At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the design team in creating stylish loungewear and nightwear collections.
- Company: Join Next Sourcing, a leader in fashion innovation and design.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a creative environment with potential for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative workspace with opportunities for industry travel and trend research.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fashion for Next customers.
- Qualifications: Experience in design or related fields, strong CAD skills, and a passion for fashion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: 5 days a week onsite, with core hours between 8am to 6pm. Ideal Start Date: October 2026.
The Role: As an Assistant Womenswear Designer (Loungewear & Nightwear) at Next Sourcing, you will play a key supporting role in shaping the visual and aesthetic identity of our upcoming collections. This is a fast-paced, highly creative 12-month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) with an ideal start date in October, where your day to day contributions will directly support what lands on the high street.
Working alongside our Designers and collaborating closely with in-house buying, sourcing, and supplier teams, you will help turn emerging global trends into commercial, elevated products that resonate deeply with the Next customer. Next Sourcing are at the heart of finding, developing, and delivering the products our customers love, wear, and use every day.
What You’ll Take On:
- Support Concept Creation: Assist the design team in developing original concepts across Loungewear and Nightwear, reacting quickly to briefs and helping to prepare fast-turnaround, commercial range options.
- Trend & Colour Research: Gather global fashion trends, fabrications, and colour palettes to assist in building trend boards and inspiration for elevated, cosy, and stylish products tailored to the Next customer.
- CAD & Print Preparation: Produce clear, accurate CADs, technical flat drawings, and artwork files using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, applying hand painting techniques where needed to support unique print and graphic development.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise daily with buyers, sourcing teams, and external factories to track sample development, update tech packs, and help ensure collections hit critical path deadlines.
- Sample & Range Management: Assist in preparing range presentations, managing sample fits and sign offs, and keeping sample rooms organised to support both core line development and capsule projects.
- Industry Travel: Travel to supplier visits, fabric fairs, and trend research trips as required to source inspiration and build relationships with manufacturing partners.
What You’ll Bring:
- Design Aesthetic: A beautiful, feminine yet cool design handwriting with a strong eye for comfort and contemporary style.
- Relevant Experience: Previous experience (through internships, placement years, or entry-level roles within a retailer or supplier) supporting Loungewear, Nightwear, or related apparel design.
- Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, with solid CAD skills to bring garment shapes and artwork to life.
- Communication & Teamwork: A proactive, collaborative attitude with clear communication skills to work effectively with designers, buyers, and factory contacts.
- Organisation & Drive: Exceptional organisation, great attention to detail, and the resilience to stay focused and adaptable in a fast-paced retail environment.
Portfolios: 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 Nightwear & Loungewear, how your ideas can be commercially viable for NEXT, and showcases your direct design and CAD work. 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.
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.
Assistant Designer - Womenswear Nightwear & Loungewear - Next Sourcing - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract in Leicester employer: Next Careers
At Victoria’s Secret, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and passion for customer service thrive. Our Sales Associates enjoy flexible shifts, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment, all while being part of a globally recognised brand that values creativity and innovation. Located in Exeter, our store provides a unique chance to engage with customers in a dynamic setting, making every day rewarding and enjoyable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Designer - Womenswear Nightwear & Loungewear - Next Sourcing - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract in Leicester
✨Get in with Local Boutiques
Fashion isn't just about the big names; local boutiques are often on the lookout for temporary staff, especially during busy seasons. Pop in with your CV and a smile, chat with the staff, and show genuine interest – it can lead to an on-the-spot opportunity or, at the very least, a good contact!
✨Leverage Fashion Events
Fashion shows and local events are goldmines for networking. Attend as many as you can! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, designers, or even models – you never know who might have a lead on temporary roles that aren't advertised yet.
✨Utilise Social Media Like a Pro
Follow brands and influencers in the fashion-apparel industry on social media. Engage with their content and stay updated on their hiring announcements. Many companies post about temporary positions on their Instagram or Twitter, so keep your eyes peeled!
✨Check Out Our Site for Temp Roles
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for temp roles at companies like Next Careers. We regularly update our listings, and your best shot at landing something is to jump on it as soon as it drops – so keep checking!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Designer - Womenswear Nightwear & Loungewear - Next Sourcing - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style:In the fashion-apparel world, creativity and personal style are key! Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique take on fashion—add a touch of personality, maybe even a mood board if you’re feeling adventurous. This is your chance to show how you’d fit into Next Careers's vibe!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, experience is everything. If you've worked in retail, styling, or even as a personal shopper, make sure to highlight that in your application. We want to see how your past experiences can benefit Next Careers during this short-term stint!
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:If you’ve got a portfolio—whether that's photos of your styling or designs—attach it! We love to see what you're capable of. It’s a great way to stand out, especially in temporary roles where you might need to make a quick impact at Next Careers.
Emphasise Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require juggling different tasks and adapting to changing needs. In your application, mention instances where you’ve showcased flexibility and quick learning. Showing that you’re ready to jump right in will surely catch our eye at Next Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Show Off Your Style
In the fashion-apparel world, your personal style can speak volumes. Make sure to express your fashion sense in your outfit and show off any unique pieces that represent your style while keeping it professional. This gives the interviewers a glimpse of your creativity and flair.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
For a temporary role, it'll be essential to demonstrate your skills quickly. Have a well-curated portfolio that showcases your previous work, whether it's designs, styling, or merchandising. Be prepared to talk through your thought process and the impact your work has had in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Trend Talk
Expect questions about current fashion trends and how they relate to the brand Next Careers. Being able to discuss recent runway looks, sustainable practices, or trending colours will show your knowledge of the industry and that you’re up-to-date with what's happening in fashion.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
In a temporary position, demonstrating that you can hit the ground running is key. Share experiences from previous roles where you've quickly adapted to new trends or tackled fast-paced environments. Your ability to be flexible shows that you're ready to contribute from day one!
