At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fabric analysis and sustainability initiatives to enhance quality and performance.
- Company: Join Next’s Wholly Owned Brands, known for innovation in fashion and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% off products, flexible working, personal development plans, and exclusive perks.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in sustainable fashion while collaborating with creative teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in fabric technology and sustainability, excellent communication, and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for UK and overseas travel.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location | Head Office, Tottenham Court Road, London
Working style | Hybrid
About the role:
We are looking for an experienced Fabric & Sustainability Technologist. You will take a leading role in ensuring all materials meet the highest standards of quality and performance. The Role will have a focus on Improving Core fabrics and driving Sustainability through setting clear goals to move the business forward. You will be working across our collections at Next’s Wholly Owned Brands, including Lipsy, Love & Roses, Friends Like These and Nothing Ordinary, ensuring we remain innovative and compliant.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct rigorous fabric analysis to ensure quality, compliance, and performance standards are met, through fabric testing and sourcing analysis.
- Drive the continuous development of the sustainability strategy , researching, identifying and implementing new opportunities. Developing detailed roadmaps and delivery plans
- Act as a champion for sustainability within the business, working closely with the wider business, inspiring and educating colleagues on best practices.
- Collaborate closely with design, buying, and technical teams to improve and integrate the best fabric choices into our collections.
- Manage and maintain strong relationships with suppliers , ensuring that our standards are understood and followed, and that fabric requirements are met.
- Encouraging a right-first-time approach , challenging suppliers to improve performance to deliver quality and consistency
- Reviewing and implementing policies with internal and external stakeholders, facilitating training and action plans.
- Manage complex projects from concept to completion.
- Monitor and report on key sustainability metrics , tracking progress and identifying areas for further improvement.
- Stay abreast of industry trends and regulations related to fabric technology and sustainability.
Your Talent..
We're looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about making a positive impact through sustainable fashion practices.
- Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of sustainability and innovation in textiles.
- An excellent communicator , able to articulate complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
- Highly collaborative , with the ability to build strong relationships across departments and with external partners.
- Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of fabric manufacturing , including dyeing/finishing, printing techniques and wash processes
- Technically proficient in fabrics, testing, and garment production.
- Process-driven , with a strong understanding of how to plan and effect change within a fast-moving business.
- Proactive and adaptable , thriving in a dynamic and evolving environment.
- Experienced in a similar role within the fashion industry, ideally with a focus on fabric technology and sustainability.
- Able to travel throughout the UK with potential overseas travel when required
What we can do for you..
- 25% off a huge selection of Next, Lipsy, GAP and Victoria's Secret products & 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
- Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through Perks At Work
- We recognise hard work with our company performance-based bonus
- Life Assurance
- Join our Next Sharesave Scheme
- Digital GP Service for help at home
- Lesson the impact with our Annual Travel Card Loan
- Never miss a package and with Direct to Desk delivery
- Bag a bargain at our sample sales
- Hybrid & flexible working across the business to support your work-life balance
- Learn, develop and grow with our personal development plans
- Enjoy more time with friends and family with Early Bank Holiday finishes
- Join in the fun with our year-round office events
Diversity & Inclusion
At Next’s Wholly Owned Brands, we recognise that our differences are what make us who we are. We want people to want to work for us and be their true selves. We are dedicated to attracting and developing a talented team, and recognise that all unique backgrounds and experiences contribute to our future success. We want to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where individuals feel valued and respected, and where people can achieve their full potential and be their very best, whoever they are.
Wellbeing
We believe that wellbeing is having the opportunity to achieve your full potential, cope with day to day pressures, be productive and thrive in all aspects of your life. We encourage a culture that promotes and enables us all to achieve positive wellbeing, by focusing on mental, physical and financial health.
Fabric & Sustainability Technologist employer: Next
Contact Detail:
Next Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fabric & Sustainability Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable fabrics and technologies. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for sustainability, which is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fashion and sustainability sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who share your interests and may provide insights or referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven sustainability initiatives in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with fabric analysis and supplier management will show that you have the practical skills needed for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Next’s Wholly Owned Brands and their current sustainability practices. Being knowledgeable about their collections and goals will allow you to tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Fabric & Sustainability Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in fabric technology and sustainability. Use specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in fabric analysis, sustainability strategies, and collaboration with design and technical teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainable fashion practices. Discuss how your strategic thinking and communication skills can contribute to the company's goals. Be sure to mention any relevant experience in managing complex projects and building relationships with suppliers.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your comprehensive knowledge of fabric manufacturing processes, including dyeing, finishing, and testing. Highlight your ability to monitor sustainability metrics and implement policies effectively, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with Next’s Wholly Owned Brands and their commitment to sustainability. Mention specific initiatives or values that resonate with you in your application, showing that you understand their mission and are aligned with their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for sustainable fashion practices during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to sustainability initiatives in your previous roles, as this will resonate well with the company's values.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your comprehensive knowledge of fabric manufacturing processes, including dyeing, finishing, and testing. Highlight any relevant experience you have in these areas, as it will showcase your technical proficiency and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples that demonstrate your collaborative skills. Be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships across departments and with external partners to achieve common goals.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Research current trends and regulations related to fabric technology and sustainability before the interview. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments will show your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the field.