Closing Uppers

Lucchese Bootmaker•El Paso, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Closer joins and stitches boot upper components before they move to the lasting department. Using industrial post-bed and flatbed sewing machines, the employee assembles shafts, vamps, linings, and reinforcements according to style specifications and the company's quality and craftsmanship standards. The role works in the closing section between fitting and lasting, handling assigned styles and work orders from receiving cut and prepared pieces through delivery of a finished upper ready for lasting. The position is an individual contributor with no direct or indirect reports.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.
Good hand-eye coordination.
Ability to read and interpret work orders, patterns, and production specifications.
Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
Strong commitment to quality, productivity, and workplace safety.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Professional attitude and reliable attendance.
Strong communication, time management, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks, analyze issues, identify root causes, maintain organized work processes, and contribute to team goals.
Ability to work seated at a station for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight-hour shifts.
Frequent repetitive hand and finger movement and frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, and operate tools and production equipment.
Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach above shoulder level.
Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, processes, and workplace conditions at close and distance.
Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and move heavier items with or without assistance or mechanical lifting devices.
Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment with machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other typical conditions while wearing required PPE.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and work scheduled hours necessary to meet business and operational requirements.
Ability to perform repetitive trimming tasks for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with industrial sewing machines.
Experience working with leather, footwear, boots, or similar materials.
Experience with exotic leather or western boots.
Two to three years of experience in a leather goods or boot manufacturing environment.
Bilingual Spanish and English.
5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.

Responsibilities

Stitch front and back seams of boot shafts according to work order specifications.
Adjust thread tension, stitch length, and needle size to suit the type and thickness of leather.
Maintain even stitching, aligned seams, and consistent margins.
Inspect components before and after sewing, identify defects, and report issues to the supervisor.
Meet daily production goals while maintaining quality.
Perform basic machine upkeep, including cleaning, oiling, and changing needles, and keep the workstation organized.
Follow plant safety rules and procedures.
Assist in other areas when directed by management.
Comply with company safety policies, procedures, and applicable occupational safety regulations.
Promote safety, accountability, and hazard awareness; support PPE use and safe work practices.
Conduct routine safety observations, workplace inspections, and housekeeping activities to identify and address hazards.
Report, investigate, and document workplace injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, and safety incidents, and implement corrective or preventive actions as appropriate.
Ensure required safety training is completed and reinforce established safety procedures and safe operating practices.
Support emergency preparedness, including evacuation procedures, emergency response protocols, and safety drills.
Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition presents an immediate risk and promptly notify management.
Maintain a clean, organized, hazard-free work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.
Ensure products meet company quality standards and customer expectations.
Reinforce adherence to established standard operating procedures and escalate improvement opportunities through the approval process.
Partner with Quality and Manufacturing leadership to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality.