At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure timely delivery of footwear ranges while meeting quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join a leading footwear brand that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with a commitment to ethical sourcing.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of footwear technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Footwear Technology or related field; 3 years' experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities? Here is what you need to know about the job:
Reporting to Head of Footwear, the Footwear Technologist will ensure timely delivery of assigned footwear ranges, guaranteeing that styles meet technical, quality and safety specifications and are fit for purpose.
The role supports the Technical Manager in maintaining departmental quality standards, collaborates with design and buying to develop a commercially viable range, and leads supplier technical activities to achieve the brand’s fit, performance and cost targets.
Key responsibilities
- Review & research
- Conduct seasonal block and last reviews in collaboration with buying and design teams.
- Maintain and update the footwear specification library (lasts, patterns, sole specifications, material cards) using customer feedback and market benchmarking.
- Analyse market trends, competitor footwear construction and material innovations to inform style and performance improvements.
- Review competitor footwear to maintain an innovative, profitable and on‑trend range while protecting fit integrity.
- Product development & quality assurance
- Manage end‑to‑end footwear development from concept through proto, fit, pre‑production and production sign‑off, ensuring consistency in construction and commercial viability.
- Produce clear, timely tech packs for footwear (last references, lasted patterns, uppers, insocks, midsoles, outsoles, heel units, box/pack specs).
- Provide accurate fit comments at fittings (upper fit, toe room, last shape, heel counter) and secure gold seals on schedule.
- Identify technical risks at sign‑off (lasting, sole bonding, stitchline tolerances, heel attachment) and work with buyers/suppliers to mitigate.
- Specify and monitor footwear testing requirements (flex tests, abrasion, slip resistance, sole bond strength, water resistance, ageing/colourfastness) and interpret results to guide corrective actions.
- Maintain product testing and compliance records and coordinate with internal/external labs.
- Liaise with overseas QA teams to maintain brand expectations through training and factory audits focused on lasting, sole attachment, injection.
- Strategy & supplier management
- Lead root‑cause analysis for footwear returns (delamination, outsole separation, stitch failure, poor lasting) and develop corrective action plans with suppliers to reduce recurrence.
- Support sourcing decisions for lasts, sole manufacturers, midsole suppliers and material mills to balance quality, cost and continuity.
- Conduct factory technical process audits (lasting lines, cementing, molding, vulcanizing, stitchdown) and recommend process improvements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with footwear suppliers, last makers and sole houses; ensure suppliers are aware of technical, legal and ethical requirements.
- Range planning & build
- Work closely with buying and merchandising to ensure styles are prototyped, fitted and sealed per the critical path.
- Ensure suppliers comply with customer technical specifications and corporate ethical/technical audit standards to avoid critical path delays.
- Confirm all active suppliers meet technical standards and that necessary audits, process qualifications and tooling approvals are in place.
- Maintain accurate grading rules, size conversion tables and pack/box specifications to prevent production inconsistencies.
- Leadership & people management
- Line manage and motivate technical team members where applicable; provide clear communication, coaching and development.
- Conduct performance reviews, objective setting and regular one‑to‑ones.
- Champion continuous improvement and adoption of relevant footwear technologies or CAD tools.
- Act as a role model for company culture and lead by example on quality, safety and commercial accountability.
Qualifications & experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Technology, Footwear Design, Materials Science, Product Technology or a related discipline preferred.
- Minimum 3 years’ footwear technical experience (development, production and supplier management) — experience with offshore footwear suppliers is essential.
- Demonstrable product knowledge across a wide range of footwear constructions (cemented, lasted, vulcanized, molded, injection/direct attach, welted).
- Experience in value retail or multi‑product footwear environments is advantageous.
- Proven track record in issuing timely fit comments, securing gold seals and managing customer feedback/returns.
Skills & competencies
- Deep understanding of footwear construction, lasts, patternmaking for uppers, insole/midsole/outsole engineering and materials (leather, suede, synthetics, knitted uppers, EVA/PU midsoles, rubber/TPU outsoles).
- Familiarity with PLM/ERP systems.
- Strong knowledge of footwear testing methods and relevant industry standards (e.g., SATRA/ASTM/EN ISO guidance) and ability to interpret requirements for commercial compliance.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and stakeholder management skills across design, buying, suppliers and QA teams.
- Effective time management, organisation and ability to work under pressure to meet critical path deadlines.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving and negotiation skills with commercial awareness and focus on cost‑effective solutions.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Other
- Willingness to travel overseas regularly to supplier factories for technical audits, fittings and development meetings.
- Commitment to ethical sourcing, product safety and continuous improvement.
This role requires a dedicated professional who balances footwear technical expertise, supplier management and leadership to deliver high‑quality, commercially successful footwear products.
As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Summary Location: London Type: Full time
Footwear Technologist in Whitehall employer: Fung Group
Orrsum is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative and dynamic work culture in Nottingham. With a strong focus on professional development, team members are encouraged to grow their skills through continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring a rewarding career path. The company also offers competitive benefits and a supportive environment that prioritises the success of both its employees and clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Footwear Technologist in Whitehall
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Fung Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Footwear Technologist in Whitehall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Fung Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fung Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Fung Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Fung Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
