India stands as one of the leading producers and exporters of leather and leather products globally. The industry provides direct and indirect employment to over 4 million individuals, making it a significant part of the country’s manufacturing and export economy. From time-tested tanneries to modern leather goods manufacturers, job opportunities have grown across major hubs such as Kanpur, Chennai, Agra, Kolkata, and Noida.
For individuals interested in building a stable career in this sector, it’s essential to understand the different roles available whether in leather designing, production, quality control, or finishing. This guide explores some of the most in-demand leather industry jobs in India, along with the qualifications and skills employers typically look for. With the right training and industry knowledge, many of these roles offer reliable income, career growth, and long-term prospects.
1. Leather Goods Machine Operator
Machine operators form the backbone of any leather manufacturing unit. These workers handle cutting, skiving, splitting, sewing, and embossing machines that shape raw leather into usable products like belts, bags, jackets, and wallets.
Key Skills Required:
- Understanding of leather material behavior
- Operating industrial stitching and cutting machines
- Following production timelines and quality standards
Salary Range: ₹12,000 to ₹20,000/month (entry-level)
Job Locations: Kanpur, Kolkata, Chennai, Ambur
2. Footwear Assembler and Stitcher
Footwear manufacturing is a booming sub-sector in India’s leather industry. Jobs in this category include assembling soles, uppers, linings, and stitching different shoe parts together. It’s a highly labor-intensive job but offers stable employment, especially in export-focused factories.
Required Qualifications:
- Training under Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) or any vocational course
- Precision, speed, and attention to detail
Top Employers: Liberty Shoes, Bata India, Relaxo, Lakhani Footwear
3. Leather Pattern Maker
A pattern maker creates accurate leather templates used to cut the material in bulk. This job demands technical drawing, CAD software knowledge, and 3D measurement understanding.
Who Can Apply?
- Leather design diploma holders
- People with experience in manual or digital pattern development
Career Growth: Pattern makers can progress to supervisory roles or become freelance consultants for design houses.
4. Quality Control Inspector
Quality inspectors are responsible for checking finished leather goods for defects like scratches, uneven finishes, or incorrect stitching. They work closely with both production and dispatch teams to ensure that goods meet international export standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Visual and tactile inspection
- Compliance with buyer specifications
- Final packaging and labeling approvals
Industries Hiring: Garment exporters, leather bag manufacturers, fashion houses
5. Leather Technician
A leather technician works in tanning units and helps in chemical processing of hides and skins. Their job is technical and often requires knowledge of chromium tanning, vegetable tanning, dyeing, and finishing.
Ideal for:
- B.Tech or Diploma holders in Leather Technology
Science graduates interested in industrial roles
Salary Range: ₹18,000 to ₹35,000/month depending on experience
6. Footwear Designer
This is a creative and high-responsibility job. Footwear designers create seasonal collections for domestic and global brands. They combine knowledge of materials, fashion trends, comfort features, and production feasibility.
Career Path:
- Work with brands like Woodland, Adidas India, or export units
- Become an independent designer with your own label
- Collaborate with buying houses or e-commerce platforms
Skills Required:
- Drawing, 2D/3D design software
- Material sourcing knowledge
- Design presentation and costing
7. Leather Garment Supervisor
Garment supervisors manage tailoring and assembly teams in leather apparel production units. Their primary role includes workforce scheduling, quality checks, and meeting delivery deadlines.
Common Products: Jackets, skirts, vests, pants for export or domestic sale
Who Can Apply?
- Experienced tailors or ITI-trained leather workers
- Candidates with production floor management skills
8. Cutting Supervisor / Master Cutter
Cutting supervisors are crucial in optimizing leather usage. They ensure minimum wastage and maximum efficiency by arranging leather panels smartly before cutting. This role demands both manual skill and computerized cutting knowledge.
Preferred Candidates:
- Skilled leather cutters with years of shop-floor experience
Those trained under leather product development programs
9. Leather CAD Operator
With the rise of automated leather cutting machines and CAD tools, there’s growing demand for CAD operators in large export houses. These professionals help develop patterns and assist in size grading and design layouts.
Tools Used: AutoCAD, Optitex, Lectra, Gerber, Rhino
Suitable For:
- Candidates with fashion or leather design diplomas
- People who enjoy design but are technically inclined
10. Packing and Finishing Assistant
Finishing and packing staff ensure that leather goods are cleaned, polished, tagged, and safely packed before shipment. This is an ideal entry-level job for freshers looking to build skills on the production floor.
Duties Include:
- Polishing leather items
- Barcode tagging and box sealing
- Reporting defective items
Salary Range: ₹10,000 to ₹15,000/month
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