Designer Talent Pool

This is an expression of interest for future opportunities, not an immediate hiring vacancy. By applying, you are joining our candidate pool and not applying for a live vacancy.

We are continually seeking talented design professionals across all levels to join our creative talent pool for future opportunities across multiple product divisions. We welcome candidates ranging from ambitious Graduates to driven Assistant Designers and experienced Designers.

Our design teams here at NEXT are always looking forward. By bridging the gap between creative vision and global production, you’ll make a tangible impact on our product ranges alongside a collaborative team of Buyers, Merchandisers, Technologists, and wider stakeholders.

Whether you are stepping into the industry to gain hands-on foundation skills as a Graduate or supporting the creative direction for high-volume categories as a Designer, NEXT offers a comprehensive induction supported by industry-leading trend resources and a collaborative environment designed to champion your creative autonomy.

What You’ll Take On
Depending on your level and experience, your day-to-day will involve a combination of:

• Trend & Creative Direction: Translating global street-style, runway movements, and market intelligence into elevated, commercial designs and cohesive seasonal design boards.
• End-to-End Range Development: Supporting or leading the design process across high-energy capsule drops and foundational core ranges while balancing design with commercial price points.
• Technical Artistry: Utilising Adobe Creative Suite to create precise, detailed technical packs and design specifications for our global manufacturing partners.
• Collaborative Partnership: Working closely with cross-functional teams (Buying, Tech, Merchandising, Print/Graphics, and Suppliers) to ensure design vision meets production excellence.
• Leadership & Growth: Supporting department operations, mentoring junior talent, or managing and inspiring design teams while communicating clear goals and strategy.
• Inspiration & Travel: Gathering insights through trend research, social media influences, global inspirational shopping trips, trade shows, and factory visits.

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant Background: A degree/qualification in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on industry experience for mid-to-senior roles).
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. An awareness or experience using AI design tools is desirable.
• A Trend-First Mindset: A genuine passion and obsession with fashion trends, market movements, and translating high-concept ideas into commercially successful designs.
• Commercial Sharpness: Understanding the intersection of creativity and business, with the agility to design into specific price points and fast-turnaround briefs.
• Clear & Proactive Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across teams and communicate with confidence at all levels.
• Agility & Drive: A flexible, proactive approach with strong organisational skills, time management, and a positive "can-do" attitude in a fast-paced environment.
   

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.

#LI-DNI

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!

• 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.