Job Description
Role: Technical Lead – Footwear
Location: Kettering, NorthamptonshireHours: 37.5 hours per weekSalary: Up to £42,000 per annum
About the Role
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Technical Lead – Footwear to join a leading testing and technical services organisation based in Kettering.
You will lead and supervise a team of technologists and technicians within the Footwear Testing team, ensuring compliance with quality standards while maintaining high levels of customer service and technical excellence.
This is a key leadership role focused on team development, operational delivery, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced technical environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Daily supervision of Technicians and Technologists
* Team performance management including appraisals, disciplinary and grievance processes
* Managing workflow across the department with a strong customer focus
* Allocating work and agreeing deadlines with team members
* Ensuring effective implementation of quality systems alongside relevant internal stakeholders
* Developing and delivering staff training plans
* Driving continuous improvement initiatives across systems and individuals
* Monitoring departmental KPIs and performance metrics
* Liaising with customers regarding results and new work opportunities
* Drafting and issuing technical reports and responding to customer enquiries
* Delivering presentations, customer meetings, and technical seminars
* Writing technical articles for internal and external publication
* Overseas travel when required
About You
Essential
* Educated to A Level in Maths or Science
* Experience of physical testing techniques
* Proven supervisory or team leadership experience
* Strong organisation and planning skills
* Customer-facing experience with confidence presenting
* Excellent time management and scheduling ability
* Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team
* Highly motivated with strong problem-solving and logical thinking skills
* Willingness to travel internationally
Desirable
* SAFT course completed or working towards completion
* Degree in Maths or Science
* Experience in a commercial testing or laboratory environment
* Full clean driving licence
* Exposure to sales, marketing or business development tools
* Footwear industry experience
Benefits Include
* 25–30 days annual leave (depending on service)
* Life assurance
* Group personal pension scheme
* Income protection
* Free parking
* Flexible working hours
Key Dates
* Closing date: Friday 29th May 2026
* Interview date: Thursday 11th June 2026 (on site, Kettering)
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