Footwear Technologist in London

The Technical Department at AllSaints is responsible for the fit and quality of all AllSaints products. The team works closely with design to execute their creative vision, whilst maintaining the quality and consistency of AllSaints' products, ensuring the brand remains an iconic and high-quality label. In this role, you will report into the Head of Technical and will have line management responsibility for the Footwear Assistant.

In this role, you will be responsible for the technical development, fit, quality, and compliance of the AllSaints footwear collection. Working alongside the design, product development, and buying teams, you will play a pivotal role in taking a product from development through to production. The ability to collaborate and work collectively will be key, building tight-knit relationships with the internal teams, as well as external vendors. You should come with a high level of experience with footwear and have a passion for all things technical when it comes to creating good quality products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guarantee that the fit of our footwear products is consistent across the collection and quality of products is to the AllSaints standard.
• Own the technical development process for all footwear, from initial design concept through to bulk production.
• Organise and manage all fit sessions, assessing prototypes and samples for fit, comfort, and construction across all sizes and gender categories (Menswear and Womenswear).
• Create and manage detailed technical specifications, last measurements, and grade rules to be communicated clearly to our global supply base.
• Proactively identify potential construction, material, and factory issues early in the development cycle, proposing and executing effective technical solutions.
• Help provide and present data reports so team and vendor performance can be monitored and improved.
• Hold weekly team meetings to ensure critical path deadlines are on track, meaning business objectives are met.
• Manage the production sealing tracker and ensure sealing deadline targets are met in line with the critical path.
• Manage the block development process and ensure the last library is continually assessed and kept up to date.
• Manage risk assessment and testing of product in close collaboration with the product development and design teams, as well as external vendors.
• Monitor and advise on the safe operating standards essential in manufacturing.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Footwear Technologist or similar role within a premium or luxury fashion brand, covering both Menswear and Womenswear.
• In-depth technical knowledge of footwear construction methods for various styles (e.g., boots, trainers, leather shoes), with a particular emphasis on leather and manufacturing processes.
• Solid understanding of grading and last development.
• Familiarity with global product safety regulations (e.g., REACH) and quality testing standards.
• Experienced in working within a commercial and design-led environment.
• You will be clear on the design aesthetic of AllSaints.
• Creative and analytical approach to ensure AllSaints remains an iconic brand that produces high-quality and stylish products.
• Team player who collaborates and directs with ease, motivating and developing others within your team.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to interact effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Attention to detail is key as this is a fast-paced role, so a sharp eye is essential.
• Advanced/intermediate MS Office skills.

Location: Based in our East London Studios in vibrant Shoreditch with perks and benefits offered from local businesses including discounts on food, shopping, and health & beauty. Studio Location: Approximately a 10-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station and a 5-minute walk from Shoreditch High Street.

Benefits:

• A generous wardrobe allowance so that you can wear our beautiful clothes to work each day.
• We are a disability committed certified employer.
• Employee discount for you to spend with family and friends.
• 25 days holiday increasing to 28 days after 2 years continuous service.
• Bank holidays, birthdays, and volunteering days off.
• Access to dental cash plan & free virtual GP appointments through Aviva.
• UNUM employee assistance helpline.
• Life assurance cover.
• Access to discounted gym membership and corporate discounts.
• Hybrid working in our historic East London studios, working hours are 9-5.30pm.
• Free, confidential, wellbeing and lifestyle support with Retail Trust.
• Enhanced family leave benefits (neonatal, fertility, maternity, paternity, adoption, menopause).
• Health days for you to use either for physical or mental wellness.
• Dedicated mental health support from our mental health first aiders.
• Eye care vouchers, season ticket loans, and much more!

Our aim is to develop truly diverse teams and create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to give of their best whilst contributing to the success of our brand. We recognise the importance and strength of diversity and commit to providing equal opportunities to everyone in our employment and recruitment processes. We safeguard against any form of discrimination irrespective of gender, gender reassignment, marital status, race, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, or age. Even if you feel you don’t tick all the boxes, we’d still very much like to hear from you. We want you to know that finding people who have a passion for our brand and are open to learning is incredibly important to us. If you need any support or adjustments during your application, please get in touch with us and we are happy to help.