Menswear Knitwear Designer - Next Sourcing - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.

The Role
Next Sourcing is seeking a creative powerhouse to join our in-house global design hub. We are looking for a designer who lives at the intersection of high-fashion innovation and commercial viability. As our Menswear Knitwear Designer, you will be the architect behind collections that are as wearable and profitable as they are trend-setting

We’re so much more than just a British retailer. From Istanbul to Shanghai, our Sourcing teams live and work in some of the most iconic cities in the world.

They're at the heart of finding, developing and delivering the products our customers love, wear and use every day. Located across the globe, our Next Sourcing teams specialise in all different parts of the sourcing operation, from design and technology to product development. If you’ve always wanted to live and work abroad, this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

What You’ll Take On

• Design the Full Menswear Knitwear Range: Create everything from elevated, trend-led basics to technical project-based collections, ensuring a cohesive and modern aesthetic.
• Translate Global Trends: Research and filter high-level trends into "must-have" products that are relevant to the NEXT customer and commercially viable.
• Inspirational & Development Travel: Embark on seasonal trips to key global cities for trend inspiration, as well as visiting our international factories and suppliers to oversee development and strengthen manufacturing relationships
• Drive Rapid Design Cycles: Respond quickly to design briefs with high-energy and precision, producing fast-turnaround sketches and specs without sacrificing style.
• Balance Cost and Quality: Design intelligently within strict price point guidelines, selecting the right yarns and stitches to maintain a premium feel at a competitive price.
• Partner with Global Teams: Work daily with Buyers and Sourcing Specialists to align on range plans, and collaborate directly with Suppliers to ensure designs are executed to exact specifications.
• Ensure Timely Delivery: Manage your workflow to meet tight production calendars, moving products from initial concept to "shelf-ready" samples on schedule.

 

What You’ll Bring

• Knitwear Expertise: You have a solid background specifically in knitwear, with a deep understanding of yarns, gauges, and stitch constructions.
• Design Software Mastery: Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is essential; you’ll use these daily to create precise tech packs and high-quality visual renders.
• Industry Background: You have experience working within a large-scale retailer or a high-volume supplier, giving you a realistic understanding of the speed and scale at which we operate.
• Supplier Savvy: Previous experience working directly with factories and various brands is a major plus, helping you navigate the transition from design to production smoothly.
• Team-First Mentality: You possess strong people skills and genuinely enjoy collaborating. You know how to build rapport with buyers, sourcing teams, and factory partners alike.
• Resilience in Busy Moments: You stay organised and level-headed when deadlines tighten, managing multiple projects without losing your creative spark or attention to detail.
• Clear Communicator: You can articulate your design ideas effectively, whether you’re presenting a concept to a buyer or explaining a technical spec to a supplier.
• Proactive Curiosity: You are genuinely passionate about fashion and always on the lookout for new opportunities—whether that’s a new sustainable yarn or a more efficient way to construct a garment.

Portfolio’s: We can’t wait to see your style!
Please ensure you attach your digital PDF portfolio to your application, as we won’t be able to consider your journey with us without it. We are looking for work that is trend-focused, demonstrating your ability to translate high-fashion concepts into commercially successful, elevated designs for the Menswear Knitwear market!

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: .

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.

#LI-Onsite

• 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 [email protected] (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.