QHQ is working with an established supplier of Footwear to leading high street brands. Our client who manufacture ladies and children’s footwear in Asia and the Far East has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Assistant Footwear Technologist and Merchandiser to join the team supporting the Merchandiser and two Footwear Technologists.
As an Assistant Footwear Technologist and Merchandiser you will assist the team with the process of orders, sample sealing and testing from initial sample development, through to pre-production and shipment across ladies and children’s footwear.
In a fast paced environment, you will help to manage the safety testing of footwear, fit approvals and product compliance with industry standards in line with critical path dates. To achieve this you will be liaising with customers, factories and Asian office on a daily basis.
This is a great opportunity to join a leading supplier and become competent in the development life cycle of footwear and supplier / retail procedures.
The role would suit an Assistant Footwear Technologist or Assistant Production Merchandiser looking to expand their knowledge and skills. Graduates with relevant and adequate intern experience working as a Technologist or Merchandise Admin will be considered.
This is customer facing role so candidates must be confident in this regard and have the ability to communicate at all levels.
Preference will be given to candidates with a Footwear qualification although candidates with relevant work experience will be considered.
Part-time will be considered but candidates must be able to work 5 days a week in the office.
Responsibilities include:
Liaise with suppliers in Asia regarding orders, samples, testing and deadlines.
Handling customer queries efficiently
Reviewing samples under the guidance of the Technologists
Attend customer meetings when required
Negotiate orders and delivery dates with the factories
Create technical workbooks for customers and partners in Asia
Manage testing requests and material library under the guidance of the Technologists
Keep track of all steps in the sample sealing process and critical path and advise the team of any potential delays
Daily updating of critical paths and other product spreadsheets
Assist the technologists and merchandiser with their day to day task
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate
Excellent attention to detail
Strong time management skills
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Great administrational skills
Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (mainly Excel) and ability to adapt to different systems. Such as NIS, Lighthouse and PLM
A desire to learn and progress within the company
Previous experience in a technical and/or footwear role is an advantage, more junior candidates with some relevant intern experience will be considered
Previous experience in production merchandising is an advantage
A basic knowledge of footwear physical testing and current chemical legislation such as REACH is beneficial