Kanpur, often referred to as the Leather City of India, has long been a central hub for leather manufacturing, tanning, and export. With a legacy that spans over a century, the city is home to some of the largest leather clusters in the country. For job seekers looking to build a steady career in the leather industry, Kanpur offers a wide range of employment options across tanneries, factories, design studios, and export houses.
Whether you’re skilled in stitching, finishing, quality control, or production supervision, leather jobs in Kanpur span multiple roles and experience levels. From factory floor positions to technical and managerial roles, the sector is constantly hiring driven professionals ready to contribute to one of India’s most dynamic manufacturing sectors.
Why Kanpur is a Major Source of Leather Employment
Kanpur’s leather industry is not just big it’s diverse. The city houses over 400 tanneries, numerous footwear and leather goods manufacturers, and government-backed leather parks. These enterprises cater to both domestic and international markets, creating a consistent demand for skilled labor and trained professionals.
What makes Kanpur stand out is its infrastructure. The Jajmau leather cluster, for example, provides employment to thousands of workers daily. The region is supported by leather development programs, export incentives, and dedicated skill training centers under schemes such as the Indian Leather Development Programme (ILDP) and Skill India.
Popular Leather Job Roles in Kanpur
Job seekers will find opportunities at every stage of the leather production and distribution chain. Some of the key roles include:
- Leather Cutter and Stitcher: Skilled hands are needed to cut and stitch leather for footwear, bags, belts, and jackets.
- Tannery Worker: These roles involve preparing, dyeing, and treating raw hides for production.
- Quality Control Executive: Ensures the leather goods meet export and domestic quality standards.
- Footwear Assembler: Handles the assembly of leather uppers and soles in factory settings.
- Machine Operators: Operate skiving, splitting, and embossing machines essential for bulk leather goods production.
- Supervisor or Floor Incharge: Monitors labor productivity and ensures timely delivery of orders.
- Leather Technologist: Often hired by export houses and large tanneries for chemical and technical processing roles.
Skill Requirements and Training Support
You don’t always need a degree to enter the leather industry, but having a certified skill can give you an edge. Many jobs in Kanpur’s leather sector are open to ITI or diploma holders, especially in leather goods and footwear technology. Organizations like CLRI, FDDI, and state-level vocational institutes offer short-term training in areas such as:
- Pattern making and cutting
- Leather finishing
- Footwear design
- Stitching and assembly
- Leather grading and inspection
Workers with 2–5 years of hands-on experience can quickly climb the ladder to supervisory or technician-level roles, especially in export-oriented units.
Salary Expectations in Kanpur’s Leather Sector
Leather jobs in Kanpur offer decent starting pay compared to similar manufacturing roles in other cities. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Entry-level (cutting/stitching): ₹9,000 – ₹12,000/month
- Skilled machine operators: ₹13,000 – ₹18,000/month
- Supervisors or QC staff: ₹18,000 – ₹25,000/month
- Leather technologists/designers: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000/month or more
Companies dealing in exports or international collaborations often provide higher salaries, performance incentives, and social security benefits like ESI and PF.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a career in leather manufacturing, Kanpur is one of the most promising cities in India to explore job openings. The city’s long-standing heritage, combined with growing demand for leather exports, makes it a hotspot for skilled workers and technical professionals alike.
Whether you’re just starting out or already have hands-on factory experience, leather jobs in Kanpur provide a solid platform for long-term career growth. From tanneries and workshops to export houses and industrial parks, opportunities here are not only steady but also future-ready.
Leave a Reply