Heel Pad

Job Description

Job Title: Heel Pad Department Name: Packing Effective Date: 10/27/2026

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 Heel Pad Operator is responsible for preparing and installing heel pads inside boots to provide comfort, support, and a clean finished appearance. This role involves applying adhesive to heel pads and the heel area of the insole or sock lining, then positioning and pressing each pad accurately according to style, size, and product specifications. The operator requires careful handling of boots and materials to avoid scuffs, adhesive marks, or damage to the interior lining and finished leather. The operator inspects each boot before and after installation for defects such as misaligned or loose pads, wrinkles, excess adhesive, or incorrect pad size, and reports any issues to the supervisor or quality control. 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 the finishing and quality control teams to support efficient workflow and consistent Lucchese craftsmanship.

Scope of job:

The Heel Pad Operator works within the Packing department and is responsible for installing heel pads in boots for all assigned styles and production orders. The scope of this role begins when boots or components are received from the previous operation and ends when boots with properly installed and inspected heel pads are passed to the next finishing, inspection, or packing operation. Within this scope, the operator selects the correct heel pad according to style, size, and work instructions, applies adhesive to the heel pad and the heel area of the insole or sock lining, and positions and presses each pad accurately so it is centered, secure, and free of wrinkles or excess adhesive. The operator performs in-process quality checks on every boot and sets aside or reports defective materials or workmanship to the supervisor or quality control. The role covers the operation and basic care of cementing tools and pressing equipment, as well as reporting any malfunction to maintenance. The operator is accountable for meeting daily production quotas and quality standards, accurately tracking work tickets or production counts, maintaining an adequate supply of heel pads at the workstation, and keeping the work area clean and organized. The position does not include authority to change specifications, methods, or materials without supervisor approval. The operator may be cross trained to support related finishing operations as production needs require.

Duties/Responsibilities:

All responsibilities may be modified based on business needs

• Receive boots or components from the previous operation and verify that they match the work ticket, style, size, and color.
• Select the correct heel pad type and size according to work instructions and product specifications.
• Inspect boots and heel pads before installation for defects such as damaged linings, dirt, incorrect materials, or wrong pad size, and report any issues to the supervisor.
• Apply adhesive evenly to heel pads and the heel area of the insole or sock lining, avoiding excess adhesive or uncovered areas.
• Observe required drying and tack times to ensure proper bonding.
• Position heel pads accurately, so they are centered and aligned with the heel area of the boot.
• Press heel pads firmly by hand or with pressing equipment to ensure a secure bond.
• Clean any excess adhesive and ensure the boot interior and exterior are free of marks, scuffs, or damage.
• Inspect each boot after installation to confirm the heel pad is secure, smooth, correctly placed, and free of wrinkles or defects.
• Separate defective work for correction or review by quality control.
• Transfer completed and inspected boots to the next finishing, inspection, or packing operation in a timely manner.
• Record production counts and complete work tickets accurately.
• Maintain an adequate supply of heel pads and adhesives at the workstation and notify the supervisor of material shortages.
• Meet daily production quotas while maintaining Lucchese quality and craftsmanship standards.
• Operate, clean, and perform basic care of cementing tools and pressing 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.
• Communicate with the supervisor, quality control, and team members on production issues, material shortages, or quality concerns.
• Support cross-training and assist in finishing related operations as production needs require.
• Support and comply with all company policies, safety rules, and work instructions.
• Perform and support other areas and duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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 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.

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.