Skive Upper Parts

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Prefit Full Time Production 40 Walter Jones Blvd., El Paso, TX, US

Job Title
Skive Upper Parts

Department Name:
Prefit

Effective Date:
11/03/2026

Reports to (title):
Manufacturing Supervisor

# of Direct Reports: 0

# Indirect Reports: 0

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.

The Upper Parts Skiver thins and bevels the edges of leather upper components for handcrafted western boots using skiving machines and hand tools/knives. Working from work tickets and specifications, the skiver reduces the thickness of vamps, shafts, counters, linings, pull straps and inlay or overlay pieces so they fold, stitch and last smoothly, without bulk h piece is skived with care to the correct width, depth and angle, protecting the grain and the leather’s appearance so that every pair meets Lucchese quality standards

The Upper Parts Skiver owns the skiving of different leather components, from receiving the cut pieces from the cutting room to a skived, inspected and bundled set handed to fitting and stitching.
Not included: cutting upper leathers, splitting full hides, stitching, inlay/overlay work, lasting, and major equipment repair or knife grinding beyond routine sharpening.

All responsibilities may be modified based on business needs.

• Skive edges of vamps, shafts, counters, linings, pull straps and decorative pieces using skiving machines and hand knives/tools.
• Read work tickets to confirm style, leather type, piece list and skiving specifications (width, depth and type of skive) for each order.
• Inspect cut pieces before skiving for scars, holes, weak spots or cutting errors; set aside and report any issues.
• Set up and adjust the skiving machine (presser foot, feed, blade and gauge) for each leather type and thickness.
• Skive to the specified width, thickness and angle—edge, flat, fold or lap skives—without cutting through or weakening the leather.
• Protect the grain side from scratches, marks or burns during skiving.
• Keep skiving consistent on matching left and right pieces and across the pair.
• Check skived pieces with gauges or by touch against standards; re-skive or set aside nonconforming pieces.
• Keep pieces together by set, size and pair; bundle, tag and route them to the next operation.
• Record production counts, rework and defects on work tickets or in the shop system.
• Sharpen and change blades as needed, perform daily checks and basic cleaning on skiving machines; report equipment issues promptly.
• Follow all safety procedures, including machine guarding, safe blade handling and required PPE.
• Keep the work area clean, organized and free of leather shavings.
• Support other fitting or cutting operations as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist in other areas or task assigned by management

• Previous experience with industrial sewing machines preferred.
• Experience working with leather, footwear, boots, or similar materials is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, patterns, and production specifications.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to quality, productivity, and workplace safety.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Professional attitude and reliable attendance.
• 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
• Maintains organized work…