At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative greeting cards, gift wrap, and packaging for memorable gifting experiences.
- Company: Join a leading brand known for creativity and trendsetting in the gifting industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private health insurance, staff discounts, and a profit-related bonus.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship from industry experts and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the creative force behind unique products that bring joy to people's lives.
- Qualifications: Strong illustration skills, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and a keen eye for detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Summary
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
The Role
As our new Assistant Designer for Gifting, you’ll be the creative force behind the moments that matter. Your mission is to design and develop everything from standout greeting cards and luxury gift wrap to innovative packaging and unique gift products. Working at the heart of our Gifting & Stationery team, you will translate global lifestyle trends into commercial, "must-have" ranges that make Next the ultimate destination for thoughtfulness. You’ll collaborate closely with senior designers, buyers and merchandisers to turn initial concepts into reality, supported by hands‑on mentorship from industry experts. Our designers here at Next are always looking forward, seeking the 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, you will create a new and innovative print and pattern designs for our bedding range.
Responsibilities
- Create original artwork and illustrations for greeting cards, gift wrap, and stationery ranges, with a heavy focus on innovative print and pattern.
- Develop 3D packaging concepts that enhance the unboxing experience through innovative structure and graphics.
- Produce detailed CADs and technical specifications, including call‑outs for special finishes such as foils, embossing, and sustainable materials.
- Attend inspiration trips and trade shows to stay ahead of the curve, bringing back fresh ideas to influence our seasonal collections.
- Collaborate with Buying and Sourcing teams to ensure all designs are commercially viable and delivered to a high standard.
Qualifications
- Creative Flair: A versatile portfolio showcasing strong skills in illustration, typography, and a sophisticated eye for print and pattern design.
- Technical Proficiency: High competence in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Organisation: The ability to stay calm under pressure and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Attention to Detail: A meticulous eye for colour matching and preparing precise, print‑ready design files.
- Commercial Mindset: An understanding of the Next customer and a willingness to translate concepts into commercially viable products.
Portfolio’s: To help us get a feel for your style, please attach a digital portfolio. We’re looking for work that demonstrates a sharp eye for the future of gifting, stationery and packaging, showcasing how your original print designs and CAD work can be commercially viable for Next. 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.
Benefits
- Profit‑related bonus – based on company performance.
- Private health insurance – surgery choices.
- Sharesave scheme – help you save from your net pay to buy NEXT shares at a discount.
- Pension – fixed contribution rates from both employer and employee, with voluntary contributions available.
- 25% staff discount on most NEXT products and other items.
- Wagestream – helps you make the most out of your money.
- Salary finance – offers affordable loans repaid through salary, simple savings and free financial education.
- Life assurance.
- Direct to work – NEXT orders delivered free to the office for collection.
- VIP sale – early access to the NEXT sale.
- Access to NEXT staff shops.
- Octopus Energy – subscription like cycle‑to‑work for electric vehicles.
- Free parking (excluding London locations).
- National and local discounts on goods and services – including cinema tickets.
- Wellhub – access to discounted gym membership.
- Simply health – a healthcare subscription service.
- Aviva Digicare Workplace+ – 7 free services including digital GP appointments and an annual health check.
- A range of dedicated 3rd party wellbeing partners.
- Free eye testing – voucher for specific locations.
Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
Workplace Adjustments
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long‑term condition, please email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (include "Workplace Adjustments" in the subject line) or call 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
Work Environment
At NEXT, we believe the best work happens when there are no barriers to collaboration. From your first day, you’ll be using the full Google Workspace suite – Docs, Drive, and Meet – to stay connected and move fast.
Assistant Designer - Home - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract employer: Next Careers
At Next, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where creativity thrives. As an Assistant Designer in our Leicester office, you'll benefit from hands-on mentorship, a profit-related bonus, and a generous staff discount, all while contributing to innovative designs that resonate with our customers. With a strong focus on employee growth and well-being, including access to private health insurance and financial education, Next is committed to making your career both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Designer - Home - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially those standout designs that scream creativity. Remember, this is your chance to shine, so pick pieces that highlight your skills in illustration and print design.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry folks on LinkedIn or attend design events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or could put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get inspired!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Familiarise yourself with their style and trends, and think about how your designs can fit into their vision. Show them you’re not just a designer, but a perfect match for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining a team that values creativity and innovation. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Designer - Home - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creative Flair:Make sure your portfolio is packed with your best work! We want to see your unique style and how you approach design, especially in illustration and print. Remember, this is your chance to shine!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to highlight your skills that match the job description. We love seeing how you can bring our gifting concepts to life, so make it personal!
Be Detail-Oriented:Double-check your application for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail, especially when it comes to preparing print-ready files. A polished application shows us you care!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Showcase Your Creative Flair
Make sure to bring your portfolio along and highlight pieces that demonstrate your skills in illustration, typography, and print design. Be ready to discuss the thought process behind your designs and how they align with current trends in gifting and stationery.
✨Know Your Tools
Brush up on your Adobe Creative Suite skills, especially Illustrator and Photoshop. Be prepared to talk about specific projects where you used these tools effectively, and maybe even share some tips or tricks you've learned along the way.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Mindset
Understand the Next customer and be ready to discuss how your designs can translate into commercially viable products. Think about how your creative ideas can meet market demands and enhance the unboxing experience for customers.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
During the interview, showcase your organisational skills by discussing how you manage multiple projects and deadlines. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully juggled tasks while maintaining attention to detail, especially in high-pressure situations.
