Technical Lead - Footwear

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