About this position
Location: Yoakum, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Division: Circle Brands / Circle Y Saddles
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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.
________________________________________
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