Overview
Based in the Womenswear Non Clothing department, this role is essential to help achieve the best quality and consistency across the various product areas. Those product areas include knitted products including jumpers, tanks, fur gilets, cardigans and jackets, woven kimonos, dresses, sarongs and tops as well as other products such as hats, gloves, scarfs, socks, hosiery and pet accessories.
Reporting into the Product Technologist, the Assistant Technologist works closely within the whole Product team of Buyers, Merchandisers and Designers.
Responsibilities
* 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.
* Own 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.
* Work with the Sustainability & Compliance team to drive business sustainability targets and eliminate the risk of hazardous substances in the manufacturing process.
* Monitor returns and communicate with the warehouse and suppliers regarding quality issues.
* Advise the customer service team on product-related complaints.
About You
* 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.
About Us
You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
About The Team
* 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_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
Industries
* Retail
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