At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in footwear testing, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join a leading testing and technical services organisation in Kettering.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and career growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, innovative technical setting.
- Qualifications: A Level in Maths or Science and proven leadership experience required.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Technical Lead – Footwear to join a leading testing and technical services organisation based in Kettering.
You will lead and supervise a team of technologists and technicians within the Footwear Testing team, ensuring compliance with quality standards while maintaining high levels of customer service and technical excellence. This is a key leadership role focused on team development, operational delivery, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced technical environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily supervision of Technicians and Technologists
- Team performance management including appraisals, disciplinary and grievance processes
- Managing workflow across the department with a strong customer focus
- Allocating work and agreeing deadlines with team members
- Ensuring effective implementation of quality systems alongside relevant internal stakeholders
- Developing and delivering staff training plans
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives across systems and individuals
- Monitoring departmental KPIs and performance metrics
- Liaising with customers regarding results and new work opportunities
- Drafting and issuing technical reports and responding to customer enquiries
- Delivering presentations, customer meetings, and technical seminars
- Writing technical articles for internal and external publication
- Overseas travel when required
About You
Essential
- Educated to A Level in Maths or Science
- Experience of physical testing techniques
- Proven supervisory or team leadership experience
- Strong organisation and planning skills
- Customer-facing experience with confidence presenting
- Excellent time management and scheduling ability
- Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Highly motivated with strong problem-solving and logical thinking skills
- Willingness to travel internationally
Desirable
- SAFT course completed or working towards completion
- Degree in Maths or Science
- Experience in a commercial testing or laboratory environment
- Full clean driving licence
- Exposure to sales, marketing or business development tools
- Footwear industry experience
Benefits Include
- 25–30 days annual leave (depending on service)
- Life assurance
- Group personal pension scheme
- Income protection
- Free parking
- Flexible working hours
Key Dates
- Closing date: Friday 29th May 2026
- Interview date: Thursday 11th June 2026 (on site, Kettering)
Technical Lead - Footwear in Kettering employer: Interaction - Kettering
Join a dynamic and innovative testing and technical services organisation in Kettering, where you will lead a dedicated team of technologists and technicians in the Footwear Testing department. With a strong emphasis on employee development, flexible working hours, and a supportive work culture, this role offers an excellent opportunity for career growth while ensuring high standards of quality and customer service. Enjoy generous annual leave, life assurance, and a group personal pension scheme as part of a rewarding employment experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead - Footwear in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the footwear industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Technical Lead role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to team leadership and technical expertise. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! If you've got examples of your work, whether it's reports, presentations, or training materials, bring them along to interviews. This will demonstrate your capabilities and give you an edge over other candidates.
✨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 Technical Lead - Footwear in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Technical Lead – Footwear role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant technical expertise to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your past achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves technical excellence, don’t shy away from showcasing your IT skills and any experience with physical testing techniques. We want to see how you can contribute to our quality standards!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Interaction - Kettering
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of physical testing techniques and quality standards in the footwear industry. Being able to discuss specific methods and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just a good fit, but that you're genuinely interested in the technical aspects of the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising a team, be prepared to share examples of your previous leadership experiences. Talk about how you've managed team performance, handled appraisals, or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
✨Customer Focus is Key
Highlight your customer-facing experience and how you've successfully liaised with clients in the past. Be ready to discuss how you would handle customer enquiries and present technical information clearly. This will show that you understand the importance of maintaining high levels of customer service.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to discuss technical reports and presentations during the interview. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you may need to do this for customers or team members. Being articulate and confident in your technical knowledge will set you apart from other candidates.
