Assistant Garment Technologist

Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.

The Role
This role is essential to help achieve the best quality and consistency across the various product areas. Reporting into the Product Technologist, the Assistant Technologist works closely within the whole Product team of Buyers, Merchandisers and Designers.

What You’ll Take On

• Help to lead the product technology process from the initial creation of design packs to fitting and issuing detailed technical information and product specifications, to risk assessment and reviewing test reports to ensure compliance with all performance, legal and safety standards.
• Manage suppliers to deliver best quality products and provide feedback. Ensure the supply base is set up for successful bulk production and on-time delivery.
• Actively take ownership of product quality and delivery. Manage and rectify failures, ensure high quality standards are met and maintained.
• Encourage a right-first-time approach, challenge suppliers to improve performance to deliver quality and consistency.
• Engage in product risk assessment, highlight areas of concern and advise technical solutions and product improvements.
• Monitor returns and communicate with the warehouse and suppliers regarding quality issues. Advise the customer service team on product related complaints.

What You’ll Bring

• You’ll be an experienced assistant garment technologist skilled in construction and manufacturing methods (preferably in knitted and/or woven garments as this role covers multiple garment and product types).
• Technical knowledge gained preferably within a fast paced retail or supplier environment.
• Flexible approach to be able to adjust to the constantly changing needs of the business.
• Ability to lead fit sessions and convey technical information clearly in layman’s terms.
• Exceptional eye for technical detail to consistently ensure the correct documentation is used and followed.
• Demonstrate an awareness of current technical innovations within the fashion industry.
• Technical knowledge of knitted and/or woven garment manufacturing and construction methods, fitting and grading.
• Fabric testing/performance standards knowledge would be beneficial as the role will cover multiple different product types but is not essential.
• Highly organised with good prioritisation skills. Confident and clear communication skills, both verbal and written, to build strong relationships with product teams and external suppliers.

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 .

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.

At NEXT, we believe the best work happens when there are no barriers to collaboration. That’s why we are a Google-powered workspace. From your very first day, you’ll be using the full Google Workspace suite; Docs, Drive, and Meet, to stay connected and move fast.

If your previous experience is rooted in other software suites, don’t worry! We’ll point you to a digital Google toolkit the moment you join, packed with handy guides and insider tips to help you transition smoothly and hit the ground running.

#LI-Onsite

• 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 headoffice_[email protected] (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.

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!