We have a new opportunity due to the growth of our brands, for an additional Footwear Quality & Technical Manager to join our Head Office Buying Team on a full-time basis (although part-time would be considered). The role will be predominantly based at our York Head Office, working closely with the product, and you will be expected to be on site on a weekly basis with flexibility to travel, including some international trips, when required.
Depending on the background/skill set of the successful colleague, you could be aligned to either the Pavers or Jones Bootmaker brands, taking ownership of quality and technical detail of the ranges.
You will work with the Buying Team on development of new and existing ranges, from the initial samples, all the way through to final delivery. You will be in daily communication with suppliers to ensure all requirements are understood and factories are following design briefs, whilst playing a key role in delivering improvement of fit and extension of ranges. This could include extra fittings and sizes with a focus on leather selection at the key times to improve overall appearance (e.g. long leg boots).
We are looking for a colleague with a background of working with adult footwear types, making amendments to patterns and understanding what the capabilities of factories are, ideally with a SATRA qualification. You will need to have experience of working with factories in Europe, Far East and India, potentially with an expertise in leather and what is appropriate for each type of footwear. A commercial approach to decision making is essential with knowledge of sustainability and recycling in the footwear industry an advantage.
Let’s see what’s in it for you:
* A competitive salary dependant on experience
* Discretionary annual bonus scheme
And that’s not all, working for Pavers comes with so much more to enjoy:
* Generous colleague discount scheme, some of which can be shared with your family and friends!
* Holiday entitlement that increases with service
* Company contribution pension
* Free on-site parking
* Pavers Academy – enter a world of training at your fingertips!
* Pavers Foundation – nominate a cause close to your heart to receive a donation!
* Wellbeing and financial support through RetailTRUST
Want to see a snapshot of your duties?
* Develop new and modify existing lasts and patterns to ensure correct grading and fit
* Test products for mechanical and chemical compliance.
* Complete product risk assessments in conjunction with manufacturers methodology
* Amend patterns to improve fit and realise cost savings
* Complete checks on inbound deliveries to ensure product matches the quality and specification of the orders placed
* Working closely with the Buying Team to make commercial decisions on product quality
* Alert the relevant departments of any problems and deliver solutions
* Question the nature of defects and provide future guidance / solutions to the Buying Team
* Comply with all standards, internal policies and legal regulations that apply to the completed product
* Work with Buying Teams / suppliers and agents to resolve product issues
Here’s what we are looking for in a Footwear Quality & Technical Manager
* Qualified by SATRA or equivalent (or working towards)
* Experience of working with leading footwear brands/footwear retailers
* Previous experience working with factories in Europe, Far East and India
* High attention to detail
* Ability to demonstrate technical knowledge and make commercial decisions
* Personable and able to interact with a wide variety of teams internally and externally
Do you feel this is the role for you? Apply today…