Product Technologist - The Set

Product Technologist
The Set Own Brand
Let's Take it On
£42,000 to £59,000 (depending on experience)
Market Harborough

What is The Set?
The Set, effortless, sophisticated, timeless, affordable pieces. We believe great design should be accessible for everyone, so we have created perfect multipacks and stand alone items, that mix and match effortlessly together so you can curate endless outfits.

The Set is Next's own groundbreaking brand. Our ambitious growth plans are already underway—and now, we’re looking for ambitious people to help us take this momentum to the next level.
Thanks to our success so far with the launch of our Womenswear range, we’re expanding into Menswear and Kidswear. This is your chance to join a team that doesn’t just dream big but delivers bigger.

What we are all about:
Affordable Style
Timeless Essentials
Effortless Trends

Here, you’ll own your vision, take charge of your creativity, and enjoy true autonomy. If you're ready to lead, innovate, and make your mark, The Set is where you belong.

Check out the current range here and for a look behind the scenes click here.

Step into The Set’s brand new Product Tech team! This is your chance to be at the forefront of innovation, shaping a cutting-edge team and crafting its identity from the ground up. You'll be pivotal in defining what’s possible and leave a lasting impact. Here’s how you can make an impact:


Why this role?
We are looking for an experienced Product Technologist to join our team in Market Harborough as we launch The Set, our stunning new range. This is your chance to play a vital role in shaping a brand from the ground up.


What you’ll be doing:
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 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. Minimising returns to maximise profitability.
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: Creating and maintaining 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: Leading 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. Assisting in 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. Supporting the garment or fabric technologists with any system-related tasks or updates.
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.


What we’re looking for:
Experience and Exposure: Previous experience as a Product Technologist or similar role. Familiarity with both garment and fabric technology. Background in fast-paced retail or supplier settings is preferred.
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 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
● Company car or car allowance
● 25 days holiday and the opportunity to buy more
● Contributions into a pension scheme
● Life assurance
● Management shares
● Group income protection
● Private medical insurance
● Sharesave scheme, which allows you to invest in Next and claim your share of our success
● A fantastic cafe, serves you from breakfast, lunch and beyond
● Free parking on-site
● 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


Where will you be working?
This is a full time role based at ‘The Barn’ in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Built in 2020, our teams here benefit from a creative, collaborative and open plan working environment that boasts comfort and exceptional design. It’s truly a great place to work.


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.