Job Description

Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.

The Role

As a Senior Assistant Designer for Womenswear Woven Bottoms, you’ll be at the heart of creating the versatile wardrobe staples our customers love. From sharp, tailored trousers and trendy PU winter staples to breezy summer linens and chic pleated skirts, you will help shape a department that spans every season and occasion.

You’ll work closely with our Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers and Technologists to turn creative concepts into commercially successful products. Whether you’re developing the perfect chino, a high-fashion coord, or a classic wool flannel trouser, your eye for detail will ensure we stay ahead of the trends while maintaining the Next standard of quality.

Our Designers here at Next are always looking forward. Looking for that Next thing, focusing on trend and pushing the boundaries of what we can offer our fantastic customer base. Working as a key part of the critical path; creating new and innovative designs across Womenswear Woven Bottoms.

What You’ll Take On

• Drive Trend Research: Assist in identifying global shifts in silhouettes, fabrications, and washes, ensuring our woven bottoms remain at the forefront of the market.
• Execute Technical CADs: Produce high-quality, detailed 2D CADs and comprehensive technical packs, specifying everything from stitch detailing to hardware and fastenings.
• Maintain Design Agility: Move quickly from initial sketch to production-ready design, ensuring our range reacts to the latest street style and catwalk influences.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner daily with Buying and Merchandising to ensure your designs meet commercial price points and align with the broader seasonal vision.
• Global Development: Participate in inspirational trend trips to global fashion capitals and visit international suppliers to oversee the production process and refine garment construction.
• Sample Management: Manage the end-to-end sampling process, reviewing prototypes for fit, aesthetic, and fabric performance to ensure the final product exceeds customer expectations.

What You’ll Bring

Design Expertise: A deep understanding of womenswear garment construction and a specific experience in woven fabrics.
Commercial Instinct: The ability to spot a trend and adapt it into a "must-have" product that resonates with the Next customer.
Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are essential for creating our industry-leading technical drawings.
Organisational Strength: A proven ability to manage a busy workload, hitting deadlines across multiple product categories without losing your eye for detail.
A Collaborative Mindset: Strong communication skills and a positive attitude when working within a high-energy, multi-functional team.

Portfolios

To help us get a feel for your style, please attach a digital portfolio. We are looking for work that demonstrates a sharp eye for the future of Womenswear Woven Bottoms, showcasing how your designs are commercially viable for Next while highlighting your technical CAD skills and forward thinking design eye!

Note: Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

Sponsorship

Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. For further information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.

At NEXT, we believe the best work happens when there are no barriers to collaboration. That’s why we are a Google-powered workspace From your very first day, you’ll be using the full Google Workspace suite; Docs, Drive, and Meet, to stay connected and move fast.

If your previous experience is rooted in other software suites, don’t worry! We’ll point you to a digital Google toolkit the moment you join, packed with handy guides and insider tips to help you transition smoothly and hit the ground running.

#LI-Onsite

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!