alignment.
• Demonstrated ability to cut fabric according to Vanguard Furniture's quality standards.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and workmanship.
• Ability to manage repair priorities and work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to safely operate hand-cutting tools and automated cutting equipment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive physical tasks.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Lifting and Carrying

• Frequently lift and handle fabric, patterns, and materials weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Move fabric rolls from staging areas and position them onto cutting tables.
• Lift and maneuver plastic cutting patterns that may weigh more than 30 pounds.
• Utilize team lifting or appropriate assistance for heavier materials.

Standing and Movement

• Ability to stand for 8 or more hours during a scheduled shift.
• Perform frequent pushing and pulling motions while positioning fabric for cutting.
• Regularly bend, reach, and move around cutting tables and workstations.

Repetitive Motions and Manual Dexterity

• Perform repetitive pinching, pulling, grasping, and handling of fabric or leather.
• Frequently reach across cutting tables to position and manipulate materials.
• Use chalk and other marking tools repeatedly to prepare fabric for cutting.

Tools and Equipment

• Regularly operate automatic scissors, hand cutters, knives, and other cutting equipment throughout the shift.
• Utilize automated fabric-cutting equipment as required.

Vision Requirements

• Requires close visual attention, generally within 3 feet, with or without corrective lenses, to ensure precise cutting, pattern alignment, and identification of fabric imperfections.

Work Environment

• Work is performed indoors in a climate-controlled manufacturing environment.
• Position involves continuous use of cutting tools, repetitive movements, and prolonged standing.

Quality and Performance Expectations

The Repair Cutter is expected to consistently produce accurate, high-quality cuts while supporting efficient production flow. Success in this role requires minimizing fabric waste, identifying potential quality concerns before cutting, and ensuring repair materials meet Vanguard Furniture's workmanship standards.