Non-Apparel Technologist

Disturbia; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Holiday leave 23 days + BH

Employee discount up to 50%

Discounts at Highstreet retailers

Enhanced parental leave

Free fruit and drinks

Social fund

Bi-annual team outings

Cycle to work

Flexible working

3 days in office, 2 days WFH

Job summary

Disturbia, a fast-growing UK fashion brand, is seeking a Non-Apparel Technologist in London. You will support the technical development and approval of non-apparel categories, collaborating with Buying, Design, Suppliers and the Technical team to meet safety, compliance and critical-path deadlines.

You will maintain tech packs, review samples, and drive continuous improvements in product quality and customer satisfaction across footwear-inspired accessories and lifestyle ranges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in footwear-related field.
• At least 3 years footwear technical experience including development and supplier management.
• Strong knowledge of footwear testing methods and standards (SATRA/ASTM/EN ISO).
• Intermediate PLM experience; MS Office proficiency essential; Illustrator is a plus.
• Excellent time management and ability to work under deadlines.
• Independent, proactive, and a strong team player.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate technical packs with measurements, materials and construction details.
• Assess samples against specs and provide technical feedback to suppliers and teams.
• Review construction to ensure aesthetic and functional standards.
• Manage packaging, labeling and transit methods to protect brand value.
• Coordinate testing and compliance with external labs and maintain records.
• Support weekly critical path reviews and flag risks or delays.
• Monitor returns and feedback to address recurring quality issues.
• Ensure QC to meet sealing standards and shipping release dates.
• Act as risk assessment ambassador for the category and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain records including testing reports and supplier documentation.

Skills

Footwear testing knowledge

Understanding of industry standards

MS Office proficiency

Time management

Team player

Independent contributor

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Technology, Footwear Design or related discipline

Tools

PLM software

Job description

Non-Apparel Technologist

Application Deadline: 28 August 2026

Department: Buying

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London

Reporting To: Victoria Gilmartin

Description

We are Disturbia; a fast growing, independent UK fashion brand specialising in alternative & sub-culture fashion, with an aim to harness the spirit of authenticity and individuality.

Our story is about evolving and disrupting the ordinary. Founded in 2003 by creative graduates Frank and Helen, we look to disturb the suburbs’ with authentically unconventional attire for those drawn to the strange and unusual. Disturbia has since amassed a devoted following worldwide, attracting musicians, artists and free spirits alike.

Over 20 years later, we are an ever-growing team across offices in Northumberland (HQ) and East London. Our in-house team of creatives, do-ers, dreamers, and makers work collaboratively to create unique products and to deliver an exceptional customer experience for those who dare to stand out from the crowd.

As our team continues to grow, we are on the lookout for a Non-Apparel Technologist. You'd be responsible for supporting the technical development and approval of Disturbia's non-apparel product categories, including accessories, footwear, lifestyle and emerging product ranges. Working closely with Buying, Design, Suppliers and the wider Technical team, you will help ensure products are safe, compliant, fit for purpose and delivered in line with critical path requirements.

The role will support the continued growth of Disturbia's non-apparel categories by maintaining technical standards, managing testing and compliance requirements and helping drive continuous improvements in product quality and customer satisfaction

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate tech packs the technical packs which contain all the necessary details such as measurements, material types, and construction methods.
• Assess product samples against approved specifications, providing clear technical feedback to suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure products meet quality, performance and aesthetic metrics.
• Review product construction where the final product meets both aesthetic and functional standards.
• Manages packaging, labelling, and transit methods which maintain brand consistency and product value, while proactively challenging processes to uphold customer standards.
• Interpret product data to guide corrective actions. Maintain product testing and compliance records and coordinate with external labs.
• Support weekly critical path reviews, proactively identifying technical risks, delays or compliance concerns that may impact launch dates.
• Monitor customer returns and product feedback, identifying recurring quality issues and supporting corrective actions to reduce repeat concerns.
• Provide thorough quality control to product to meet sealed standard and shipping release dates.
• Acts as the risk assessment ambassador for the category, implementing corrective actions and completing risk assessments.
• Maintain accurate technical and compliance records; including testing reports, supplier documentation, risk assessments and product approvals.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 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
• 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.
• Intermediate level of PLM - general use on any PLM is useful and training will be given.
• Intermediate level of MS Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Beginner level of Adobe Illustrator, useful but not essential.
• Effective time management, organisation and ability to work under pressure to meet critical path deadlines.
• Independently driven to seek excellence and streamline processes.
• Team player to unite design, buying and suppliers.

Benefits

So, why join Disturbia? Along with our excellent attitude and our great team spirit, we regularly reward our team members for their outstanding work ethic.

We also offer:

• Competitive Salary, subject to skills and experience.
• Holiday allowance starting at 23 days per year (+ bank holidays),annual leave purchase scheme and ability to accrue holidays with each years’ service
• Up to 50% employee discount
• Discounts at a selection of Highstreet retailers
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Free fresh fruit, snacks and drinks in office
• Individual social fund
• Bi-Annual Paid team outings
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible working pattern
• 3 days in office and 2 days work from home