<dt class="rm-fieldTitle">Description</dt><dd class="rm-fieldData"><p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong><span class="" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Interim Footwear Technologist</span></strong></span></p><p class=""><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">3-Month Contract | West London | £300-£500 per day</span></p><p class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">We're working with a well-known, household-name brand, a true staple of the UK high street who are seeking an experienced Interim Footwear Technologist to support the business during a key trading period.</span></p><p class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">This is a 3-month consultancy opportunity suited to a technically strong footwear specialist with hands-on experience in premium women's footwear and leather goods, ideally with a background in manufacturing and sourcing. You'll play a critical role in ensuring footwear is not only beautifully designed, but also functional, comfortable, compliant, and production-ready.</span></p><p><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">The Role:</span></p><p class=""><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Working closely with Buying, Design, QA, and Supply Chain teams, you'll provide technical expertise across the footwear development lifecycle. From sample approval and testing through to production and delivery. This role requires someone confident operating at pace, managing multiple suppliers, and balancing commercial objectives with technical integrity.</span></p><p><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">Key Responsibilities:</span></p><p class=""><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">Technical &amp; Product Development</span></p><ul class=""><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Provide technical support to Buying and Design teams throughout the footwear development process</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Ensure footwear meets functional, comfort, aesthetic, and quality standards</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Technically fit, grade, and approve samples in line with brand requirements</span></p></li></ul><p class=""><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">Quality, Compliance &amp; Testing</span></p><ul class=""><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Facilitate sample testing and clearly communicate results to internal stakeholders</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Maintain and update records relating to supplier quality issues</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Investigate quality concerns, identify root causes, implement solutions, and report findings to the QA Technical Manager</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Ensure emerging quality issues are resolved quickly and effectively</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Send samples for testing and follow up on all quality-related actions</span></p></li></ul><p class=""><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">Production, Costing &amp; Supply Chain</span></p><ul class=""><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Support cost negotiations, working closely with brand partners to achieve agreed prices and margins</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Take appropriate action on production schedules and material approvals to maintain critical path</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Build strong, cross-functional relationships to communicate supply chain risks and issues effectively</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Ensure traceability of confirmation samples through to the distribution centre, with oversight of DC inspection processes</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Manage damaged goods, manufacturing faults, and transit issues-ensuring correct processing and cost recovery from responsible parties</span></p></li></ul><p class=""><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">Compliance &amp; Documentation</span></p><ul class=""><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Become fully conversant with international compliance and regulatory requirements</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Ensure all compliance documentation is accurately maintained within central systems to avoid shipping delays</span></p></li></ul><p><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">About You:</span></p><ul class=""><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Technically trained in footwear fitting and grading</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Proven experience in footwear production, sourcing, or manufacturing</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Background in fashion footwear, ideally premium women's footwear or leather goods</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Confident working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Strong communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and suppliers</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Inquisitive, solutions-focused, and commercially aware</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Solid project management capability with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint</span></p></li></ul><p><span class="" style="font-size: 8pt;">Contract Details:</span></p><ul class=""><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span class="">Contract Length:</span> 2 - 3 months</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span class="">Day Rate:</span> Circa £300-£500 per day (dependent on consultancy rate and experience)</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span class="">Location:</span> West London</span></p></li><li class=""><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span class="">Brand:</span> Well-known UK high street household name</span></p></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">BH35156</span></p></dd>