Job Description
Job Title: Rub and Turn Uppers Department Name: Fitting Effective Date: 10/20/2026
Reports to (title): Manufacturing Supervisor # of Direct Reports: 0 # Indirect Reports: 0
Individual Contributor: Yes 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 Rub and Turn Uppers Operator is responsible for turning stitched boot uppers right side out and rubbing down seams to create a smooth, flat, and uniform finish in preparation for subsequent fitting and lasting operations. This role requires careful handling of leather to avoid stretching, scratching, creasing, or damaging decorative stitching, as well as the proper use of hand tools, rubbing machines, and, where required, heat or adhesive to set seams. The operator inspects each upper before and after turning for defects such as open or broken stitches, puckering, misaligned seams, wrinkles, or leather damage, and reports issues to the supervisor or quality control. The position also involves maintaining a clean and safe work area, following all safety procedures, meeting daily production targets, and working closely with the fitting and quality control teams to support efficient workflow and consistent Lucchese craftsmanship.
Scope of job:
The Rub and Turn Uppers Operator works within the fitting department and is responsible for turning and rubbing down stitched boot uppers for all assigned styles and production orders. The scope of this role begins when stitched uppers are received from the stitching operation and ends when turned, properly rubbed, and inspected uppers are passed to the next fitting or lasting operation. Within this scope, the operator turns uppers right side out, rubs down and flattens seams using hand tools or rubbing machines, and ensures seams are smooth, even, and properly set without damaging the leather or decorative stitching. The operator performs in-process quality checks on every upper and sets aside or reports defective materials or workmanship to the supervisor or quality control. The role covers the operation and basic care of rubbing tools and 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, and keeping the workstation 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 fitting operations as production needs require.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Receive stitched uppers from the stitching operation and verify that they match the work ticket, style, size, and color.
- Inspect uppers before turning for defects such as open or broken stitches, puckering, misaligned seams, or leather damage, and report any issues to the supervisor.
- Turn uppers right side out carefully to avoid stretching, scratching, creasing, or damaging the leather and decorative stitching.
- Rub down and flatten seams evenly using hand tools or rubbing machines to create a smooth and uniform finish.
- Apply heat, moisture, or adhesive to set seams when required by work instructions and product specifications.
- Inspect each upper after turning and rubbing to confirm seams are flat, aligned, and free of wrinkles or defects.
- Separate defective work for correction or review by quality control.
- Transfer completed and inspected uppers to the next fitting or lasting 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 rubbing tools and equipment, and report malfunctions to maintenance or the supervisor.
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe practices when using heat, adhesives, or machinery.
- 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 related fitting operations as production needs require.
- Support and comply with all company policies, safety rules, and work instructions.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Support and comply with all company policies and safety procedures.
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 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 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.