Cut Insoles & Outsoles

Department: Sole Leather • Location: 40 Walter Jones Blvd, El Paso, TX 79906 • Schedule: Monday–Friday 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (40–55 hrs/wk); overtime and Saturday shifts may be required • Reports to: Manufacturing Supervisor • Full‑time, individual contributor

About the role

The Insole & Outsole Cutter cuts leather and sole materials into insole and outsole components for handcrafted western boots. Working from patterns, dies and size runs, the cutter maximizes yield from each hide or sheet while meeting Lucchese quality standards for every pair. The operator is responsible for the cutting of all insole and outsole components, from material issue to a matched, tagged bundle handed to the next operation.

Responsibilities

• Cut insoles and outsoles from leather, leatherboard, rubber and composite materials using clicker presses, cutting dies and hand knives.
• Read work tickets and size runs to select the correct patterns, dies, material type, thickness and quantity for each order.
• Inspect hides and sole sheets for defects (scars, holes, weak spots, uneven thickness) and position dies to avoid them.
• Lay out dies to maximize material yield and minimize waste, following department yield targets.
• Match cut pieces in pairs by size, width, color and grade; bundle, tag and route them to the next operation.
• Measure and verify sole thickness, dimensions and firmness against specifications; set aside nonconforming pieces.
• Operate splitting, skiving or leveling equipment as needed to bring soles to specified thickness.
• Keep accurate production counts, material usage and scrap records on work tickets or in the shop system.
• Perform daily checks and basic cleaning on presses, dies and cutting boards; report damaged dies or equipment issues promptly.
• Follow all safety procedures, including two‑hand press controls, guarding and required PPE.
• Keep the work area clean, organized and free of scrap.
• Support other bottoming or cutting operations as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist in other areas when directed by management.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• 2–3 years of experience in leather goods or boot manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience operating industrial sewing machines, preferably in footwear, leather goods or upholstery.
• Experience working with leather, footwear, boots, or similar materials is a plus.
• 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 both independently and as part of a team.
• Professional attitude and reliable attendance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Preferred: bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Preferred: experience with western boots or leather.
• 5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.

Safety and Compliance

• 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.

Quality & Process Excellence

• 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.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight‑hour shifts.
• Frequent repetitive hand and finger movement.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach above shoulder level.
• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, grasp, operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and other production‑related devices.
• Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, production processes, and workplace conditions, including close and distance vision.
• 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 exposure to machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other conditions typical of an industrial setting while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and work the scheduled hours necessary to meet business and operational requirements.
• Ability to perform repetitive trimming tasks for extended periods.

Education, Experience, and Certifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• 2–3 years of experience in leather goods or boot manufacturing environment preferred.
• 5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.