Footwear Technologist

Kurt Geiger; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading footwear and accessories brand based in London is seeking an experienced Footwear Technologist with a background in premium women’s footwear. The role involves overseeing sourcing and quality assurance, requiring a thorough knowledge of footwear development. It offers competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension

Life assurance

Summer hours: 3 pm finish on Fridays

Monthly half-day pay on Fridays

Responsibilities

• Support the Sourcing Team by maintaining data on supplier quality issues.
• Facilitate raw material and sample testing.
• Coordinate with distribution centres to send samples and address issues.
• Assist with cost negotiations and collaborate with supply chain teams.

Skills

Technical training in footwear fitting and grading

Experience in footwear production or sourcing

Ability to meet tight deadlines

Effective communication skills

Experience with women’s premium fashion footwear

Research-oriented

Project management skills

Attention to detail

Good understanding of leather

Proficiency in Microsoft Word

Proficiency in Excel

Proficiency in PowerPoint

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

About Kurt Geiger

We are an inclusive, creative footwear and accessories brand powered by kindness. Our goal is to empower our talent to be confident and true to themselves, embodying the London way. London is our home, our heartbeat, and we draw inspiration from its energy and diversity. For over fifty years, our in-house shoe and accessory designers have been creating authentic, distinctive designs from our London headquarters. The rainbow is our signature, representing good energy and love for our community and the many ways we express our individual style.

We Are One: For Love | For Diversity | For Change | For Equality | For Kindness | For Freedom | For Unity Against Racism

Job Title: Footwear Technologist

We are seeking an experienced Footwear Technologist, preferably with a background in manufacturing and sourcing of premium women’s footwear and leather goods. The role requires thorough knowledge of footwear development and manufacturing, with an awareness of market trends to ensure our footwear is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Main Duties

• Support the Sourcing Team by maintaining data on supplier quality issues and updating records
• Facilitate raw material and sample testing, communicating results to stakeholders
• Collate leather sourcing data and volumes for the Leather Working Group
• Ensure compliance with regulations, maintaining proper documentation and records
• Use internal order tracking systems to advise on shipment schedules, coordinating with Asia-based factories
• Coordinate with distribution centres in the UK, Europe, and the US to send samples and address issues
• Support cost negotiations and work closely with brand partners to meet pricing and margin goals
• Collaborate with UK and Asia Supply Chain teams on production schedules and material approvals
• Oversee sample testing and follow up on quality issues
• Build relationships across functions to communicate supply chain issues confidently
• Assist with daily team duties

Requirements

• Conduct regular store visits to report on quality standards
• Input product data into required systems
• Prepare seasonal product reports for leadership
• Support other departments as needed
• Travel with buyers or designers to suppliers globally when required
• Liaise with DC QC team for product inspections
• Investigate quality issues, find solutions, and report to QA Technical Manager
• Resolve emerging issues promptly
• Maintain traceability of samples and oversee DC inspection processes
• Handle damaged goods, manufacturing faults, and transit damages appropriately, recharging costs to responsible parties
• Ensure compliance documentation is accessible to prevent shipping delays

Skills

• Technical training in footwear fitting and grading
• Experience in footwear production or sourcing
• Ability to meet tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills
• Experience with women’s premium fashion footwear
• Research-oriented, inquisitive, and confident
• Project management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Good understanding of leather
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Competitive salary, pension, and life assurance
• Summer hours: 3 pm finish on Fridays
• Monthly half-day pay on Fridays