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- Tasks: Lead growth strategy for Next, driving revenue and product development.
- Company: Premier apparel manufacturing platform with global operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, private medical care, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape product propositions and influence range direction in a dynamic retail environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in buying or business development with strong relationships at Next.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our client is Sri Lanka's premier end-to-end, full-service apparel manufacturing platform, now with multi-country manufacturing operations. The position requires deep, established relationships within Next's Buying and/or Senior Leadership teams, strong product development and/or design knowledge, a clear understanding of Next's end consumer needs, and an entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently. The successful candidate will act as a strategic partner to Next, shaping product propositions, influencing range direction, and driving sustainable commercial growth by aligning Next's commercial opportunities with the company's areas of expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute the Next account growth strategy, delivering sustainable revenue and margin growth
- Leverage deep relationships with Next's Buying and/or Senior Leadership teams to influence range planning, category expansion, and sourcing decisions
- Apply strong product development and/or design expertise to shape commercially viable product propositions
- Identify and develop new business opportunities, acting with an entrepreneurial, ownership-driven approach
- Marry up Next's commercial opportunities with our areas of expertise to maximise strategic fit and account value
- Collaborate closely with our product development and merchandising teams to deliver end-to-end solutions
- Monitor UK retail, fashion, and consumer trends to anticipate and respond to Next's customer needs
Required Experience, Qualifications & Skills
- Minimum 5 years' experience in one of the following: A Buying role at Next, or A Sales / Business Development role with a strategic supplier to Next
- Deep, established relationships with Next's Buying and/or Senior Leadership teams
- Strong product development and/or design knowledge
- Clear understanding of Next's end consumer, including customer profiles, quality expectations, price architecture etc
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently and take ownership
- Ability to identify and align Next's commercial opportunities with Norlanka's capabilities and expertise
- Strong understanding of Next's buying, product development, and merchandising processes
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and senior stakeholder-management skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Management, Design, or a related field
What We Offer
- High-impact, senior position managing a strategic UK retail customer
- Leicester-based role, with hybrid, flexible working strongly supported
- Competitive remuneration with bonus/incentive scheme linked to performance and account growth
- Private Medical Care
- Generous holiday allowance
Business Development Manager (Next) - Supplier - Leicester (Flex/Hybrid) employer: CVUK
Contact Detail:
CVUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager (Next) - Supplier - Leicester (Flex/Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts within Next or related industries. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your product development skills and successful projects. This will help you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends! Keep an eye on UK retail and fashion trends to discuss during interviews. It shows you're proactive and understand Next's customer needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to connect with us directly, ensuring your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager (Next) - Supplier - Leicester (Flex/Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with Next or similar roles, and showcase your product development skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your relationships with Next's teams and how you've driven growth in previous positions.
Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Spirit: We love candidates who take ownership! In your application, mention instances where you've identified new business opportunities or influenced strategic decisions. This will show us that you have the mindset we're looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at CVUK
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, do your homework on Next and their current market position. Understand their product lines and recent trends in the fashion industry. This will help you tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Leverage Your Relationships
Since deep relationships with Next's Buying and Senior Leadership teams are crucial, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've built and maintained these connections. Highlight any successful collaborations that demonstrate your ability to influence decisions.
✨Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, so come ready with examples of how you've identified and developed new business opportunities in the past. Discuss how you took ownership of projects and drove them to success, showcasing your proactive approach.
✨Align with Their Vision
Be clear about how you can marry up Next's commercial opportunities with your expertise. Prepare to discuss how your product development knowledge can shape viable propositions that meet Next's end consumer needs, demonstrating your strategic thinking.