Assistant Craftsperson, Repairs

Tapestry•North Bergen, NJ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Craftsperson, Repairs (Preparation Specialization) supports high-quality leather preparation across repair products. The role develops technical skills in preparation processes, including pattern interpretation, material selection, operating preparation machinery and hand tools, skiving, adhesive application, filler and reinforcement selection, and component readiness. Work is performed in a production environment with an emphasis on quality, learning, and increasingly independent execution. The craftsperson prepares components to the required dimensions, thickness, and structure; supports quality checks before handoff; and collaborates with stitching, edge paint, and finishing teams to enable efficient downstream construction and quality outcomes. The role builds pace while maintaining precision and Coach’s standards for luxury craftsmanship.

Requirements

Foundational proficiency in leather preparation, including cutting, skiving, and use of machinery and hand tools.
Developing ability to interpret patterns and understand construction sequencing and downstream impact.
Basic knowledge of adhesives, fillers, and reinforcements, and willingness to strengthen selection and application skills.
Developing understanding of leather types, material behavior, and quality assessment.
Ability to deliver careful, quality-focused work while building pace, independence, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

1+ years of experience in leather goods production, preparation, repair, or related craftsmanship.
Interest in expanding into adjacent craft skills such as preparation, paint, and finishing.

Responsibilities

Execute leather preparation processes, including cutting, skiving, splitting, thinning, gluing, and edge preparation, with guidance as needed.
Interpret patterns, design cards, and repair intent to support appropriate preparation approaches.
Operate preparation machinery and hand tools safely and accurately.
Prepare components to the correct dimensions, thickness, and structure, focusing on quality and accuracy.
Read patterns and product construction details with support and prepare components accordingly.
Develop awareness of how preparation decisions affect final construction and assembly.
Identify basic leather qualities, grain, temper, and condition to inform preparation approaches.
Apply adhesives such as glue, tape, and cement using established best practices, by hand or airbrush.
Learn to select fillers and reinforcements based on desired structure, durability, and finish.
Adjust techniques with guidance based on material limitations and intended product use.
Support the quality and accuracy of prepared materials before handoff; maintain attention to cut, thickness, symmetry, and bonding.
Identify and communicate material defects or inconsistencies early to help prevent downstream issues.
Execute assigned daily and weekly work with an emphasis on quality, consistency, and learning; build pace while maintaining precision.
Provide reliable output that supports downstream workflow and team priorities.
Partner with stitching, edge paint, and finishing teams to support smooth handoffs and workflow.
Communicate questions or risks related to material preparation, adhesion, or structure.
Prepare components to support efficient downstream construction and quality outcomes.