Technologist Talent Pool in Enderby

This is an expression of interest for future opportunities, not an immediate hiring vacancy. By applying, you are joining our candidate pool and not applying for a live vacancy. We love seeing enthusiastic applications, and we want to help you make the best decision for your career! We encourage all applicants to self-assess against our key criteria. You’ll thrive in this role if you:

-Have proven experience as a Product/Garment/Fabric Technologist or Assistant Technologist in fashion and/or homeware. -Confident managing the technical critical path from initial concept, risk assessment, and sample approvals through to production. -Proven understanding of industry compliance, legal standards, and factory evaluation processes. -Can demonstrate experience of management or mentoring Assistant Technologist or a Trainee Technologist. The Role We are continually seeking talented technical professionals across all levels to join our talent pool for future opportunities across multiple product divisions within our fashion and home departments. We welcome candidates ranging from ambitious

Trainee Technologists

to driven

Assistant Technologists

and experienced

Technologists. The Technology team at NEXT brings a wealth of knowledge and experience across categories and territories. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to showcase your technical expertise, learn from industry experts, and help shape the future of product quality. Playing a pivotal role across the entire critical path, you will work closely with Design, Buying, Merchandising, and global suppliers to ensure product development meets our strict standards for quality, value, performance, and sustainability. Whether you are starting your career by learning the fundamentals of garment or product construction and fabric or material testing, or overseeing compliance, innovation, and global supply chains, NEXT provides a collaborative environment designed to support your expertise and career progression. What You’ll Take On Depending on your level and specialist discipline (eg: Product, Garment, Fabric, or Home), your day-to-day will involve a combination of:

End-to-End Technical Development:

Planning and managing product development from early design concepts, fabric sourcing, and fit/construction sessions through to final approval and production launch. Quality & Performance Standards:

Risk-assessing ranges, conducting fit/durability evaluations, and requesting and analysing test data to ensure full compliance with safety, performance, and legal regulations. Driving Technical Innovation:

Harnessing new technologies, procedures, and systems (such as 3D digital fitting, Digi Eye, and advanced testing) to drive product elevation and operational efficiency. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partnering seamlessly across Buying, Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Distribution Centres, Stores, and Customer Services to resolve stock, fitting, quality and production escalations. Supply Base & Factory Management:

Building robust supplier relationships, auditing manufacturing facilities, and working directly with overseas partners to ensure quality compliance and delivery timings are met. Sustainability & Policy:

Implementing NEXT corporate strategies, supporting environmental goals, and ensuring compliance with ethics, health and safety, and trade standards. Team Leadership & Operations (role dependant):

Supporting or mentoring; offering guidance, resolving complex issues, and inspiring development.

What You’ll Bring Relevant Qualifications & Experience:

A degree/qualification in a related field (or equivalent hands-on technical industry experience). Technical Expertise:

A thorough understanding of product construction, raw materials, manufacturing processes, and testing standards within your specialist area (e.g., Knitwear, Wovens, Hard Goods, Furniture, or Accessories). Problem-Solving Mindset:

Exceptional attention to detail with an analytical approach to data, root-cause analysis, and mitigating potential production or quality issues early in the critical path. Clear & Proactive Communication:

Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams, present clear technical guidance, and maintain positive supplier relationships. Agility & Drive:

A proactive, flexible approach with high organisational skills to manage multiple priorities and fast-paced trading environments.

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:

. #LI-DNI

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global! 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT) Company performance based bonus Sharesave scheme On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty Early VIP access to sale stock Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops Restaurants with great food at amazing prices Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services Free on-site parking Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change. We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on and leave a voicemail.