Assistant Designer - Childrenswear (Older & Younger Boyswear) in Leicester

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

As an Assistant Designer for Boyswear, specialising in Wovens and Jersey, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a dynamic and essential product category. Your primary mission is to capture emerging trends and transform them into stylish, commercially successful products that resonate with our customers.

In this role, your creativity will directly influence the seasonal ranges. You will work closely with a diverse team of Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers, Technologists, and Sourcing specialists to bring concepts to life efficiently and beautifully. Whether you are stepping up your career or bringing solid industry experience, NEXT offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and resources to help you integrate seamlessly into our fast-paced design studio.

• Design Versatile Ranges: Create and support the development of innovative product ranges across both Boyswear Wovens and Jersey.
• Deliver Rapid Turnarounds: Respond swiftly and effectively to design briefs, producing high-quality creative work under fast-paced timelines.
• Gather Global Inspiration: Undertake inspirational travel and market research trips to spot emerging global trends, fabrics, and styling directions to keep our ranges ahead of the curve.
• Translate Trends Commercially: Apply your sharp eye for style and trends to build distinctive, desirable product collections that align with NEXT's brand identity.
• Design to Cost: Creatively work within established price point guidelines without compromising on quality, style, or design integrity.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner closely with designers, buyers, merchandisers, tech teams, sourcing specialists, and global suppliers to deliver ranges on time and to exact specifications.

• Technical Proficiency: Essential, expert-level knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, alongside strong experience creating detailed tech packs and briefing manufacturers.
• Commercial Taste: A great natural taste level and an instinct for trend-spotting, combined with an eagerness to learn, pitch fresh ideas, and support the broader team.
• Industry Experience: A solid background working within a retail or supplier environment is ideal, with preference given to those experienced in dealing with factories and varied brands.
• Collaboration & Spirit: Exceptional teamwork and interpersonal skills are a must-have. You thrive in a highly collaborative, communication-driven environment.

To help us get a feel for your style, please attach a digital portfolio to your application. We are looking for work that demonstrates a sharp eye for the future of Boyswear, how your ideas can be commercially viable for NEXT, and showcases your direct design and CAD work.

Please Note: All applications must include an updated digital portfolio. Applications submitted 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.

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