Hand Polish

Lucchese Bootmaker•El Paso, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hand Polish Operator works in the finishing department, hand-applying polishes, creams, waxes, and other finishing products to boots to enhance color, shine, and appearance according to style, color, leather type, and product specifications. The operator prepares and polishes boots, including exotic and delicate leathers, and buffs them to a consistent finish while avoiding streaks, buildup, residue, scuffs, or damage to leather, stitching, and decorative elements. The role includes inspecting boots before and after polishing, separating or reporting defects, and transferring completed work to the next finishing, final inspection, or packing operation. The operator uses and cares for polishing tools and supplies, maintains an adequate supply of materials, tracks production counts and work tickets, and meets daily production quotas and quality standards. The role also requires maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workstation, handling finishing products according to safety procedures, wearing required PPE, and collaborating with supervisors, quality control, and team members. The operator may be cross-trained to assist with related finishing operations as production needs require. The position does not authorize changing specifications, products, or methods without supervisor approval. This is a full-time position in El Paso, Texas, scheduled Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The position is 40–55 hours per week; overtime and Saturday shifts may be required based on production needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual Spanish and English is preferred.
Excellent people 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 effectively in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
Passion for excellence and consistently exceeding quality expectations.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including analyzing issues and identifying root causes.
Ability to prioritize daily and weekly tasks.
Machine operation skills.
Teamwork, workplace safety awareness, and professionalism.
Ability to maintain organized work processes, share information effectively, listen actively, and build trust and credibility.
Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight-hour shifts.
Frequent repetitive hand and finger movements; frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, and operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and other production-related devices.
Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach above shoulder level.
Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, production 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 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, reliable attendance and work scheduled hours required by business and operational needs.
Ability to use chemicals such as acetone, leather conditioners, and other solvents.

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of experience in a leather goods or boot manufacturing environment.
5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.
Bilingual Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Receive boots from the previous finishing operation and verify them against the work ticket, style, size, and color.
Inspect boots before polishing for scratches, stains, adhesive residue, uneven color, leather damage, and other defects; report issues to the supervisor.
Select polishes, creams, waxes, and finishing products according to leather type, color, and product specifications.
Clean and prepare boot surfaces before applying finishing products.
Apply finishing products evenly by hand using brushes, cloths, or applicators, avoiding streaks, buildup, and uncovered areas.
Use appropriate techniques and extra care when polishing exotic leather and delicate or decorative areas.
Buff boots by hand to achieve uniform color and the required shine.
Ensure the left and right boots of each pair have a consistent color and finish.
Inspect each boot after polishing and separate defective work for correction or quality review.
Transfer completed and inspected boots promptly to the next finishing, final inspection, or packing operation.
Record production counts and complete work tickets accurately.
Maintain finishing products and polishing supplies at the workstation and notify the supervisor of shortages.
Meet daily production quotas while maintaining company quality and craftsmanship standards.
Clean and care for polishing tools and report equipment issues to maintenance or the supervisor.
Handle, store, and dispose of finishing products according to safety procedures and wear required PPE.
Keep the workstation clean, organized, and hazard-free in accordance with 5S and housekeeping practices.
Communicate production issues, material shortages, and quality concerns to the supervisor, quality control, and team members.
Support cross-training and assist with related finishing operations as production needs require.
Comply with company policies, safety rules, work instructions, and applicable occupational safety regulations.
Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Promote safety and hazard awareness, conduct safety observations and workplace inspections, report and document incidents, reinforce safety training, support emergency preparedness, and stop or suspend work presenting an immediate risk.
Reinforce adherence to established SOPs, prevent unauthorized process changes, partner with Quality and Manufacturing leadership on root-cause investigations and corrective actions, and identify process, workflow, and quality improvements.