Cerrando Uppers

Department: Fitting | Reports to: Supervisor Manufactura | Full-time, 40–55 hrs/week | Schedule: Mon–Fri 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; overtime and Saturday shifts may be required | Location: 40 Walter Jones Blvd., El Paso, TX 79906

About the role

The Closer joins and sews the upper components of the boot before they move to the lasting department. Using industrial post‑bed and flat‑bed sewing machines, the Closer assembles shafts, vamps, linings, and reinforcements according to each style’s specifications and the brand’s quality and craftsmanship standards.

Scope: The Closer works in the closing section, the stage between preparation and lasting. The role covers sewing and assembling all upper components for assigned styles and work orders — from receipt of cut and prepared pieces through delivery of the finished upper, ready for lasting.

Responsibilities

• Sew front and back shaft sections per work order.
• Adjust thread tension, stitch length, and needle size for the type and thickness of leather (cow, ostrich, alligator, and other exotic skins).
• Maintain even stitches, aligned seams, and uniform margins.
• Inspect pieces before and after sewing for defects in leather or cutting; report any issues to the supervisor.
• Meet daily production targets without compromising quality.
• Perform basic machine maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, needle changes) and keep the workstation organized.
• Follow all plant safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to sit at a station for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Experience with exotic leathers or cowboy boots is a plus.
• Support other areas as needed at management’s request.

Skills & qualifications

• Prior experience with industrial sewing machines preferred.
• Experience working with leather, footwear, boots, or similar materials a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong manual dexterity.
• Good hand‑eye coordination.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, patterns, and production specifications.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, production‑oriented manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to quality, productivity, and workplace safety.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ease working with people.
• Excellent time‑management and prioritization abilities (daily and weekly).
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals.
• Passion for excellence and consistently exceeding quality expectations.
• Solid analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
• Effective problem analysis and root‑cause identification.
• Machinery operation and handling.

Safety requirements

• Comply with all company safety policies and applicable federal, state, and local occupational health and safety regulations.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and risk awareness across 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 correct hazards.
• Immediately report, investigate, and document workplace injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, and safety incidents; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• 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 safety drills.
• Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition poses an immediate risk to employees, equipment, product quality, or the environment; promptly notify management.
• Maintain a clean, organized, hazard‑free work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.

Quality & process excellence

• Ensure all products meet Lucchese quality standards and customer expectations.
• Enforce adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prevent unauthorized process changes; communicate improvement opportunities through the proper approval process.
• Collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing leaders to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality.

Physical requirements

• Ability to sit continuously for shifts of at least eight hours.
• Frequent repetitive hand and finger motions.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs, and reaching above shoulder level.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, and operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and production devices.
• Visual inspection of products, equipment, processes, and workplace conditions at close and far distances.
• Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and workplace communications.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment up to 50 lb (≈23 kg); move heavier objects with assistance or mechanical aids when necessary.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, temperature variations, noise, dust, and other typical industrial conditions, using required PPE.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and work scheduled hours to meet business and operational needs.
• Perform repetitive trimming tasks for extended periods.
• Function effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.

Education, experience & certifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• 2–3 years of experience in leather goods manufacturing or boot manufacturing environment preferred.
• Training in 5S workplace organization and visual management preferred.