At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical development of stylish footwear from concept to production.
- Company: Join a premium fashion brand with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous discounts, and 25 days holiday plus wellbeing days.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making a real impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in footwear technology and strong knowledge of construction and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re working with a premium fashion business looking to appoint an experienced Footwear Technologist to join their growing technical team. This is a key role responsible for the technical development, fit, quality and compliance of footwear collections across both menswear and womenswear. Working closely with Design, Product Development and Buying, you’ll take footwear styles from initial concept through to bulk production, ensuring high standards of quality, comfort and consistency throughout. This role would suit someone highly collaborative, detail-driven and passionate about footwear construction, with confidence working across global supply bases and multiple stakeholders.
The Role:
- Own the end-to-end technical development of footwear from design through to production
- Manage and run fit sessions, reviewing prototypes and samples for fit, comfort and construction
- Create and maintain technical specifications, last measurements and grading rules
- Proactively identify and resolve construction, material and factory issues
- Manage block development and maintain the last library
- Oversee testing, risk assessment and compliance in line with global safety standards
- Work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to deliver to critical path
- Support team performance through reporting, organisation and clear communication
- Line management responsibility for a junior team member
About You:
- Proven experience as a Footwear Technologist within a premium or fashion-led environment
- Strong technical knowledge of footwear construction (boots, trainers, leather shoes etc.)
- Solid understanding of grading, lasts and manufacturing processes
- Experience working with global suppliers and compliance/testing standards (e.g. REACH)
- Commercially aware, organised and solutions-focused
- Confident communicator with excellent attention to detail
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, design-led business
What’s On Offer:
- Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days from home)
- Generous product allowance and staff discount
- 25 days holiday plus additional wellbeing and volunteering days
- Strong wellbeing support and inclusive working culture
- Clear career development and learning opportunities
Footwear Technologist employer: Fashion & Retail Personnel Ltd
Join a premium fashion business that values collaboration and innovation, offering a dynamic work environment for a Footwear Technologist. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and development, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, generous product allowances, and a culture that promotes inclusivity and growth. This role not only allows you to engage with global supply chains but also provides clear pathways for career advancement in a fast-paced, design-led setting.
Contact Details:
Fashion & Retail Personnel Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Footwear Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend fashion events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Footwear Technologist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for footwear! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on the latest trends and innovations in footwear construction. Let them see your enthusiasm and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those fit sessions! Brush up on your knowledge of fit, comfort, and construction. Being able to discuss these aspects confidently will show that you’re detail-driven and ready to tackle the challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Footwear Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Footwear Technologist role. Highlight your experience in technical development, fit, and quality assurance. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Passion:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re passionate about footwear construction. Share any personal projects or experiences that demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge in the field.
Be Detail-Driven:Since attention to detail is key in this role, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate a polished application that reflects your meticulous nature!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fashion & Retail Personnel Ltd
✨Know Your Footwear Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of footwear construction. Be ready to discuss different types of footwear, materials, and manufacturing processes. This will show your passion and expertise in the field, which is crucial for a Footwear Technologist role.
✨Prepare for Fit Sessions
Since managing fit sessions is a key part of the job, think about how you would approach reviewing prototypes and samples. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully identified fit or comfort issues and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with design, product development, or buying teams in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and manage relationships with multiple stakeholders.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Familiarise yourself with global safety standards and compliance testing, such as REACH. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach risk assessment and testing in this new position. This will show that you're not just detail-oriented but also commercially aware.
