Footwear Technologist

Overview

As Footwear Technologist you will drive the timely delivery of footwear ranges that meet technical, quality and safety specs. You will work with design, buying and suppliers to ensure fit, performance and commercial viability across development from concept to production. You will lead technical activities, assess risks at sign-off and guide lab testing to uphold brand standards. This role sits at the intersection of design, engineering and supplier management to shape high-quality, market-ready footwear. A strong hook is the chance to influence fit, performance and cost targets across a global supplier network.

Responsibilities

• Review and research seasonal block and last developments with buying and design
• Maintain and update the footwear specification library with lasts, patterns, sole specs and material cards
• Analyze trends and competitors to inform improved construction and performance
• Manage end-to-end product development from concept to production sign-off
• Create clear tech packs and provide fit comments to secure timely approvals
• Identify and mitigate technical risks at sign-off with buyers and suppliers
• Specify and monitor testing requirements and interpret results for corrective actions
• Coordinate with labs and overseas QA teams for testing and training
• Lead root-cause analysis of returns and drive corrective actions with suppliers
• Conduct factory technical process audits and drive process improvements
• Build strong supplier relationships and ensure compliance with technical and ethical standards
• Collaborate with buying/merchandising to prototype, fit and seal styles on schedule
• Ensure audits, process qualifications and tooling approvals are in place for suppliers
• Maintain accurate grading rules and size/pack specifications to prevent production issues
• Line manage and develop technical team members and promote continuous improvement

Key requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ footwear technical experience (development, production, supplier management)
• Experience with offshore footwear suppliers
• Knowledge of footwear constructions (cemented, lasted, vulcanized, molded, injection, welted)
• Proven ability to issue fit comments and manage customer feedback/returns
• Strong understanding of lasts, patternmaking, uppers, insoles, midsoles and outsoles
• Familiarity with PLM/ERP systems
• Knowledge of footwear testing methods and industry standards (SATRA/ASTM/EN ISO)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Strong time management and ability to meet critical path deadlines
• Negotiation and analytical skills with cost-conscious mindset
• Proficiency in MS Office

• communication
• stakeholder management
• problem-solving
• footwear construction knowledge
• patternmaking for uppers
• lasts and sole engineering

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