Rub & Turn Uppers

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Job Title:

Rub and Turn Uppers

Effective Date: 10/20/2026

Reports to (title):
Manufacturing Supervisor

# of Direct Reports: 0

# Indirect Reports: 0

Full Time/Part Time:
Full time

Average

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.;
Overtime and Saturday shifts may be required based on production needs.

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.
• M…