DescriptionSourcing Assistant - Footwear & AccessoriesKurt Geiger | About UsWe are an inclusive, creative footwear and accessories brand powered by kindness. We want to empower our talent to be confident and true to themselves, the London way. London is our home, our heartbeat, and we draw inspiration from the energy and spirit of the city; its diversity and creativity. For over fifty years our team of in-house shoe and accessory designers have been creating authentic, distinctive designs from our London headquarters. The rainbow is our signature. It represents the good energy and love we have for our community and the many ways we collectively express our individual style. We Are One: For Love | For Diversity | For Change | For Equality | For Kindness For Freedom | For Unity Against RacismWe are looking for an experienced Footwear Technologist, ideally with a background in manufacturing and sourcing of premium women’s footwear and leather goods. A thorough knowledge of footwear development and manufacturing. Has a good awareness of market trends to ensure that the footwear is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.Main DutiesSupport the Sourcing Team by maintaining data regarding supplier quality issues and ensuring that records are maintained and updatedFacilitating raw material and sample testing and communicating the results to internal stakeholdersHelp to collate the data on leather sourcing and volumes to provide the Leather Working GroupBecoming familiar with compliance and regulations to ensure that the necessary processes and documentation is followed and in order and records are keptAccessing the internal order tracking system to advise on Head of Sourcing on shipment schedules, so the resources in Asia can be applied to the right factoriesFollow up with the distribution centres in the UK, Europe and the US to ensure that any sample to illustrate issues are being sent to HQ and the suppliersSupport cost negotiations & work closely with brand partners to ensure prices and margins are achievedWork proactively with the UK team and Asia Supply Chain team to take appropriate action on production schedules and material approvalsSend samples off for testing and following up on quality related issuesBuild cross-functional team relationships to confidently communicate information regarding supply chain related issuesAssist and support the team with day-to-day dutiesRequirementsCarry out regular store visits to report on quality standardsProduct data input on the required systemsComplete seasonal product reports for senior leadership meetingsSupport other departments when cover is neededWhere necessary go on trips with the Buyer and/or Designer to suppliers around the worldLiaise with DC QC team to ensure that products are inspected appropriatelyInvestigate quality issues, find solutions and report findings to the QA Technical managerEnsure emerging issues are resolved quickly and effectivelyEnsuring traceability of confirmation samples into the warehouse is maintained, and that you have an oversight of the DC inspection processEnsure all damaged goods, manufacturing faults, transit damages are processed in an appropriate manner and that all costs are recharged to responsible parties through correct processEnsure international compliance documentation is accessible in the central system to prevent shipping delaysSkillsTechnically trained in footwear fitting and gradingPrevious experience in footwear production or sourcingCan work to tight deadlinesA strong and effective communicatorHas experience in women’s premium fashion footwearInquisitive and confident - enjoys researching and summarising information on ad-hoc projectsProject management skills - the ability to manage multiple areas of work and ensure deadlines are met and work is delivered to a high standardAttention to detail and accuracy essential- the ability to research, understand and relay information on legislation and advise actions as required to the relevant stakeholdersHas a good understanding of leatherHas Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint SkillsBenefitsCompetitive basic salaryPension and life assuranceEnviable discountsGym DiscountsSummer Hours - 3pm Friday finishHalf Day, Pay Day Friday (once per month)RetailTrust supportAnd so much more!If you’re successful, you will work for a business which recognises that amazing people are the key to driving our business forward and fulfil our vision of being the world’s leading multi-channel retailer of luxury branded shoes and accessories. We are a fast-paced business where no two days are the same, so you will need to be adaptable; but we will reward your hard-work, commitment and loyalty with a fantastic benefits package and very real opportunities for progression.We Are One: For Love | For Diversity | For Change | For Equality | For Kindness | For Freedom | Against Racism