Top Stitch

About the role

The Top Stitcher is responsible for sewing decorative stitching around scallop on boot tops (shafts) to the standard design, scaled to each boot size, according to the specifications for each order. This position operates single- and multi-needle sewing machines to produce precise, consistent stitch rows, curves, and designs that meet the company’s quality standards for handcrafted boots. The role covers top stitching for all boot styles assigned to the department, with stitch designs scaled to each boot size, including standard, custom, and exotic leather orders. Work is performed from work orders and stitch design references to determine stitch layout, thread color, row count, and needle setup. The stitcher is responsible for the quality of own work — identifying and correcting defects before releasing tops to the next operation — and coordinates with cutting (upstream) and fitting/assembly (downstream) to report material issues, missing components, or design questions. Machine problems, material shortages, or unclear specifications are escalated to the supervisor or leader. The position is expected to meet assigned daily production targets while following quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Sew decorative stitching on boot tops around scallop, scaled to each boot size, following work order specifications, design references, and thread colors.
• Set up and adjust sewing machines (needles, thread tension, stitch length) for each style and leather type.
• Maintain accurate spacing, alignment, and symmetry between stitch rows and across left and right boot pairs.
• Inspect work for defects such as skipped stitches, loose threads, or misalignment, and correct issues before passing work to the next operation.
• Handle exotic and premium leather carefully to avoid marks, wrinkles, or damage.
• Meet daily production goals while maintaining quality.
• Keep the work area clean and organized and perform basic machine maintenance.
• Follow all safety procedures and company policies.
• Assist in other areas as needed 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.
• Previous experience in industrial sewing, preferably in footwear or leather goods.
• Strong attention to detail and steady hand‑eye coordination.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed work orders and follow design specifications.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills for sewing machine setup and adjustment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to analyze issues effectively and identify root causes of problems.
• Ability to prioritize tasks daily/weekly and manage time in a fast‑paced, production‑driven manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals; demonstrates professionalism, teamwork, and workplace safety awareness.
• 5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work with exposure to white cement adhesive and acetone.

Safety Requirements

• 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 consistent use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) and 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.

Schedule

Full‑time, 40–55 hours per week. Average work schedule: Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; overtime and Saturday shifts may be required based on production needs.

Location

40 Walter Jones Blvd., El Paso, TX 79906