Footwear Developer & Quality Controller

SUMMARY:
Job Title:  Footwear Developer & Quality Controller
Location:  Midrand in Johannesburg
Remuneration: Salary depending on qualifications and work experience

Our client, based in Midrand, is looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Footwear Developer & Quality Controller. Will manage the development, approval, and quality assurance processes for footwear and accessories across multiple brands and suppliers.
 
We are looking for your proven experience in Footwear Development, Merchandising, and/or Quality Assurance. Must have a strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing processes, and fit requirements.
 
The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring products meet brand standards, quality requirements, and production timelines while maintaining strong supplier relationships and effective cross-functional communication.
 
The ideal candidate will possess extensive footwear development experience, strong technical knowledge of footwear construction and materials, organizational skills, and advanced proficiency in design and AI-driven product visualization tools.
 
Requirements

• Proven experience in Footwear Development, Merchandising, and/or Quality Assurance.
• Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing processes, and fit requirements.
• Experience managing footwear development from concept through production.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Advanced Adobe Illustrator skills.
• Advanced Adobe Photoshop skills.
• Advanced experience using AI image generation and image editing platforms.
• Ability to create realistic product renderings, colour changes, concept developments, and visual presentations using AI tools.
• Strong organizational, planning, and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication and supplier management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail and quality standards.

POSITION INFO:
Duties & Responsibilities: Product Development Develop seasonal footwear and accessory ranges aligned with brand strategy and market trends. Manage product development from initial concept through sampling and final production approval. Approve colourways, materials, trims, branding applications, packaging, and product specifications. Conduct trend analysis, competitor research, and market reviews to identify opportunities for product innovation. Create and develop product concepts, technical briefs, and development documentation. Utilize AI image generation and image editing tools to create realistic product visualizations, colour modifications, concept developments, and presentation materials. Collaborate with suppliers to ensure product specifications and quality expectations are clearly communicated and achieved. Quality Assurance (QA) Conduct Pre-Production, Pre-Bulk, and Bulk Quality Assurance inspections. Evaluate workmanship, materials, branding applications, sizing, packaging, and overall product construction. Identify, document, and communicate quality concerns to suppliers and management. Monitor corrective action plans and ensure quality issues are resolved effectively. Ensure products consistently meet company quality standards and customer expectations. Assist in reducing recurring quality issues through proactive monitoring and supplier engagement. Supplier Coordination Maintain regular communication with local and international suppliers. Follow up on development samples, approvals, production timelines, and outstanding actions. Ensure suppliers receive accurate branding files, artwork, technical specifications, and packaging requirements. Build and maintain professional supplier relationships. Support negotiations and problem-solving to ensure deadlines and quality standards are achieved. Administration & Reporting Maintain accurate product development trackers and quality assurance records. Update approval logs, inspection reports, and development documentation. Prepare quality summaries, development updates, and management reports. Ensure all product files, approvals, specifications, and records are organized and up to date. Track project milestones and ensure adherence to development timelines. Cross-Department Communication Work closely with Management, Warehouse, Buying, and Quality Assurance teams. Assist with urgent approvals, production decisions, and quality-related matters. Facilitate effective communication between departments to ensure smooth workflow and product delivery. Support onboarding, handovers, and process improvements where required.