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Head of Footwear Testing required for a leading test and research organisation based in Kettering, Northamptonshire. This well-established and respected company provide specialist laboratory and testing services to a range of industry sectors within the UK and worldwide.
The Head of Footwear Testing will be responsible to lead and inspire the Footwear Testing team to deliver and exceed budgetary and customer expectations whilst ensuring compliance with quality standards, enhancing the company’s brand and reputation.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Business generation for the department to maintain/increase market share
- Lead and inspire the Footwear Testing and Innovation teams
- Contribute to, maintain and execute coordinated sales, marketing and business development plans
- Ensure the Footwear Testing team continues to offer current information, support and guidance to members
- Develop and maintain a lean culture of continuous improvement
- Ensure effective personal development plans are in place for the team to develop to their full potential
- Represent the organisation to external contacts, including members, non-members, governmental and NGO
- On time completion of Spotlight/Bulletin articles
- Maintain an appropriate UKAS scope and extend where necessary
- Be aware of serious implications of deficiencies in this area and ensure team observes the same
- Departmental Quality Management systems and documentation to be up to date and in order
- Ensure Health & Safety compliance
- Support overseas sites
Applications are invited from candidates with the following background / experience:
Essential:
- Demonstrable experience of leading and inspiring/motivating a team
- Demonstrable success in business development and experience of working to budgetary requirements
- Comprehensive understanding and empathy with related industries - particularly Footwear
- Extensive knowledge of footwear constructions and manufacturing techniques
- Ability to liaise, network and interact culturally and technically with senior industry figures internationally
- Strong interpersonal skills, able to build rapport with team members at all levels
- Inspirational, approachable, compassionate and diplomatic and ability to effectively delegate
- Very well organised and efficient with excellent attention to detail
- Technical background with ability to comprehend complex technical testing standards
- Able to strategically plan for departmental development
- Able and willing to travel
Desirable:
- Experience in footwear manufacturing or sourcing
- Leadership qualification
- Experience of travelling
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working hours - 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday
- 25 to 30 days (service related) annual leave plus bank holidays
- Life Assurance
- Group Personal Pension Plan
- Income Protection
- Free parking
The position of Head of Footwear Testing offers a great opportunity to join an independent company involved in laboratory test and research with technical facilities in the UK, Europe and China.
Further information and salary details available on application.
