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
Salary description
£42000.00 - £42000.00 per year