At a Glance
- Tasks: Scout global fabric trends and source innovative materials for menswear.
- Company: Join NEXT, a leading fashion retailer with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive onboarding, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a creative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on menswear by shaping the future of fabric design.
- Qualifications: Experience in fabric sourcing or design, with a passion for menswear.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with flexible core hours between 8am–6pm.
The Role
We are looking for a unique hybrid: a trend-driven textile expert who lives for yarns and textures, but possesses the commercial savvy to source them at scale. As our Senior Fabric Trend & Material Developer, you will sit at the intersection of design and sourcing, interpreting future fabric directions and partnering with global mills to bring them to life for Next! By scouting the globe for the latest fabric developments, you will directly influence the tactile feel, quality, and aesthetic of thousands of Menswear products. You will work hand-in-hand with our fast-paced Menswear Design, Buying, and Technical teams, as well as an established network of global mills. From day one, Next offers a supportive environment with tailored onboarding and peer-to-peer mentoring to help you immerse yourself in our culture, understand our unique customer base, and thrive.
What You’ll Take On
- Scout and Source: Exhaustive research, attend major global trade fairs (e.g., Paris, Shanghai, London Textile Fair), and visit mills to continuously gather inspiration and source new fabrics.
- Drive Trend innovation: Translate global macro-trends into directional menswear fabric concepts, collaborating across Design, Buying, and senior management to pitch and present seasonal material strategies.
- Build Global Networks: Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse base of fabric mills and garment suppliers across multiple regions.
- Ensure Commercial Viability: Partner with product teams to discuss specific fabric requirements, ensuring all sourced materials align with Next's strict quality standards, price points, and delivery timelines.
What You’ll Bring
- Creative Background: Experience as a Designer or Creative Buyer with a natural love for fabric and a passion for bringing material innovation to life.
- Industry Experience: A proven track record in fabric sourcing, design, or development for a UK high street brand, retailer, or garment supplier. We are eager to hear from specialists in Menswear or Womenswear who are excited to apply their expertise to our male apparel divisions.
- Product Aesthetic & Expertise: A deep understanding of fabric types and evolving trends, with a sharp eye for how they translate into the contemporary Menswear market.
- Strong Foundations: Ideally, a degree in Woven Textiles (or a related discipline) paired with an established mill network.
- Communication & Influence: The ability to communicate ideas clearly and passionately, building trusted relationships with both internal teams and external global suppliers.
- Organisation & Adaptability: Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple seasonal deadlines at once, alongside a genuine passion for trend research and international travel.
Portfolios
To help us get a feel for your style, please attach a digital portfolio to your application. We’re looking for work that demonstrates a sharp eye for the future of Menswear apparel, how your fabric choices are commercially viable for Next, alongside showcase designs, trend reports, and relevant 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. 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.
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.
Senior Fabric Trend & Material Developer - Menswear in Leicester employer: Next Careers
At Next, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Senior Fabric Trend & Material Developer, you will benefit from tailored onboarding, peer-to-peer mentoring, and the opportunity to collaborate with passionate teams in a Google-powered workspace. With a focus on employee growth and innovation, we encourage you to explore global trends while enjoying the flexibility of core working hours in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Fabric Trend & Material Developer - Menswear 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 Senior Fabric Trend & Material Developer - Menswear 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!
