At a Glance
- Tasks: Support trend forecasting by researching and analysing emerging fashion trends for Womenswear.
- Company: NEXT, a leading fashion retailer known for its innovative approach.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, dynamic team environment, and opportunities for creative expression.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities to attend industry events and exhibitions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fashion and make a real impact on design and buying teams.
- Qualifications: Strong portfolio in Womenswear, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
Description
Working Pattern
Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
Ideal Start Date
Early December 2026.
The Role
As our Trend Forecasting Assistant (Womenswear), you will be the eyes and ears of the future of fashion at NEXT.
Supporting our Trend Forecaster, you will play a vital role in identifying emerging macro trends, analysing colour, and translating inspiration into commercially relevant insights specifically for our Womenswear design and buying teams.
This is a dynamic, fast-paced role where you will make a tangible difference by helping to shape and articulate the creative direction that defines each season, ensuring NEXT remains ahead of the curve.
You will work closely with cross-functional design and buying teams, acting as a collaborative bridge between raw inspiration and high-street reality.
- What You’ll Take On
- Provide support by conducting extensive trend research to help identify and deliver emerging trends, colour and key items. Key items should be a focal point for each story.
- Monitor global catwalks, street style, retail, and social media to spot early-stage emerging trends.
- Meticulously analyse seasonal catwalks and street style with a focus on key items.
- Collate and compile weekly updates highlighting key fashion shows, cultural moments, and industry news.
- Carry out competitive shop reports across in-store and online and report back findings.
- Focus on key items and in particular quick response items. Working closely with the teams that offer short lead time products.
- Attend industry talks and exhibitions, bringing back actionable insights to share with the wider team.
- Work with the fabric sourcing, be the link with buying teams to help deliver key trends quickly at a good price.
- Track and report on social media trends, including viral hashtags, key films, TV releases, and wider cultural influences.
- Maintain and update the fashion and cultural calendar, tracking upcoming trade shows, exhibitions, key events, and relevant cultural releases.
- Generate inspirational design boards and updating seasonal colour flow charts.
- Become the primary point of contact for all quick response and in-season trend information.
Build strong relationships by working closely with design and buying teams to ensure trend recommendations align with the short lead critical path.
What You’ll Bring
You are highly trend-aware, creatively curious, and commercially minded.
You have a natural ability to connect cultural shifts to real-world product opportunities, thriving in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.
Essential Experience & Skills
- A strong portfolio proving you have a sharp eye for the future of fashion.
- Proven Womenswear experience within a design or trend-focused environment.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (In Design, Photoshop, and Illustrator).
- Excellent visual research and sourcing skills, with sharp attention to detail and styling direction.
- Commercial awareness with a solid understanding of the high street and our competitive landscape.
- Strong organisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, numerous deadlines and cross seasonal information, seamlessly.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills to confidently share ideas with the buying teams.
Desirable (But Not Essential)
- Knowledge of, or curiosity about, generative AI tools and programs.
- Portfolios
To help us get a feel for your style, please attach a digital portfolio to your application. To help you put your best foot forward, we’ve put together a few top tips on what makes a portfolio stand out to our team.
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.
#LI-Onsite
Assistant Trend Forecaster - Womenswear - 12 Month 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 Trend Forecaster - Womenswear - 12 Month 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 Trend Forecaster - Womenswear - 12 Month 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!
