Circle Y

Description

Location: Yoakum, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Division: Circle Brands / Circle Y Saddles

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Job Title: Experienced Saddle & Leather Craftsman

Are you a seasoned leatherworker with proven experience in saddle making or advanced leathercraft?

Do you take pride in producing high-quality, durable, and beautifully finished products?

Does being part of a family of brands (Circle Y, Tucker Trail, and Reinsman Equestrian) with 65 years of heritage and a commitment to industry-transforming innovation inspire you?

Does being one of the premium saddle makers for Circle Y, the Official Saddle of PRORODEO, excite you?

Are you drawn to traditional craftsmanship, small-town values, and a family-driven workplace culture?

Do stewardship, versatility, and a dedication to excellence resonate strongly with you?

If so, Circle Y, Tucker Trail, and Reinsman Equestrian, invites you to bring your expertise to our team as an Experienced Saddle & Leather Craftsman.

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Position Summary

As an Experienced Saddle & Leather Craftsman, you will play a key role in crafting high-quality saddles and leather tack for Circle Y, Tucker, and Reinsman brands. This role requires an individual with established hands-on experience in saddle making or advanced leatherworking, capable of producing precise, consistent, and reliable craftsmanship.

You will work alongside other seasoned craftspeople in a collaborative workshop environment, contributing your skill set, mentoring less-experienced teammates when needed, and helping ensure our products meet the exceptional quality standards our customers expect.

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Key Responsibilities

Saddle making & Leathercraft Production

• Independently craft and assemble saddle components including skirts, fenders, seat jockeys, stirrup leathers, rigging systems, seats, and other structural and decorative elements.
• Perform advanced leatherwork such as cutting, edging, tooling, shaping, skiving, stamping, oiling, and finishing.
• Execute both hand-stitching and machine-stitching techniques with precision and consistency.
• Install hardware, components, and fittings to exact specifications.

Quality & Craftsmanship Excellence

• Inspect raw materials, parts, and components for quality, consistency, and usability.
• Uphold and model the quality standards of Circle Y, Tucker, and Reinsman brands.
• Troubleshoot craftsmanship issues and ensure products meet or exceed expectations.
• Maintain accuracy and consistency across production runs and custom work as applicable.

Team Collaboration & Support

• Work alongside other experienced craftsmen and craftswomen in a cooperative workshop setting.
• Provide guidance and occasional mentorship to apprentices or junior leatherworkers as needed.
• Follow production guidelines, timelines, and safety standards.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace.

Other Duties

• Perform additional production or craftsmanship tasks as directed by supervisors or master craftsmen.
• As needed, be involved in developing, designing, and building new breakthrough products that will transform our industry.

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Skills & Competencies Needed

• Demonstrated experience in saddle making or advanced leathercraft.
• Strong understanding of leather properties, tooling techniques, and saddle construction.
• High manual dexterity, craftsmanship precision, and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and follow build sheets, patterns, and technical specifications.
• Excellent problem-solving skills related to material behavior and construction challenges.
• Positive attitude, reliability, and a strong sense of craftsmanship pride.
• Ability to collaborate well within a team environment.

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Qualifications

• Prior professional experience in saddle making or advanced leathercraft required.
• Proven proficiency in the tools, techniques, and processes involved in saddle construction.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform hands-on, detail-oriented work.

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Work Environment

You will work in a traditional saddle making and leather production shop with highly skilled craftspeople. This environment includes hands-on work, exposure to leather, dyes, tools, machinery, and a fast-paced but supportive workshop culture built on craftsmanship and excellence.

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Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Profit Sharing
• Free family counseling services
• Opportunities for craftsmanship leadership and mastery within the Circle Brands family