Job Description

Job Title: Hand Polish Operator| Department Name: Packing| Effective Date: 10/20/2026
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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 Hand Polish Operator is responsible for hand-applying polishes, creams, waxes, and finishing products to boots to enhance color, shine, and overall appearance in accordance with style, color, and product specifications. This role requires careful handling of finished boots and a strong eye for detail to achieve an even, consistent finish while avoiding streaks, buildup, scuffs, or damage to the leather, stitching, and decorative elements. The operator selects the correct finishing products and techniques for each leather type, including exotic leathers, and buffs each boot by hand to the required luster. The operator inspects each boot before and after polishing for defects such as uneven color, scratches, stains, or residue, and reports issues to the supervisor or quality control. The position also involves maintaining a clean and safe work area, handling finishing products 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 Hand Polish Operator works within the finishing department and is responsible for hand polishing boots for all assigned styles and production orders. The scope of this role begins when boots are received from the previous finishing operation and ends when properly polished and inspected boots are passed to the next finishing, final inspection, or packing operation.

Within this scope, the operator selects the correct polishes, creams, waxes, and finishing products according to leather type, color, and work instructions, applies them evenly by hand, and buffs each boot to achieve a uniform color and the required level of shine. The operator ensures the finish is consistent and free of streaks, buildup, residue, or damage to the leather, stitching, and decorative elements. 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 proper use, cleaning, and care of polishing tools and supplies, such as brushes, cloths, and applicators, as well as reporting any equipment issues 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 finished products at the workstation, and keeping the work area clean and organized. The position does not include authority to change specifications, finishing products, or methods 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 from the previous finishing operation and verify that they match the work ticket, style, size, and color.
• Inspect boots before polishing for defects such as scratches, stains, adhesive residue, uneven color, or leather damage, and report any issues to the supervisor.
• Select the correct polishes, creams, waxes, and finishing products according to leather type, color, and product specifications.
• Clean and prepare boot surfaces to remove dust, residue, or marks before applying finishing products.
• Apply finishing products evenly by hand using brushes, clothes, or applicators, avoiding streaks, buildup, or uncovered areas.
• Use appropriate techniques and extra care when polishing exotic leather and delicate or decorative areas.
• Buff boots by hand to achieve a uniform color and the required level of shine.
• Match color and finish consistently between the left and right boots of each pair.
• Inspect each boot after polishing to confirm the finish is even, clean, and free of defects.
• Separate defective work for correction or review by quality control.
• Transfer completed and inspected boots to the next finishing, final inspection, or packing operation in a timely manner.
• Record production counts and complete work tickets accurately.
• Maintain an adequate supply of finishing products and polishing supplies at the workstation and notify the supervisor of material shortages.
• Meet daily production quotas while maintaining Lucchese quality and craftsmanship standards.
• Clean and care for brushes, clothes, applicators, and other polishing tools, and report equipment issues to maintenance or the supervisor.
• Handle, store, and dispose of finishing products 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 other 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 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.
• 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.
• Operator will use chemicals such as Acetone, Leather Conditioners and other Solvents.

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.