At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape fabric development and ensure materials are commercially sound and fit for purpose.
- Company: Join a leading fashion retailer with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, profit-related bonuses, and a generous staff discount.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fashion industry by developing cutting-edge fabrics.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in Textile Technology and extensive fabric knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
Responsibilities
- Working closely with a Fabric Sourcer and in partnership with Design and Buying teams, you’ll play a key role in shaping fabric development across all genders — ensuring every material is commercially sound and fit for purpose.
- Develop and maintain technical fabric standards, working within Next’s established requirements while actively looking for smarter, more efficient, and innovative ways of working.
- Ensure fabrics meet performance, quality, and compliance standards, supporting consistent product delivery across all categories and genders.
- Manage and build supplier relationships, working collaboratively to improve consistency, capability, and value.
- Problem-solve at an early stage of development, identifying risks quickly and working with partners to find practical, cost-effective solutions.
- Support continuous improvement, challenging existing processes where appropriate and contributing ideas to improve speed, efficiency, and product outcome.
- Work closely with our Fabric Sourcer, Design and Buying teams, translating creative direction and commercial needs into practical, viable fabric solutions across the range.
Qualifications
- Extensive Fabric Knowledge: A relevant qualification in Textile Technology (or a related field) and a proven track record of managing the technical lifecycle of fabrics.
- A Critical Eye: An exceptional eye for technical detail, allowing you to spot potential performance issues before they reach production.
- Performance Insight: A deep understanding of how fabrics behave.
- Clear Communication: The ability to translate complex technical data into "plain English" for Designers, Buyers, and suppliers.
- Organisation in Motion: The ability to stay grounded and organised during busy periods, managing multiple developments and deadlines simultaneously.
- Solutions-Oriented Mindset: When a fabric fails a test, you use your experience to find a practical, safe, and cost-effective solution.
- Collaborative Spirit: You thrive in a multi-functional team but are equally comfortable working on your own initiative as a senior technical authority.
Sponsorship
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Profit-related bonus based on company performance.
- Management share options.
- Company car or car allowance.
- Private medical insurance.
- Sharesave scheme – make savings from your net pay to buy NEXT shares at a discount.
- Pension – fixed contribution rates from both an employer and employee perspective, with the option for additional voluntary contributions.
- Life assurance.
- Group income protection.
- Wagestream – helping you make the most out of your money.
- Salary finance – offers access to affordable loans repaid through salary, simple savings and free financial education.
- 25% staff discount on most NEXT products – plus discount on other products.
- Direct to work – NEXT orders delivered free to the office for collection.
- VIP sale – early access to the NEXT sale.
- Access to NEXT staff shops.
- Octopus energy – like cycle-to-work, but for electric vehicles.
- Free parking (excluding London locations).
- Travel2NEXT – bus services dependent on location.
- On site dining facilities (excluding London locations).
- National and local discounts on goods and services, including discounted cinema tickets.
- Wellhub – includes access to discounted gym membership.
- Simply Health – a healthcare subscription service.
- Aviva Digicare Workplace+ healthcare service – 7 free services including Digital GP appointments and an annual health check.
- Onsite GP – Leicester Head Office.
- Onsite Physio – Leicester Head Office.
- A range of dedicated 3rd party wellbeing partners.
- Free eye testing – voucher to use at specific locations.
Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
EEO and Accessibility
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, please email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line) or call 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
Fabric Technologist - The Set employer: Next
At NEXT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Fabric Technologist, you'll benefit from flexible working hours, extensive professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, profit-related bonuses, and generous staff discounts. Our supportive culture encourages continuous improvement and values your contributions, making it a rewarding place to grow your career in the heart of Leicester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fabric Technologist - The Set
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at NEXT or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your fabric knowledge! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience with different fabrics and how you've tackled challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to fabric technology. Think about how you can translate complex technical details into simple terms, as this is key for working with designers and buyers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and ready to contribute to innovative fabric solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Fabric Technologist - The Set
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Fabric Knowledge:Make sure to highlight your qualifications in Textile Technology and any relevant experience you have. We want to see how your extensive fabric knowledge can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When explaining your past experiences, use plain English to describe complex technical data. We love clear communication, so make it easy for us to understand your skills and achievements.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in fabric development. We’re looking for a solutions-oriented mindset, so let us know how you’ve found practical and cost-effective solutions in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Know Your Fabrics
Brush up on your fabric knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss different types of fabrics, their properties, and how they perform in various conditions. This will show that you have a solid understanding of the technical aspects required for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice translating complex technical data into simple terms. You might be asked to explain how a specific fabric meets performance standards or how it can be improved. Being able to communicate effectively with non-technical team members is crucial.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past challenges you've faced in fabric development and how you resolved them. Highlight your solutions-oriented mindset and your ability to identify risks early in the process. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with designers and buyers to achieve common goals, showcasing your ability to thrive in a multi-functional team.
