Product Technologist: Footwear at Ackermans

• We’re looking for a passionate Footwear Product Technologist who loves shoes as much as we do! Someone who is driven to deliver great value and exciting new products to our customers.
• In this role, you’ll bring technical expertise to our footwear range - supporting product development, elevating quality, and ensuring every pair meets our standards while aligning to our product strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with Buying, Trend & Design and Sourcing teams to continuously improve product performance, consistency and cost efficiency - ensuring we deliver the right product, at the right quality, at the right price for our Customers
• To research, source and develop new and existing Footwear Products in accordance with Company strategy
• To accurately assess products against company standards and specifications in accordance with the critical path to ensure consistent compliance across all departments and suppliers
• To maintain, communicate and issue standards and product specifications
• To review and provide insights regarding necessary product specification adjustments in accordance with Company strategy.

Skills & Knowledge Required

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to resolve technical product and production challenges
• Ability to clearly communicate technical requirements to suppliers and translate complex technical information into practical insights for non-technical stakeholders
• Confident in representing the business in engagements with suppliers, manufacturers and internal stakeholders
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly when reviewing specifications, samples and production outputs
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret test results, identify trends and drive continuous product improvement
• Effective planning, organising and time management skills to manage multiple product cycles and critical path deadlines
• Well-developed interpersonal, networking and relationship-building skills, particularly within a supplier and manufacturing environment
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and verbal, with strong report-writing capability

Technical Knowledge

• Sound understanding of footwear supplier bases and manufacturing capabilities
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and compliance requirements (e.g. Country of Origin Labelling)
• Familiarity with South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) standards and testing requirements applicable to footwear
• Understanding of product technology SOPs, quality standards and best practices across footwear construction and production
• Ability to apply technical knowledge to support product development, improve quality and ensure consistency across footwear ranges

Qualifications Required

Essential:

• Grade 12 Certificate/Matric

Preferred:

• National Diploma in Clothing or Fashion design / Clothing Management OR
• Bachelor Degree in Consumer Science (with specialisation in Clothing Management), OR Other Relevant Tertiary Qualification

Experience Required

• 3-5 years retail experience in Product Technology with broad exposure to Footwear
• OR, 3-5 years manufacturing experience in a Footwear environment