Heel Pad

Lucchese Bootmaker•El Paso, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Heel Pad Operator works in the Packing department, preparing and installing heel pads inside boots to provide comfort, support, and a clean finished appearance. The operator selects the appropriate pad for each style and size, applies adhesive to the pad and the heel area of the insole or sock lining, and positions and presses the pad according to work instructions and product specifications. Careful handling is required to avoid marks, scuffs, or damage to boot interiors and finished leather. The position includes inspecting boots and materials before and after installation, separating or reporting defective work, meeting production and quality standards, tracking production counts and work tickets, and maintaining adequate supplies at the workstation. The operator operates and performs basic care of cementing tools and pressing equipment, follows adhesive handling and safety requirements, and maintains a clean, organized work area. The role works with finishing and quality control teams and may provide support to related finishing operations as production needs require. The operator cannot change specifications, methods, or materials without supervisor approval.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Excellent verbal and written communication 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.
Ability to prioritize tasks daily and weekly.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to analyze issues and identify root causes.
Machine operation skills.
Teamwork, workplace safety awareness, professionalism, and organized work processes.
Ability to share information effectively, listen actively to team concerns, and build trust and credibility.
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, 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 materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and, with or without assistance or mechanical lifting devices, move heavier items as required.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other typical industrial conditions while wearing required PPE.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and work scheduled hours needed to meet business and operational requirements.
Comply with company safety policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local occupational safety regulations.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Receive boots or components from the previous operation and verify them against the work ticket, style, size, and color.
Select the correct heel pad type and size according to work instructions and product specifications.
Inspect boots and heel pads before installation for defects or incorrect materials and report issues to the supervisor.
Apply adhesive evenly to heel pads and the heel area of the insole or sock lining, avoiding excess adhesive or uncovered areas.
Observe required drying and tack times.
Position heel pads accurately, centered and aligned with the heel area.
Press heel pads by hand or with pressing equipment to ensure a secure bond.
Clean excess adhesive and prevent marks, scuffs, or damage to the boot.
Inspect each boot after installation for secure bonding, smoothness, correct placement, wrinkles, and other defects.
Separate defective work for correction or quality control review.
Transfer completed and inspected boots to the next finishing, inspection, or packing operation.
Record production counts and complete work tickets accurately.
Maintain adequate supplies of heel pads and adhesives and notify the supervisor of shortages.
Meet daily production quotas while maintaining Lucchese quality and craftsmanship standards.
Operate, clean, and perform basic care of cementing tools and pressing equipment, and report malfunctions.
Handle, store, and dispose of adhesives according to safety procedures and wear required PPE.
Keep the workstation clean, organized, and hazard-free, following 5S and housekeeping practices.
Communicate production issues, material shortages, and quality concerns to the supervisor, quality control, and team members.
Support cross-training and related finishing operations as production needs require.
Comply with company policies, safety rules, and work instructions, and perform other assigned duties.
Comply with applicable safety policies and regulations and promote safety, accountability, and hazard awareness.
Support PPE use, safe work practices, safety observations, inspections, housekeeping, incident reporting, training, and emergency preparedness.
Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition presents an immediate risk and notify management.
Ensure products meet Lucchese quality standards and customer expectations and reinforce adherence to 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.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality.