Margaret’s The Couture Cleaner is seeking an accomplished Master Cobbler / Luxury Footwear Restoration Artisan to join our team in San Diego/La Jolla, California.

This is not an entry-level shoe repair position. We seek an experienced craftsperson with exceptional hands-on skills in repairing, restoring, and refinishing fine footwear, including luxury and designer shoes, boots, and leather goods.

For nearly five decades, Margaret’s has specialized in caring for and restoring couture garments, designer accessories, fine leather goods, and important textiles. Our clients entrust us with exceptional pieces from many of the world’s leading luxury houses.

The Position

The successful candidate will have extensive practical experience in traditional shoe repair and restoration, with the judgment and craftsmanship necessary to work on valuable designer footwear.

Responsibilities may include:

• Full and half-sole replacement
• Leather and rubber sole work
• Heel replacement and rebuilding
• Heel tip and lift replacement
• Stitching and structural repairs
• Welt and edge repair and finishing
• Leather refinishing and restoration
• Color matching, dyeing and touch-ups
• Scratch, scuff and surface restoration
• Zipper, elastic and hardware replacement
• Cleaning, conditioning and polishing fine leathers
• Restoration of boots and specialty footwear
• Evaluating footwear and recommending the appropriate repair or restoration process
• Operating professional shoe-repair machinery and hand tools

Our clients bring us footwear from Chanel, Hermès, Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Dior, Ferragamo, Berluti, John Lobb, and other luxury, heritage, and bespoke makers.

Who We Are Looking For

We are interested in candidates with substantial professional experience as a cobbler, shoemaker, shoe restoration specialist, or leather craftsperson.

Luxury-brand experience is highly desirable, but we are equally interested in a highly skilled traditional cobbler who demonstrates exceptional workmanship, knowledge of fine leather, and an understanding of how to preserve the original character and construction of valuable footwear.

The ideal candidate is:

• Highly skilled and detail-oriented
• Experienced with premium leather and specialty materials
• Comfortable working on valuable and sometimes irreplaceable footwear
• Knowledgeable about traditional shoe construction and repair techniques
• Able to determine when a repair can—and cannot—be safely performed
• Proud of producing beautiful, meticulous work
• Interested in becoming part of a company known for exceptional restoration and conservation services

Why Margaret’s

Margaret’s is not a traditional dry cleaner or shoe-repair shop. We are a Couture Dry Cleaning, Textile Conservation & Conservation House specializing in couture, vintage textiles, bridal gowns, leather goods, designer handbags, and footwear.

Our artisans work on pieces that require patience, experience, and an uncompromising attention to detail. This position offers experienced craftspeople the opportunity to focus on high-quality work within an established luxury restoration company.

Location: La Jolla, California
Position: Full-time
Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with demonstrated experience and craftsmanship. $ 25.00- $ 30.00 hourly 
We may consider relocation assistance for an exceptional candidate.

If you are an experienced cobbler or footwear restoration artisan—or know an accomplished craftsperson who may be interested—we would like to hear from you.

Please submit a résumé or description of your experience. We strongly encourage you to include photographs or a portfolio showing examples of your shoe repair and restoration work.

Margaret’s The Couture Cleaner
www.margarets.com