Gary Skillen
Middleton,Manchester
Summary
Highly experienced Footwear Technologist with over 40 years in the footwear and accessories industry. With expertise across product development, pattern cutting, technical engineering, and quality assurance. Demonstrates deep knowledge of footwear construction, fit, and manufacturing processes gained through long-term roles with leading UK retail and manufacturing organisations. Reliable, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering high-quality products
Overview
49
49
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Product Technologist - Footwear
JD Williams/N Brown Ltd
Manchester
2012.01 - 2026.02
- Responsible for technical development for Mens and Ladies younger footwear ranges.
- Ensured product quality, fit consistency, and compliance with standards
- Engaged with manufacturers to ensure compliance with established quality benchmarks.
- Collaborated with suppliers and internal teams to resolve technical issues
- Contributed to product innovation and continuous improvement
- Suggested modifications in design after inspecting prototypes which resulted in better final products.
Footwear Technologist
Shop Direct Ltd
Liverpool
2009.02 - 2011.09
- Directed quality and fit standards for Mens and Childrens product lines to maintain consistency and meet customer expectations.
- Coordinated technical footwear development with buying team and overseas offices to ensure timely production.
- Reviewed overseas stock inspections to ensure only compliant items reached distribution, enhancing product reliability.
Footwear Technologist
Grattan PLC / Otto UK
Bradford, West Yorkshire
1996.06 - 2009.01
- Developed technical specifications for footwear, implementing quality control measures to enhance product quality.
- Defined quality guidelines and criteria to adhere to company standards.
- Maintained consistency across ladies footwear product ranges for Grattan and Kaleidoscope brands, ensuring alignment with brand standards.
- Provided technical expertise to support design and buying teams, facilitating effective collaboration and product development.
Footwear Technician
Peter Black International Ltd
Keighley, West Yorkshire
1995.02 - 1996.06
- Collaborated daily with footwear technologists and technical managers, ensuring accurate fit sample evaluations.
- Participated in weekly fit meetings at Marks and Spencer to ensure timely gold seal approval.
- Conducted customer store visits to train staff on effective footwear fitting techniques, improving customer satisfaction.
- Collated and monitored wearer trails to track performance and outcomes.
- Transitioned from manufacturing to international import division, enhancing global supply chain operations.
Pattern Cutter/Design Assistant /Fitting Engineer
Peter Black Footwear & Accessories Ltd
Keighley, West Yorkshire
1981.05 - 1995.02
- Progressed from design through to multiple technical roles.
- Acquired specialised skills in pattern cutting and footwear manufacturing processes in pattern cutting and cement lasted, Direct Injection Moulded and Vulcanised footwear constructions.
- Conducted fit trials in-house and at local nurseries to assess product fit in-house and at local nurseries to identify and resolve technical production challenges.
- Liaised with German and Italian suppliers to guarantee sole moulds met precise manufacturing specifications.
Footwear Operative
Millers (Great Yarmouth) Ltd
Cockermouth, Cumbria
1977.06 - 1981.01
- Developed hands-on skills in footwear manufacturing processes to enhance production quality.
- Mastered operational techniques across various production processes to optimise workflow.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve demanding production deadlines, ensuring timely delivery of products.
Education
Derwent Secondary School
Cockermouth 1973.09 - 1977.06
Workington Technical College (Day Release)
Workington, Cumbria.Accrington & Rossendale College (Day Release)
Rawtenstall, Lancashire.Skills
- Footwear design principles
- Footwear construction
- Footwear fitting techniques
- Mould design optimisation
- Manufacturing troubleshooting
- Regulatory compliance
- Quality focus
- Product knowledge
- Documentation creation
- Technological aptitude
- Attention to Detail
- Effective collaboration
Certification
- City & Guilds Basic Certificate in Footwear.
- City & Guilds Higher Certificate in Footwear.
- BTEC National Certificate in Footwear.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Product Technologist - Footwear
JD Williams/N Brown Ltd
2012.01 - 2026.02
Footwear Technologist
Shop Direct Ltd
2009.02 - 2011.09
Footwear Technologist
Grattan PLC / Otto UK
1996.06 - 2009.01
Footwear Technician
Peter Black International Ltd
1995.02 - 1996.06
Pattern Cutter/Design Assistant /Fitting Engineer
Peter Black Footwear & Accessories Ltd
1981.05 - 1995.02
Footwear Operative
Millers (Great Yarmouth) Ltd
1977.06 - 1981.01
Derwent Secondary School
1973.09 - 1977.06
Workington Technical College (Day Release)
Accrington & Rossendale College (Day Release)