Womenswear Designer

NEXT Retail Ltd.; Leicester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK retailer is seeking a creative Designer for their team, focusing on Formal Jersey for a 12-month maternity cover. This role involves leading product ranges from design direction to managing an Assistant Designer. Candidates should have a solid background in Formal Jersey design and proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator. The workplace emphasizes growth, collaboration, and a harmonious work-life balance, making it an ideal fit for passionate design professionals.

Qualifications

• Solid background in Formal Jersey design (Womenswear or Girlswear).
• Experience managing others or working within a retail/supplier environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead creativity in Formal Jersey product ranges.
• Translate global trends into accessible collections.
• Set design direction and manage an Assistant Designer.

Skills

Formal Jersey design expertise

Proficiency in Photoshop

Proficiency in Illustrator

Technical skills for creating tech packs

Team player mindset

Job description

Overview

The role

Location: Next Head Office | Pattern: 5 Days On-site (Flexible 8am – 6pm).

We’re looking for a creative, high-energy Designer to join our team for a 12-month maternity cover. If you have a passion for formal jersey and a knack for turning a brief into the next "must-have" piece, we’d love to meet you.

Responsibilities

• As our Formal Jersey specialist, you’ll be the creative force behind our product ranges.
• You’ll move fast and think big, translating global trends into wearable, budget-friendly collections.
• From setting the design direction to managing an Assistant Designer, you’ll play a key role in delivering both our project collections and our main range.

What you’ll bring

• We need a team player who is as technical as they are creative.
• You’ll have a solid background in Formal Jersey design (Womenswear or Girlswear) and be an absolute pro in Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Because you’ll be working closely with our Buyers, Tech teams, and manufacturers, you should be confident in creating detailed tech packs and briefing factories.
• If you have experience managing others or working within a retail/supplier environment, even better!

Note: To be considered, please ensure you include an updated digital portfolio with your application.

How to Make Your Portfolio Shine at Next

We know how much work goes into a portfolio, and we want to see yours at its best! Because this role is focused on Womenswear Formal Jersey, here are a few tips to help your application stand out:

• Showcase Your Jersey Skills: Highlight your ability to work with drape, stretch, and structure. We love seeing how you handle the specific challenges of formal jersey.
• The "Behind the Scenes": Don’t just show us the final garment. Include a few examples of your tech packs and factory briefs. This shows us you understand the technical journey from sketch to store.
• Trend & CAD Mastery: Include your latest trend boards and show off your Photoshop and Illustrator skills. Clean, clear, and creative CADs are exactly what our team looks for.
• Commercial Flair: Show us that you understand the Next customer. We’re looking for designs that are aspirational yet wearable and budget-conscious.

Keep it Digital: Ensure your portfolio is in a digital format (PDF or a website link) and that any links are open access so our hiring managers can jump straight in.

Why Next?

At Next, we are more than just a retailer; we are a community of creatives. Our culture is fast-paced and collaborative, but we always make time for learning and development, giving you the space to grow your skills and progress your career. We believe in "Work-Life Harmony," ensuring you have the support and flexibility to be your best self, both in and out of the office. If you’re looking for a place where your design talent is valued and your professional growth is a priority, you’ll fit right in.

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.

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