Footwear Technologist – Carvela

We are looking for an experienced Footwear Technologist, ideally with a background in manufacturing and sourcing of premium women’s footwear and leather goods. A thorough knowledge of footwear development and manufacturing. Has a good awareness of market trends to ensure that the footwear is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Main Duties

• Support the Sourcing Team by maintaining data regarding supplier quality issues and ensuring that records are maintained and updated
• Facilitating raw material and sample testing and communicating the results to internal stakeholders
• Help to collate the data on leather sourcing and volumes to provide the Leather Working Group
• Becoming familiar with compliance and regulations to ensure that the necessary processes and documentation is followed and in order and records are kept
• Accessing the internal order tracking system to advise on Head of Sourcing on shipment schedules, so the resources in Asia can be applied to the right factories
• Follow up with the distribution centres in the UK, Europe and the US to ensure that any sample to illustrate issues are being sent to HQ and the suppliers
• Support cost negotiations & work closely with brand partners to ensure prices and margins are achieved
• Work proactively with the UK team and Asia Supply Chain team to take appropriate action on production schedules and material approvals
• Send samples off for testing and following up on quality related issues
• Build cross-functional team relationships to confidently communicate information regarding supply chain related issues
• Assist and support the team with day-to-day duties

• Carry out regular store visits to report on quality standards
• Product data input on the required systems
• Complete seasonal product reports for senior leadership meetings
• Support other departments when cover is needed
• Where necessary go on trips with the Buyer and/or Designer to suppliers around the world
• Liaise with DC QC team to ensure that products are inspected appropriately
• Investigate quality issues, find solutions and report findings to the QA Technical manager
• Ensure emerging issues are resolved quickly and effectively
• Ensuring traceability of confirmation samples into the warehouse is maintained, and that you have an oversight of the DC inspection process
• Ensure all damaged goods, manufacturing faults, transit damages are processed in an appropriate manner and that all costs are recharged to responsible parties through correct process
• Ensure international compliance documentation is accessible in the central system to prevent shipping delays

Skills

• Technically trained in footwear fitting and grading
• Previous experience in footwear production or sourcing
• Can work to tight deadlines
• A strong and effective communicator
• Has experience in women’s premium fashion footwear
• Inquisitive and confident – enjoys researching and summarising information on ad-hoc projects
• Project management skills – the ability to manage multiple areas of work and ensure deadlines are met and work is delivered to a high standard
• Attention to detail and accuracy essential- the ability to research, understand and relay information on legislation and advise actions as required to the relevant stakeholders
• Has a good understanding of leather
• Has Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Skills

Benefits

• Competitive basic salary
• Pension and life assurance
• Enviable discounts
• Gym Discounts
• Summer Hours – 3pm Friday finish
• Half Day, Pay Day Friday (once per month)
• RetailTrust support
• And so much more!

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