Job Description
Job Title: Cement Quarter Lining Operator Department Name: Pre-fit Effective Date: 10/20/2026
Reports to (title): Manufacturing Supervisor # of Direct Reports: 0 # Indirect Reports: 0
Individual Contributor: XXYes, No Full Time/Part Time: Full time # Hours Per Week: 40-55 hrs
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: El Paso, TX 40 Walter Jones Blvd. 79906
Job Summary:
The Cement Quarter Lining Operator is responsible for applying adhesives to boot quarter linings and uppers and joining them accurately in preparation for subsequent fitting and lasting operations. This role requires careful handling of leather and lining materials, even controlled application of cement by brush or machine, and precise alignment of components to meet pattern specifications and quality standards. The operator inspects materials before and after cementing for defects, excess adhesive, wrinkles, or misalignment, and follows proper drying times to ensure strong bonding. The position also involves maintaining a clean and safe work area, handling adhesives in accordance with safety and ventilation guidelines, meeting daily production targets, and working closely with fitting and quality control teams to support efficient workflow and consistent craftsmanship.
Scope of job:
The Operator works within the fitting department and is responsible for the cementing and joining of quarter linings to boot uppers for all assigned styles and production orders. The scope of this role begins when cut quarter and lining components are received from the cutting or preparation area and ends when cemented, properly bonded, and inspected pieces are passed to the next fitting or stitching operation. Within this scope, the operator prepares components for cementing, selects and applies the correct adhesive according to material type and work instructions, aligns linings to quarters according to pattern marks and specifications, and ensures bonds are smooth, secure, and free of wrinkles, bubbles, or excess cement. The operator performs in-process quality checks on every piece and sets aside or reports defective materials or workmanship to the supervisor or quality control.
Duties/Responsibilities:
All responsibilities may be modified based on business needs
- Receive cut quarters and lining components from the cutting or preparation area and verify that materials match the work ticket, style, size, and color.
- Inspect leather and lining materials before cementing for defects such as cuts, stains, holes, or incorrect dimensions, and report any issues to the supervisor.
- Prepare the work surface and components by cleaning, positioning, and organizing pieces to ensure an efficient workflow.
- Select the correct adhesive for each material type according to work instructions and product specifications.
- Apply cement evenly to quarters and linings by brush, roller, or cementing machine, avoiding excess adhesive or uncovered areas.
- Observe required drying and tack times to ensure proper bonding.
- Align and join quarter linings to uppers accurately according to pattern marks and specifications.
- Smooth bonded pieces to eliminate wrinkles, bubbles, or folds, and trim or clean excess cement as needed.
- Perform in-process quality checks on every piece and separate defective work for correction or review by quality control.
- Transfer completed and inspected pieces to the next fitting or stitching operation in a timely manner.
- Record production counts and complete work tickets accurately.
- Meet daily production quotas while maintaining Lucchese quality and craftsmanship standards.
- Operate, clean, and perform basic care of cementing tools and equipment, and report malfunctions to maintenance or the supervisor.
- Handle, store, and dispose of adhesives according to safety procedures, and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Keep the workstation clean, organized, and free of hazards, following 5S and housekeeping practices.
- Follow all company policies, safety rules, and work instructions.
- Communicate with the supervisor, quality control, and team members on production issues, material shortages, or quality concerns.
- Support cross-training and assist in related fitting operations as production needs require.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Support and comply with all company policies and safety procedures.
- Assist in other areas of production as needed.
Required Skills/ Abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Preferred bilingual in Spanish and English.
- Excellent people's skills.
- Ability to read and interpret detailed work orders.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
- Passion and desire for excellence by consistently exceeding quality expectations.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks daily/weekly.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Analyze issues effectively.
- Identifies root causes of problems.
- Machine operation
- Teamwork
- Workplace safety awareness
- Demonstrates professionalism.
- Maintains organized work processes.
- Share information effectively.
- Listen actively to team concerns.
- Build trust and credibility.
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.
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.
- 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.
- Ability to work with exposure to white cement and acetone.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.
Education, Experience, and/or 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.