Vacancies

Role: Technical Lead – Footwear

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: 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)

INDKTT

Contact information

Angela Bailey