Assistant Designer - Textiles (Bedding) in Leicester

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

The Role: As our new Assistant Designer for Bedding, you’ll be the creative engine behind the sleep spaces our customers love. Your mission is to help translate global interior trends into commercial, high-quality bedding ranges that balance style with the comfort Next is known for. At Next, we don’t just hand you a sketchbook and walk away. You’ll receive hands-on mentorship from industry experts and access to the latest CAD software and trend resources to sharpen your skills. We offer a structured induction and ongoing development to help you progress your career within our fast-paced Home Textiles team. Our Designers here at Next are always looking forward, focusing on trend and pushing the boundaries of what we can offer our fantastic customer base.

What You’ll Take On:

• Design Development: Support the design process by creating innovative bedding concepts, from initial artworks to final CADs, ensuring they align with the Next Home aesthetic.
• Trend Research: Monitor global catwalks, interior trade shows, and social trends to help identify the 'next big thing' in colors, fabrics, and patterns.
• Range Building: Work alongside Buyers, Merchandisers & Technologists to build balanced, commercially viable ranges that meet both price points and quality standards.
• Sample Management: Take ownership of the sampling process, reviewing lab dips and strike-offs to ensure color accuracy and print quality.
• Collaboration: Liaise daily with overseas suppliers and internal teams to ensure design specifications are clear and production stays on track.

What You’ll Bring:

• Relevant Experience: Previous experience working in a design role for a similar-sized high street retailer or a fast-paced supplier environment, giving you a solid understanding of high-volume production.
• Handwriting: Strong and varied Pattern handwriting is essential.
• Creative Flair: A strong passion for home interiors and an instinctive feel for color, pattern, and fabric composition.
• Technical Skill: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and Illustrator) to produce high-quality CAD work and technical packs.
• Commercial Awareness: An understanding of the Next customer and the ability to design products that are both aspirational and affordable.
• Agility & Organisation: The ability to stay calm and organised in a high-energy environment, managing multiple deadlines without losing your attention to detail.
• Communication: A proactive approach to teamwork, with the confidence to share your ideas and take on feedback.

Portfolios: 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 Bedding and Home Textiles, how these can be commercially viable for Next, and showcase your designs and CAD work within this as well! 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.