General application

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 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: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

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