Hand Last

Lucchese• El Paso, TX, US, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

At Lucchese Bootmaker, craftsmanship defines our brand. The Hand Laster shapes and attaches the boot upper to the last (the foot-shaped form) by hand, pulling, stretching and tacking or cementing the leather to get a precise, wrinkle-free fit. The role requires skilled craftsmanship, attention to detail and a commitment to the quality standards of handcrafted Western boots.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent people's skills.
Ability to read and interpret detailed work orders.
Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
Passion and desire for excellence by consistently exceeding quality expectations.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks daily/weekly.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Analyze issues effectively.
Identifies root causes of problems.
Machine operation
Teamwork
Workplace safety awareness
Demonstrates professionalism.
Maintains organized work processes.
Share information effectively.
Listen actively to team concerns.
Build trust and credibility.

Nice To Haves

Preferred bilingual in Spanish and English.
2-3 years of experience in leather goods or boot manufacturing environment preferred.
5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.

Responsibilities

Read and interpret production tickets and work orders prior to lasting.
Prepare uppers, insoles, counters and toe boxes before lasting.
Select the correct last size and style according to specifications.
Position the upper, lining, and insole correctly onto the last.
Hand-pull and stretch the leather evenly over the last to eliminate wrinkles, gaps, or loose areas.
Secure the upper to the insole using tacks, cement, or lasting pincers as required.
Shape the toe, heel, and vamp areas by hand to achieve the correct contour and fit.
Inspect lasted uppers for smoothness, symmetry, and proper tension before moving to the next production stage.
Handle exotic and premium leather (e.g., ostrich, caiman, python, calfskin) carefully to prevent scratches, stretches.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workstation.
Support production goals while maintaining Lucchese quality standards.
Comply with all safety, environmental, and company policies. Maintain accurate production and quality records.
Ensure materials are handled and stored properly.
Follow all workplace safety policies and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Keep the work area clean and organized according to 5S standards.
Report equipment malfunctions, quality issues, or safety concerns to the supervisor.
Work collaboratively with team members to achieve production goals. Select the correct last by style, size and width according to the work order.
Assist in other areas as needed when directed by managers to meet production needs
Ensure all products meet Lucchese quality standards and customer expectations.
Reinforce adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Prevent unauthorized process changes and escalate improvement opportunities through the appropriate approval process.
Partner with Quality and Manufacturing leadership to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality.
Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local occupational safety regulations.
Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and hazard awareness throughout the production team.
Ensure team members consistently use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe work practices.
Conduct routine safety observations, workplace inspections, and housekeeping activities to identify and address potential hazards.
Immediately report, investigate, and document workplace injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, and safety incidents, implementing corrective and preventive actions as appropriate.
Ensure employees receive required safety training and reinforce compliance with established safety procedures and safe operating practices.
Support emergency preparedness activities, including evacuation procedures, emergency response protocols, and participation in safety drills.
Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition presents an immediate risk to employees, equipment, product quality, or the environment, and promptly notify management.
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.