At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in footwear testing, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join a leading testing and technical services organisation in Kettering.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and a supportive pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: A Levels in Maths or Science and proven team leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 € per year.
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 Leaders in Northampton employer: Interaction - Kettering
Join a leading testing and technical services organisation in Kettering, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises team development and operational excellence. With competitive benefits such as flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and opportunities for international travel, this role as Technical Lead – Footwear offers a rewarding environment for professional growth and meaningful contributions to the footwear industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Leaders in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the footwear industry or related fields. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, especially their approach to quality and customer service. We want you to showcase how your experience aligns with their needs, so practice answering common questions and have some examples ready to demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the Technical Lead position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are eager to lead and innovate in the footwear testing space.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Leaders in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Technical Lead role. Highlight your supervisory experience and any relevant technical expertise in footwear testing 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 the team. Share specific examples of your leadership and customer service skills, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves technical excellence, be sure to mention your proficiency with tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you have experience with physical testing techniques, make that stand out too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 examples from your experience will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts, but that you can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous supervisory roles and how you've managed teams. Think of specific instances where you’ve driven performance improvements or handled difficult situations. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Footwear Testing team.
✨Customer Focus is Key
Since this role involves liaising with customers, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed customer relationships in the past. Highlight your communication skills and any experience you have in delivering presentations or technical seminars.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to the footwear testing process and quality systems. Prepare by reviewing relevant materials and think about how you would implement improvements in a fast-paced environment. This will show your problem-solving skills and logical thinking.
