Footwear Technologist

We have a great role for a skilled Footwear Technologist / Engineer to join a leading and well established Brand. The role is open to candidates from a Retail, Brand or manufacturing background and candiadtes of all levels from established to senior will be considered.

Previous employment in a factory environment is not essential but candidates must understand factory procedures, moulding, footwear construction of a variety of materials and have excellent fitting skills.

A really great opportunity if you are looking to gain some hands on knowledge in the industry!

Job Purpose

To establish and maintain quality standards for all products, ensuring technologies and shoe designs are regularly reviewed and updated. A key stakeholder in the critical path of new developments:

Product

• Support the Product Team by assessing designs for manufacturability, production, and material properties, offering cost-effective and efficient solutions.

• Manage the technical fit and sample process in line with the critical path, ensuring consistency and commercial viability.

• Develop prototype ideas into engineered samples that meet comfort standards.

• Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturing processes and that technical specifications align with the critical path.

• Optimize production processes within the UK factory to improve efficiency.

• Ensure external suppliers adhere to established standards for fit, pattern engineering, and technology.

• Maintain positive working relationships with all suppliers to ensure quality and fit specifications are met.

• Provide technical solutions that consider cost and manufacturing constraints.

• Lead the local Indian team to ensure quality and ethical standards are upheld.

• Responsible for approving confirmation samples according to technical specifications.

Technology

• Future-proof the brand by staying ahead of technological advancements and integrating them into seasonal reviews.

• Work with the Head of Buying to develop a new kit strategy and critical path.

Quality

• Maintain records of factory audits (e.g., SEDEX) for all suppliers, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain.

• Implement quality management processes for international suppliers to ensure adherence to quality and ethical standards, with full traceability of all components.

• Analyze returns data and address any identified issues.

• Ensure external testing traceability as required by suppliers.

• Use returned product data to inform and improve future technical specifications.

Skills

• Strong in Excel and data analysis.

• Strong critical path management skills with the ability to stay on top of multiple projects.

• Highly self-motivated and passionate about leading and mentoring a team in technical product development.

• Comfortable with international travel to oversee projects and ensure quality standards are met worldwide.