At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative footwear and accessories from concept to production, ensuring quality and performance.
- Company: NEXT, a leading fashion retailer with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, dynamic office environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with access to Google Workspace tools for seamless teamwork.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and shape the future of exciting brands in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's footwear and a passion for product development.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm. Based between Alfred Place, London and The Barn, Market Harborough.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role across two growing areas of the NEXT business – The Set and Licensed Brands. The Set is NEXT's own contemporary brand, built around effortless, sophisticated, timeless and affordable pieces. Alongside this, our Licensed Brands business continues to grow, working with some of the UK's best-known brands across childrenswear, womenswear and accessories.
Working across both brands, you'll be responsible for developing a broad product portfolio including footwear and accessories, ensuring products meet our high standards for quality, fit, comfort, safety and performance while supporting innovation and commerciality throughout the product lifecycle. This is a varied role requiring someone who enjoys working across multiple product categories, can adapt quickly to changing priorities and thrives in a fast-paced environment. The role will be based across both our London and Market Harborough offices, working closely with Buying, Design, Merchandising, Fabric Technology and our global supply base.
What You'll Take On
- Develop footwear and accessory product areas from concept through to production, driving technical excellence, quality and product improvements across The Set and Licensed Brands.
- Work collaboratively with Product teams to deliver commercially successful products that meet customer expectations for quality, fit, comfort and value.
- Approve and progress product through the critical path by providing clear technical direction, reviewing samples, assessing fit and comfort, monitoring construction, materials and manufacturing methods, whilst ensuring all testing and legislative requirements are achieved.
- Manage supplier performance, building strong relationships to improve technical capability, consistency and product quality.
- Review in-season performance, analyse customer feedback and returns, and use data to drive continuous product improvements and reduce returns.
- Support innovation by identifying opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturing efficiencies and customer value.
What You'll Bring
Whilst experience across footwear is essential, we're not looking for someone who has worked across every product category. More important is a positive attitude, commercial awareness and the agility to learn quickly. You'll have previous experience in children's footwear, with a strong understanding of fit, comfort, construction, testing and legislative requirements. Experience across accessories such as bags, hats, gloves, scarves, socks and sunglasses is desirable, but we're looking for someone who is adaptable, curious and keen to broaden their technical expertise.
This role spans two teams and a number of brands with a diverse product portfolio, so success will come from your ability to build strong relationships, embrace new challenges and confidently apply your technical knowledge across multiple product categories. You'll be collaborative, resilient and solutions-focused, with excellent communication skills and the confidence to influence cross-functional teams and suppliers.
Your Team
Our Product Technology teams have a wealth of knowledge and experience across multiple product categories and territories. This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your technical expertise across both footwear and accessories while working alongside experienced product teams within two exciting and growing brands.
If you're looking for a varied technical role where no two days are the same, enjoy building strong relationships and want to help shape the future of two ambitious brands, we'd love to hear from you.
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.
If your previous experience is rooted in other software suites, don’t worry! We’ll point you to a digital Google toolkit the moment you join, packed with handy guides and insider tips to help you transition smoothly and hit the ground running.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Technologist, Footwear and Accessories 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 Product Technologist, Footwear and Accessories 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!
