Our Client, a leading High Street Womenswear Fast Fashion Retailer is looking for a Footwear Technologist to join their team. The Footwear Technologist reports into the Head of Technical Services and will work across two brands.
Responsibilities
Work with Buying & Merchandising to establish optimum product value
Strive to reduce customer returns by reviewing on a monthly cycle and actioning any changes with suppliers
Establish effective working relationships with suppliers to drive and support product development
Work with suppliers to achieve and/ or maintain QA/DA status
Conduct supplier reviews on a 6 monthly basis
Liaise with the DC on a daily basis with regards to QC holds and communicate issues quickly and effectively to B&M teams and suppliers
Identify and analyse any problems, propose solutions and make logical decisions
Build and maintain positive working relationships with a wide variety of people including B&M, suppliers and the technical team
Strive for continual improvement and promote the technical team
Have responsibility for fitting and sealing process including wearer trials and fit test days
Review factory evaluations from suppliers and passing information onto Technical Manager
Review and drive the technical strategy and ensure that this is constantly in line with the Brand strategy
Regular competition shopping to ensure awareness of high street trends
Key Experience, Skills and Abilities
Experience as a Footwear Technologist within a retail/manufacturer environment within flat, heel, boots and wide fit areas across fabric, leather and non-leather fabrications.
Knowledge and construction of bags would be advantageous
Commercially aware with a solid understanding of the high street
Conversant with fabric testing as well as fitting and sealing
Can demonstrate initiative, problem solving and negotiation skills
Capability to work in a fast paced, high pressured environment
Excellent communication skills and the ability to converse with a variety of people
Knowledge of working to ethical guidelines
Ref: 101105