Skive Upper Parts

Full-time position, 40–55 hours per week. Typical schedule Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; overtime and Saturday shifts may be required. Location: 40 Walter Jones Blvd., El Paso, TX 79906. Reports to Manufacturing Supervisor.

About the role

The Upper Parts Skiver thins and bevels the edges of leather upper components for handcrafted western boots using skiving machines and hand tools/knives. Working from work tickets and specifications, the skiver reduces the thickness of vamps, shafts, counters, linings, pull straps and inlay or overlay pieces so they fold, stitch and last smoothly, without bulk at seams. Each piece is skived with care to the correct width, depth and angle, protecting the grain and the leather’s appearance so that every pair meets Lucchese quality standards.

Scope of job

The Upper Parts Skiver owns the skiving of different leather components, from receiving the cut pieces from the cutting room to a skived, inspected and bundled set handed to fitting and stitching. Not included: cutting upper leathers, splitting full hides, stitching, inlay/overlay work, lasting, and major equipment repair or knife grinding beyond routine sharpening.

Responsibilities

• Skive edges of vamps, shafts, counters, linings, pull straps and decorative pieces using skiving machines and hand knives/tools.
• Read work tickets to confirm style, leather type, piece list and skiving specifications (width, depth and type of skive) for each order.
• Inspect cut pieces before skiving for scars, holes, weak spots or cutting errors; set aside and report any issues.
• Set up and adjust the skiving machine (presser foot, feed, blade and gauge) for each leather type and thickness.
• Skive to the specified width, thickness and angle—edge, flat, fold or lap skives—without cutting through or weakening the leather.
• Protect the grain side from scratches, marks or burns during skiving.
• Keep skiving consistent on matching left and right pieces and across the pair.
• Check skived pieces with gauges or by touch against standards; re-skive or set aside nonconforming pieces.
• Keep pieces together by set, size and pair; bundle, tag and route them to the next operation.
• Record production counts, rework and defects on work tickets or in the shop system.
• Sharpen and change blades as needed, perform daily checks and basic cleaning on skiving machines; report equipment issues promptly.
• Follow all safety procedures, including machine guarding, safe blade handling and required PPE.
• Keep the work area clean, organized and free of leather shavings.
• Support other fitting or cutting operations as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist in other areas or tasks assigned by management.

Skills & abilities

• Previous experience with industrial sewing machines preferred.
• 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.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks daily/weekly.
• Ability to analyze issues effectively and identify root causes of problems.
• Machine operation proficiency.
• Teamwork and workplace safety awareness.
• Demonstrates professionalism and maintains organized work processes.
• Shares information effectively, listens actively to team concerns, builds trust and credibility.
• Experience operating industrial sewing machines, preferably in footwear, leather goods or upholstery.
• Able to work seated at a station for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Preferred: experience with western boots or leather.
• Passion and desire for excellence by consistently exceeding quality expectations.

Safety & 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.
• Exposure to cement, acetone, and paints.

Education, experience & 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.