Cut Upper Leather

 Job Description

Job Title: Cut Upper leather

Department Name Cutting

Effective Date: 09-23-2026

Reports to (title): Cutting Supervisor

# of Direct Reports: N/A

# Indirect Reports: N/A

Individual Contributor: Yes No

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

# Hours Per Week: 40-55 Hrs.

Average Work Schedule: 

6 AM - 2:30 PM from Monday to Friday with possible overtime after the shift and/or on Saturdays depending on work needs.

Location:

40 Walter Jones Blvd. 

El Paso, TX 79906

Job summary:

At Lucchese, craftsmanship is the foundation of our brand. We craft the highest quality cowboy boots in the industry. The Leather Cutter plays a crucial role in the cowboy boot manufacturing process by preparing the leather components that define the boot’s style, fit, and durability. This position involves selecting high-quality hides, inspecting the leather for flaws, and using cutting dies, patterns, or precision tools to cut leather pieces according to design specifications. The cutter ensures each piece meets the exact size, shape, and gain requirements, optimizing material use while maintaining the brand's quality standards.

Scope of job:

The Cut Upper Leather associate is responsible for evaluating leather for texture, thickness, and imperfections, following patterns or work orders to cut leather components (Inlays, quarters, vamps, foxxes, and pull straps). Operating manual or machine-assisted cutting tools safely and efficiently and maintaining accuracy, consistency, and minimal waste in the cutting process. This role requires attention to detail, and an understanding of leather characteristics, as the quality of the cut directly impacts the craftsmanship and appearance of the finished cowboy boots.

Duties/Responsibilities:

All responsibilities mentioned below can be modified, but not limited to, based on the company’s needs.

• Read and interpret production tickets and work orders prior to cutting.


• Evaluate any defects or flaws in the leather.


• Then pick the right cutting dies from the production ticket or work orders.


• Place leather onto a cutting board where you will then cut the leather with the cutting machine.


• After cutting all components (Inlays, quarters, vamps, foxes and pull straps) double check work before sending the upper components to quality inspection.


• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workstation.


• Support production goals while maintaining Lucchese quality standards.


• Comply with all safety, environmental, and company policies.

• Maintain consistent production speed and accuracy.


• Follow work instructions, safety procedures, and company policies.


• Report defective materials or equipment problems to the supervisor.


• Perform other production duties as assigned.


• Follow all company safety, PPE, and production procedures.


• Meet established production quantities and quality targets.


• Perform basic cleaning and routine maintenance of equipment.


• Must support department on different working stations. 


• Follow all safety guidelines.


• Assist other areas as needed.

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.

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 & 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 the scheduled hours necessary to meet business and operational requirements.

Education, Experience, and/or Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required


• Minimum of two (2) years or related experience in boot manufacturing.