About the company 

Ardmore Home Design (AHD), founded in 2008, is a privately owned, fast-paced, founder-led entrepreneurial company where we value people with strong skills to make our products and processes better every day. We design, sell, and distribute luxury home décor globally to interior designers and boutique/luxury retailers. The AHD family of wholesale brands includes Made Goods (flagship furniture made from unique materials), Pigeon & Poodle (home and bath accessories), Blue Pheasant (handcrafted tabletop products) and Burton James (luxury upholstered furniture). 

Burton James is seeking a detail-driven Lead Finisher to oversee our wood finishing operations. This role is responsible for maintaining the high standard of finishes our clients expect, including custom color development, finish consistency, and quality control. The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of wood finishing techniques, works well independently, and can also lead a small team to deliver exceptional results.

Core Responsibilities

• Mix and apply custom stains, glazes, and topcoats to match samples or develop new finishes
• Execute specialty techniques, including wire-brushed textures, layered stains, cerused finishes, and hand-padded finishes
• Ensure consistent application of stains, sealers, lacquers, and specialty finishes across various wood species
• Review production orders and finish specs to ensure accuracy
• Inspect finished pieces to confirm color match, clarity, sheen, and overall quality
• Maintain detailed records of finish formulas and processes to ensure consistency
• Train and lead a small team of finishers, providing direction and hands-on support
• Maintain finishing materials inventory and communicate purchasing needs
• Troubleshoot finish-related issues and recommend process improvements
• Assist with installing bases, legs, and other finished components as needed

Additional Expectations

• Be punctual and provide advance notice of late arrivals or absences
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation, and follow all safety protocols, including proper PPE

•  5+ years of experience in wood finishing, ideally in high-end or custom furniture production; 8–10+ years strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of sanding, prep, sealing, and topcoat processes
• Proficient in spray booth operations and finish application
• Demonstrated ability to mix and match custom colors across materials
• Experience leading a small team preferred· Strong communication and organizational skills; bilingual in Spanish and English required
• Photos of previous work are strongly encouraged
  
• What we can do for you:
• Play a pivotal role in our company’s transformation and growth
• Align with a growing company that operates in the luxury market
• Provide training and career development opportunities
• Enjoy a high-paced and collaborative work environment
• Eligible for up to a 6% employer 401(k) contribution following six months of employment
• Take advantage of paid time off away from work, including scheduled company holidays
• Participate in competitive benefits and incentivizing programs
• Team building company sponsored events
• Employee discount and bi-annual sample sale

Physical Requirements:The physical demands described here are representative of those that are required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. · While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; as well as reach with hands and arms. · The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. · Ability to work in open environment with fluctuating temperatures and standard lighting.· Ability to work on computer and mobile phone for multiple hours; with frequent interruptions.· Required to use stairwells to attend meetings and engage with employees on multiple floors throughout building.

Other Considerations: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role.

Compensation: Starting base pay:  $25.00 - $30.00 per hour. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.