Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
The Role
As a Womenswear Sportswear Designer, you’ll be the creative lead behind our high-performance and “athleisure” collections. Your mission is to fuse technical functionality with high‑street style, ensuring our customers look as good in the gym as they do on the go. You’ll make a real impact by developing innovative, movement‑led pieces that balance compression, breathability, and aesthetic appeal.
Working as a key part of our fast-paced critical path, you’ll collaborate daily with Buyers, Merchandisers, and Garment Technologists to push the boundaries of sportswear. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or stepping into a new challenge, Next offers a supportive environment with access to industry-leading trend resources and tailored development to help you master our unique design‑to‑shelf process. Our Designers here at Next are always looking forward. Looking for that Next thing, focusing on trend and pushing the boundaries of what we can offer our fantastic customer base.
What You’ll Take On
* Design Innovation: Research and translate global activewear trends into commercially viable designs, focusing on everything from high‑intensity performance gear to lifestyle recovery wear.
* Inspiration & Research: Travel for inspiration trips and trade shows to identify emerging fabric technologies, silhouettes, and color trends, bringing fresh global perspectives back to the heart of our collections.
* Technical Execution: Create detailed CADs and technical specifications that prioritise movement, fabric recovery, and ergonomic seams.
* Collaborative Development: Work closely with Tech teams to refine fits and with Buying & Merch teams to ensure price points meet our customers' expectations without compromising on quality.
* Trend Mapping: Build cohesive seasonal color palettes and print stories that resonate with the Next woman’s active lifestyle.
* Sourcing & Sustainability: Partner with suppliers to explore new recycled fibers and performance fabrics that align with our commitment to responsible sourcing.
What You’ll Bring
* Activewear Expertise: A deep understanding of performance fabrics (stretch, moisture‑wicking, compression) and the construction methods required for sportswear.
* Trend Intuition: A sharp eye for “what’s next” in the wellness and fitness space, translating catwalk and street‑style influences into wearable retail hits.
* Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for creating high‑quality CADs.
* Pace & Organisation: The ability to stay grounded and productive during busy periods, managing multiple deadlines across the design calendar.
* Communication: A collaborative spirit and the confidence to present your ideas clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
* Portfolio: To help us get a feel for your style, please attach a digital portfolio. We’re looking for work that demonstrates a sharp eye for the future of Womenswear Sportswear, how these can be commercially viable for Next, and showcases your designs and CAD work within this as well!
* Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
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.
Benefits
* Profit‑related bonus – based on company performance
* Management share options
* Private medical insurance
* Sharesave scheme – make savings from your net pay to buy NEXT shares at a discount
* Pension – fixed contribution rates from both an employer and employee perspective, but you’re also able to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) if you wish to save more.
* Life assurance
* Group income protection
* Wagestream – helping you make the most out of your money
* Salary finance – offers access to affordable loans repaid through salary, simple savings and free financial education.
* 25% staff discount on most NEXT products – plus discount on other products
* Direct to work – NEXT orders delivered free to the office for collection
* VIP sale – early access to the NEXT sale
* Access to NEXT staff shops
* Octopus Energy – like cycle‑to‑work, but for electric vehicles
* Free parking (excluding London locations)
* National and local discounts on goods and services – this includes things like discounted cinema tickets
* Wellhub – includes access to discounted gym membership
* Simply Health – a healthcare subscription service
* Aviva Digicare Workplace+ healthcare service – 7 free services including Digital GP appointments and an annual health check
* A range of dedicated 3rd party wellbeing partners
* Free eye testing – voucher to use at specific locations
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