Ready to start your career journey? We have roles with varied start dates. Apply today if you're looking to begin soon or if you're planning for a Summer 2026 start. Don't wait—we're hiring for both!
We are opening our applications for those looking to join us on a full time permanent basis in 2026!
You Will:
* Develop an understanding of the product development process
o Sourcing the right materials
o Negotiating the best cost
o Approving colour, fabric and fit for production.
* Liaise with suppliers from Europe to the Far East to Track samples for selection meetings and production.
* Prepare garments/accessories for selection meetings, trade meetings and online photoshoots.
* Have an awareness of key fashion and market trends by gaining inspiration from a variety of sources
* Use your knowledge of relevant trends to find new product initiatives that you believe are missing from the departments current product offering
* Conduct competitor shop analysis and present findings back to your team to gain an understanding of where Next sits in the market .
* Maintain accurate buying systems
* Work closely with the trainee merchandiser to analyse daily best/ worst sellers and make recommendations
* Maintain an organised department - sample storage and approval library
About You:
* Highly organised, you’ll be able to proactively manage a wide range of responsibilities throughout the development process.
* An exceptional communicator who is confident in putting forward their ideas
* Good analytical skills with an understanding of margin and costs.
* A team player who will build excellent relationships both internally and externally.
* Passionate about retail (customer experiences; whether that’s in a store/shop, layouts and instore shopping environments or online, why and where people shop….customer shopping habits….trends….) and thrives in a fast paced, busy and challenging environment.
* You live and breathe fashion and are able to present your ideas in a clear and compelling way.
* Confident presentation skills
Your Team
It's all about collaboration and great teamwork! You will be working alongside our Merchandisers and Designers on tasks from sourcing materials and even conducting competitor analysis to influence what our NEXT product ranges look like. You will learn to trade those ranges, reacting to what our customers are telling us they love. If placed within an own-brand team you will be involved in product development activities, or if you go into a branded team you will work with an exciting selection of external brands.
Trainee Benefits
As well as the standard company benefits, this role also includes:
* Access to bespoke training designed to develop you as a future buyer
* The option to rent a room in our trainee house for up to 6 months if relocating (dependant on availability)
* Access to our free staff bus service that links Leicester City Centre and a number of local destinations to our Head Office site in Enderby
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
* Life assurance
* Sharesave scheme, which allows you to invest in Next and claim your share of our success
* A fantastic restaurant, coffees shops and juice bar
* Staff shop
* Free parking on-site, including car sharing
* Free company bus service to and from Leicester city centre and other areas
* 25% staff discount on most Next products – either in our stores or delivered directly to your desk
* On-site nursery (salary sacrifice scheme) in Leicester
* National and local discounts on goods and services
* A digital GP healthcare service