Interim Footwear Technologist

Interim Footwear Technologist

3-Month Contract | West London | £300-£500 per day

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.

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.

The Role:

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical & Product Development

• Provide technical support to Buying and Design teams throughout the footwear development process

• Ensure footwear meets functional, comfort, aesthetic, and quality standards

• Technically fit, grade, and approve samples in line with brand requirements

Quality, Compliance & Testing

• Facilitate sample testing and clearly communicate results to internal stakeholders

• Maintain and update records relating to supplier quality issues

• Investigate quality concerns, identify root causes, implement solutions, and report findings to the QA Technical Manager

• Ensure emerging quality issues are resolved quickly and effectively

• Send samples for testing and follow up on all quality-related actions

Production, Costing & Supply Chain

• Support cost negotiations, working closely with brand partners to achieve agreed prices and margins

• Take appropriate action on production schedules and material approvals to maintain critical path

• Build strong, cross-functional relationships to communicate supply chain risks and issues effectively

• Ensure traceability of confirmation samples through to the distribution centre, with oversight of DC inspection processes

• Manage damaged goods, manufacturing faults, and transit issues-ensuring correct processing and cost recovery from responsible parties

Compliance & Documentation

• Become fully conversant with international compliance and regulatory requirements

• Ensure all compliance documentation is accurately maintained within central systems to avoid shipping delays

About You:

• Technically trained in footwear fitting and grading

• Proven experience in footwear production, sourcing, or manufacturing

• Background in fashion footwear, ideally premium women's footwear or leather goods

• Confident working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Strong communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and suppliers

• Inquisitive, solutions-focused, and commercially aware

• Solid project management capability with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Contract Details:

• Contract Length: 2 - 3 months

• Day Rate: Circa £300-£500 per day (dependent on consultancy rate and experience)

• Location: West London

• Brand: Well-known UK high street household name

BH35156