Closing Uppers

Job Description

Job Title: Closing Uppers Department Name: Fitting Effective Date: 11/03/2026

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 hours

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

Job Summary:

The Closer joins and stitches the upper components of the boot before it moves to the lasting department. Using industrial post-bed and flatbed sewing machines. The Closer assembles shafts, vamps, linings and reinforcements to each style’s specifications and to the brand’s quality and craftsmanship standards.

Scope of job:

The Closer works in the closing section, the stage between fitting and lasting. The role covers sewing and assembling all upper components of the boot for assigned styles and work orders, from receiving cut and prepared pieces to delivering a finished upper ready for lasting.

Duties/Responsibilities:

All responsibilities may be modified based on business needs.

• Stitch front and back seams of boot shafts per work order specifications.
• Adjust thread tension, stitch length and needle size for the type and thickness of leather (cowhide, ostrich, caiman, other exotics).
• Keep stitching even, seams aligned and margins consistent.
• Inspect components before and after sewing to catch leather or cutting defects and report issues to the supervisor.
• Meet daily production goals without compromising quality.
• Perform basic machine upkeep (cleaning, oiling, changing needles) and keep the workstation organized.
• Follow plant safety rules and procedures. Able to work seated at a station for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Preferred: experience with exotic leather or western boots.
• Assist in other areas when directed by management.

Required 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.
• 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 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.
• 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 the scheduled hours necessary to meet business and operational requirements.
• Ability to perform repetitive trimming tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

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.