Bootmaker Specialist

Job Description

Job Title: Boot Maker Specialist Department Name Manufacturing Effective Date: 10/27/2026

Reports to (title): Manufacturing Manager # of Direct Reports: N/A # Indirect Reports: N/A

Individual Contributor: Yes No Full Time/Part Time: Full-time # Hours Per Week: 40-55 hours

Average Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Over time and Saturday shifts may be required based on production needs. Location: 40 Walter Jones Blvd. El Paso, TX 79906

Job summary:

The Boot maker Specialist in Lucchese is responsible for crafting, assembling, repairing, and finishing high-quality boots according to specifications and customer requirements. The role involves working with leather and other materials, using specialized footwear-making tools and machinery, and ensuring accurate sizing, comfort, durability, and appearance. The specialist inspects finished products for quality, identifies and corrects defects, and follows workplace safety and production standards. Strong attention to detail, handcrafting skills, knowledge of footwear construction, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are important for this position. A successful candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who can balance people's leadership with operational execution. They should be comfortable making decisions on the production floor, communicating with multiple departments, analyzing problems, and motivating employees to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

Scope of job:

Accomplishes various operations within the department and provides backup coverage in the absence of other team members. This role requires flexibility, technical proficiency across multiple stations, attention to detail, and adherence to production and quality expectations. The Bootmaker specialist will carry out various tasks in the boot manufacturing process, including monitoring equipment, operating machinery, and performing quality checks. Ensuring production targets are met is a key part of this position.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The Boot Maker Specialist will perform the following operations on an as-needed basis Machine & Production Operations and assembly support.

• Lead and coordinate daily activities of manufacturing team members.
• Monitor production output, efficiency, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety procedures, and manufacturing standards.
• Assign work, prioritize activities, and balance manpower according to production requirements.
• Train, coach, and support team members to improve performance and technical skills.
• Identify production problems, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Materials, and Production Planning teams.
• Monitor equipment, materials, and processes to minimize downtime and production interruptions.
• Maintain accurate production records, reports, and performance metrics.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing, 5S, continuous improvement, and waste-reduction initiatives.
• Escalate safety, quality, equipment, or production issues to management when necessary.
• Support new product introductions, process changes, and manufacturing projects.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, communication, and a positive workplace culture.
• Construct and assemble boots according to design specifications, patterns, and required measurements.
• Cut, shape, stitch, and attach leather or synthetic materials.
• Prepare and assemble boot uppers, soles, heels, insoles, and other components.
• Operate and maintain footwear-making tools, sewing machines, presses, grinders, and other equipment.
• Perform boot fitting and make adjustments to ensure proper size, comfort, and functionality.
• Repair, replace, and refurbish damaged boot components when required.
• Inspect materials and finished boots for defects, proper alignment, stitching, strength, and overall quality.
• Follow production schedules and meet required quality and productivity standards.
• Maintain accurate measurements, patterns, and production specifications.
• Keep tools, machinery, and work areas clean, organized, and safe working conditions.
• Follow workplace health and safety procedures and properly use personal protective equipment.
• Minimize material waste and use leather and other supplies efficiently.
• Coordinate with supervisors, designers, quality-control personnel, and other production staff.
• Identify production problems and recommend or implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Stay familiar with new boot-making techniques, materials, tools, and production methods.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to read, interpret, and follow production tickets and work orders accurately.
• Manufacturing or footwear production experience preferred.
• Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Ability to stand and perform repetitive work for extended periods.
• Ability to follow work instructions and safety procedures.
• Reliable, quality-focused, and able to work as part of a production team.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to meet daily production quotas while maintaining quality standards.
• Willingness to work overtime as production demands require.
• Productivity and labor efficiency.

Safety and Compliance:

• Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable to 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 & Production Expectations

• Maintain consistent output aligned with departmental productivity standards.
• Minimize rework by adhering to process specifications and visual inspection standards.
• Demonstrate flexibility to rotate stations without compromising efficiency or quality.
• 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 work standing for extended periods of 8-hour shifts.
• Frequent use of hands and wrists for repetitive motions.
• Must be able to lift and push 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to reach, bend, and perform repetitive production tasks.
• 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.
• 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 personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and work on the scheduled hours necessary to meet business and operational requirements.
• Exposure to chemicals like paint thinner, paint, packaging chemicals.

Education, Experience, and/or Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Minimum of two (2) years or related experience in boot manufacturing.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 3–5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably with leadership or team-lead responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, quality systems, and workplace safety.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, or continuous-improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Ability to read work instructions, process specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or manufacturing ERP systems.