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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure top-notch quality in footwear products from development to delivery.
- Company: Join a leading FTSE-100 fashion retailer with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, profit-related bonuses, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and quality in fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in footwear technology and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Based in Enderby, Leicester Head Office. Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office with some flexibility once embedded into the role, with core hours between 8am-6pm.
About the Role
Let’s talk quality… When it comes to UK retail, it’s hard to find a company with a bigger focus on quality. We sell thousands of items an hour and our repeat customer base comes back to us time and time again for our renowned quality products. For anyone in the garment technology field - this is the place to learn, grow, and thrive. Our Product Technology teams work hard to ensure the quality of our Next product is always of the highest standard. Working alongside the Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers and Fabric Technologists; this role is key to the whole product critical path, from start to finish.
Developing the footwear product areas (with experience in womens footwear key to this role); focusing on front end product development, quality, fit and testing/legislative standards, to drive technical innovation and product improvements whilst promoting collaborative and close working relationships within the Product teams. Approving and progressing the range; delivering good quality standards, providing clear and concise written and verbal communication internally and externally; whilst managing the supply base to meet expectations. Managing in season; reviewing product quality throughout season, auditing and utilising information to further improve quality.
About You
A team player and a leader; you will have great people skills too. Using your extensive technical experience and exceptional eye for technical detail. Management experience is ideal as you will likely manage an assistant technologist to deliver great quality in a high profile department. Utilising your qualifications and experience within the industry you will communicate effectively within multi functional teams. You’ll be able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of construction, manufacturing methods and testing/legislation requirements across multiple product categories. You’ll show drive and initiative to generate and implement new ideas in your department.
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.
About Us
You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
About The Team
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, but you're also able to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) if you wish to save more.
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 - this includes things like 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.
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 headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
Footwear Product Technologist in Leicester employer: Next
Contact Detail:
Next Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Footwear Product Technologist in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the footwear industry, especially those who work at Next. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss quality standards, fit, and testing methods in detail. Show us you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you. Apply through our website and keep an eye on new openings. The sooner you apply, the better your chances!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you note. It’s a simple way to show appreciation and keep you fresh in our minds. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Footwear Product Technologist in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Footwear Product Technologist role. Highlight your experience in women's footwear and any relevant technical skills that align with our focus on quality and innovation.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can effectively convey ideas and collaborate.
Highlight Your Technical Expertise: We want to see your extensive technical experience! Be sure to include specific examples of your knowledge in construction, manufacturing methods, and testing standards in your written application.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait around! We encourage early applications as our recruitment process starts as soon as the role is advertised. Head over to our website and get your application in before it’s too late!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Know Your Footwear Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of footwear construction, manufacturing methods, and testing standards. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you have the technical expertise needed for the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Footwear Product Technologist, collaboration is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked within multi-functional teams in the past. Highlight your people skills and any leadership experience to demonstrate that you're a team player.
✨Prepare for Quality Discussions
Since quality is a major focus for the company, be ready to discuss how you've ensured product quality in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've driven improvements and managed quality throughout the product lifecycle.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company's approach to innovation in footwear technology or how they handle challenges in product quality. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
