Assistant Technologist - Brands Licensing
Licensing is a growing area within our branded division, where we design, develop, and manufacture products for some of our top brands. Our Licensing team works with an exciting portfolio including Superdry, Paul Smith, Reebok and more brands launching soon.
Our Technologists work hand-in-hand to produce the most creative, on-trend, and high-quality collections season after season. From developing garments to testing fabrics, ensuring compliance, and setting safety and performance standards, no day is ever the same.
Your role:
Working as part of a dynamic and experienced team, this is a fantastic opportunity to support the Licensing department at Next. In this role, you’ll work closely with all our teams.
Supporting Product Development: Assisting in the development of new products from concept to production. Preparing and organising product samples for review and fittings. Working with design and buying teams to ensure products meet both creative and technical specifications. Responsible for supporting the preparation of fitting lists, fit comments, and reports. Monitoring the critical path to ensure all milestones are met and timelines are effective, staying on track from development through to production.
Product Testing and Quality Assurance: Coordinating fabric and garment testing to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards (e.g., performance, durability, and safety). Monitoring and reviewing test results, ensuring any issues are resolved before production. Working with suppliers and factories to rectify any quality issues or non-compliance.
Ensuring Compliance: Ensuring transaction certificates are received from suppliers/factories to verify compliance with sustainability or ethical sourcing standards. Managing compliance with legal and regulatory standards, such as flammability or chemical restrictions. Using systems like NIS or other product management software to track compliance data.
Technical Specifications: Assisting in the creation and maintenance of detailed technical specifications for fabrics, trims, and garments. Updating technical packs and managing all the necessary documentation needed for product manufacturing.
Fit and Construction Analysis: Supporting fit sessions and assisting in the analysis of garment construction, sizing, and fitting. Communicating fit comments to suppliers and ensuring they understand the necessary changes. Liaising with factories to ensure sample improvements and specifications are followed.
Communication with Suppliers: Managing daily communication with suppliers, factories, and manufacturers to ensure technical requirements and timelines are met. Resolving any technical queries that arise during product development and production.
Data Management and Systems: Maintaining records of all fabric and product tests, fit comments, and sample approvals. Using internal systems to input and track product information, such as NIS, BRP or Sharepoint Extranet.
Problem-Solving: Identifying and flagging potential technical challenges and working with the product team to solve these before production. Working to implement product improvements and driving technical innovation where possible.
About you:
Experience and Exposure: Previous experience within product technology, both Garment & Fabric or similar role. Familiarity with both garment and fabric technology. Background in fast-paced retail or supplier settings, ideally involving branded or licensed products.
Technical Proficiency: Skilled in software tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Excel, and Word. Quick adaptability to new systems like NIS and other internal platforms.
Soft Skills and Teamwork: Proactive and positive mindset with a "can-do" attitude. Strong team player with excellent communication skills. Enjoys building cross-functional relationships within teams and across regions.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Comfortable with shifting priorities in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Readiness to take on new challenges as they arise.
Technical Knowledge: Understanding of pattern cutting, fabric testing, and product fitting, enhancing contributions to product development.
Your team:
The Garment Technology team has a wealth of knowledge and experience across territories. This is an ideal opportunity to show us what you can do and to also soak up all the knowledge of those around you.
Your Benefits:
We’ll discuss more of what you’ll get when you work for Next at interview, but here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Profit–related bonus
25 days holiday and the opportunity to buy more
Contributions into a pension scheme
Sharesave scheme, which allows you to invest in Next and claim your share of our success
25% staff discount on most Next products – either in our stores or delivered directly to your desk
National and local discounts on goods and services
A digital GP healthcare service
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.
