Next Plc
Established Footwear Technologist
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Garment Technologist – Footwear
About NEXT Wholly Owned Brands
At NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, we are a vibrant collective of London-based fashion and lifestyle brands, from our origins with Lipsy in 1998, to joining the UK’s largest fashion retailer (NEXT) in 2008. Today, we’re a group of bold, design-led companies, each with its own distinct identity, driven by creativity, innovation, and a shared ambition.
We cultivate a culture where individuality is valued, curiosity thrives, and challenging norms is how we push forward together.
Role Purpose
The Garment Technologist (Footwear) owns and drives the technical development of footwear, working closely with Buying and Design teams to ensure:
- Proactive quality assurance
- On-time deliveries
- Effective risk management
With a deep understanding of product construction, material capabilities, and performance, you’ll develop high-quality products that align with brand integrity.
Responsibilities
Technical Development & Quality Assurance
- Lead and facilitate fit sessions, ensuring product compliance with brand standards.
- Approve fabric tests and guide factories toward optimal solutions.
- Streamline sealing procedures within the team.
- Oversee wearer trial programmes to validate product performance.
- Benchmark competitors and industry innovations to distinguish high-quality product development.
- Innovate on feedback to ensure products are fit for purpose and comply with Legal & Health & Safety regulations.
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Process & Policy Management
- Critique and refine technical policies to sustain compliance.
- Identify policy improvements and optimisations, including product/component reports.
- Drive legislation and best practice in CSR, linking improvements back to the brand vision.
- Maintain and clearly communicate standards and specifications internally and externally.
Supplier & Stakeholder Partnering
- Build strategic supplier relationships, embedding brand technical knowledge.
- Spotify sourcing opportunities to align suppliers with product standards.
- Collaborate with Buying & Design to enhance product development and quality control.
- Manage project timelines and deadlines, leading weekly stakeholder meetings with Buying & Merchandising teams.
Requirements
- Substantive experience in footwear technical development or a comparable role.
- Hands-on experience with global supply chains, including international factories.
- Autonomy with Excel and proficiency in internal systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent time management, organisation, and teamwork in high-pressure environments.
- Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic setting.
Inclusion & Diversity
Our robust cultures are built on diversity—differences define our ambitions. We seek to recruit and develop talent, celebrating every background and experience. Our inclusive environment empowers individuals to thrive authentically.
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Wellbeing Commitment
Wellbeing includes:
- Fostering mental health awareness
- Promoting physical health & confidence
- Encouraging financial security for team members at all levels.
Lipsy Brand Vibe
Lipsy is London’s bold, feminine fashion powerhouse—where inspiration meets apology-free glamour. Our designs speak to ambitious, aspirational women: sharp evening pieces meet everyday chic. Whether commanding the boardroom or hosting galas, Lipsy helps women feel unstoppable.
Benefits
- 25% off most NEXT, MADE, Lipsy, Gap* & Victoria’s Secret** products (*opens in app/purchase)
- 10% off partner brands & backletting on Branded Beauty up to 15%
- PartnerSuper Savings with 3,500+ retailers
- Salary-extras incentives including company-wide calculable bonuses
- Early Sale Access via Direct-to-Desk delivery with workplace pick-up options
- Wellness Support (including discounted gyms, physical activity advice & workshops)
- Life Assurance
- Sharesave Scheme
- Annual Travel Card Loan
- Sample Sales Discounts
- Flexi-Hours policy
- Counselling & Health Support Services through Wellhub
- Networks & Support Groups to celebrate peers’ achievements
Note: Conditions apply.
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