At a Glance
- Tasks: Design trendy menswear collections that balance comfort and style.
- Company: Join a global design hub at NEXT, a leading British retailer.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, creative environment, and opportunities for travel and inspiration.
- Other info: Collaborative workspace with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fashion innovation while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in jerseywear design and proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
The Role
Next Sourcing is seeking a creative powerhouse to join our in-house global design hub. We are looking for a designer who lives at the intersection of high-fashion innovation and commercial viability. As our Mens Heavyweight Jersey & Loungewear Designer, you will be the architect behind collections that are as wearable and profitable as they are trend setting, capturing the perfect balance of premium comfort, street-influenced silhouettes, and casual style. We’re so much more than just a British retailer. From Istanbul to Shanghai, our Sourcing teams live and work in some of the most iconic cities in the world. They're at the heart of finding, developing and delivering the products our customers love, wear and use every day. Located across the globe, our Next Sourcing teams specialise in all different parts of the sourcing operation, from design and technology to product development.
What You’ll Take On
- Design the Full Mens Jersey & Loungewear Range: Create everything from elevated, premium weight basics to contemporary street-influenced loungewear and technical coordinates, ensuring a cohesive and modern aesthetic.
- Translate Global Trends: Research and filter high-level casualwear and streetwear trends into "must-have" products that are relevant to the NEXT customer and commercially viable.
- Inspirational & Development Travel: Embark on seasonal trips to key global cities for trend inspiration, as well as visiting our international factories and suppliers to oversee fabric development and strengthen manufacturing relationships.
- Drive Rapid Design Cycles: Respond quickly to design briefs with high-energy and precision, producing fast turnaround sketches, CADs, and specs without sacrificing style.
- Balance Cost and Quality: Design intelligently within strict price point guidelines, selecting and developing the right fabric weights (GSM), loops, and finishes to maintain a premium feel at a competitive price.
- Partner with Global Teams: Work daily with Buyers and Sourcing Specialists to align on range plans, and collaborate directly with Suppliers to ensure garment washes, fits, and prints are executed to exact specifications.
- Ensure Timely Delivery: Manage your workflow to meet tight production calendars, moving products from initial concept to "shelf-ready" samples on schedule.
What You’ll Bring
- Jersey & Loungewear Expertise: You have a solid background specifically in jerseywear, with a deep understanding of heavy GSM fabrics, fleece fabrications, rib details, and casual wash finishes.
- Design Software Mastery: Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is essential; you’ll use these daily to create precise tech packs, graphic/placement layouts, and high-quality visual renders.
- Industry Background: You have experience working within a large scale retailer or a high volume supplier, giving you a realistic understanding of the speed and scale at which we operate.
- Team-First Mentality: You possess strong people skills and genuinely enjoy collaborating. You know how to build rapport with buyers, sourcing teams, and factory partners alike.
- Resilience in Busy Moments: You stay organised and level-headed when deadlines tighten, managing multiple collections and fast tracks without losing your creative spark or attention to detail.
- Clear Communicator: You can articulate your design ideas effectively, whether you’re presenting a seasonal concept to a buyer or explaining a construction detail to a supplier.
- Proactive Curiosity: You are genuinely passionate about casual fashion, streetwear culture, and fabric innovation, always on the lookout for new opportunities, whether that’s a new sustainable cotton blend or an improved washing technique.
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 Menswear, 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.
Menswear Designer - Heavyweight Jersey & Loungewear - Next Sourcing 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 Menswear Designer - Heavyweight Jersey & Loungewear - Next Sourcing in Leicester
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Next Careers!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Next Careers.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Next Careers.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Next Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace Menswear Designer - Heavyweight Jersey & Loungewear - Next Sourcing in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Next Careers.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Next Careers!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Next Careers. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
