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Tailoring and Outerwear Designer - Womenswear Brands - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract
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Tailoring and Outerwear Designer - Womenswear Brands - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract
Tailoring & Outerwear Designer – Laura Ashley (by NEXT)
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am–6pm.
The Role
As the Tailoring & Outerwear Designer for Laura Ashley by NEXT, you will bring fresh, contemporary vision to our heritage-inspired collections. Your mission is to seamlessly blend timeless elegance with modern style, designing structured garments, bespoke tailored coordinates, and standout outerwear that our customers will love.
In this role, you will:
- Honour the signature Laura Ashley brand aesthetic while driving future design direction
- Collaborate closely with buyers, merchandisers, technologists, and external manufacturing partners to deliver cohesive collections
- Help shape a recognisable and elevated next-gen tailoring collection
What You’ll Take On
- Shape Brand Collections – Conceptualise and develop seasonal ranges in structured tailoring, smart coordinates, and outerwear that align with Laura Ashley’s unique identity
- Gather Global Inspiration – Undertake inspirational travel and market research to identify trends, source high-quality materials, and refine styling directions
- Perfect Fit & Finish – Partner with garment technologists and pattern cutters during fit sessions to ensure premium construction, immaculate tailoring, and flawless silhouettes
- Deliver Rapid Turnarounds – Quickly respond to briefs with high-quality CADs, technical packs, and layouts under tight deadlines
- Design to Cost – Creatively utilise price point guidelines to ensure collections remain commercially viable without compromising craftsmanship or style
- Collaborate Cross-Functionally – Work daily with buyers, merchandisers, and manufacturers to align commercial, creative, and production goals
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What You’ll Bring
- Tailoring & Outerwear Expertise – Proven experience in structured fashion, including:
- Tailored construction techniques
- Outerwear silhouettes
- Advanced fabric draping
- Technical Proficiency – Expert-level use of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create precision CADs and factory-ready tech packs
- Brand & Commercial Taste – A keen trend-spotter with an ability to:
- Merge heritage styling with modern appeal
- Ensure designs are commercially successful and mass-market viable
- Strong Team Spirit – Commitment to:
- Efficient multi-tasking in fast-paced design seasons
- Clear, collaborative communication
- Industry Insight – Experience working with:
- External factories
- Fashion brands or suppliers
- Cost-sensitive production environments
Portfolio Specification
We require a digital portfolio to showcase:
- A sharp eye for tailoring and outerwear innovation
- Commercially minded, trend-driven designs inspired by Laura Ashley’s style
- CAD work and development processes
Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
Sponsorship Policy
Candidates requiring work visa sponsorship must meet UK Home Office requirements. Further details are available here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
About NEXT
We are the UK’s second-largest fashion retailer, a FTSE 100 company employing over 44,000 people across the Next Group. With 450+ stores globally and a thriving (80+ countries) online presence, we deliver style with purpose.
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| Team Culture | A Google-powered workspace from Day 1 – integrating Docs, Drive and Meet for seamless collaboration. |
Early applications are encouraged, as roles may close early upon successful filling.
Benefits & Perks
Core Offer
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Profit-related bonus scheme
- Management share options
- Company car or allowance
Health & Financial
- Private medical insurance
- Sharesave scheme (discounted shares)
- Employer and employee pension contributions
- Life assurance & group income protection
- Wagestream (personal finance support)
- Salary finance loans
Style & Convenience
- 25% staff discount on NEXT
- Salary allowances (child, car, cycle-to-work/EV)
- Direct-to-work FREE deliveries
- Access to VIP sales & staff stores
- Employee discounts on cinemas, subscriptions, etc.
Wellbeing
- Wellhub (health rewards)
- Simply health subscription
- Aviva Digestcare Workplace+ (e.g., digital GP Sessions)
- Annual health checks
Location Leicester Head Office includes:
- Free onsite GP & physiotherapy
- Free parking (excluding London)
- Travel2NEXT bus services where applicable
Conditions apply. Benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
Inclusivity & Support: We actively support workplace adjustments for all candidates. For accommodations (e.g., disability-related adjustments), contact headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (subject: Workplace Adjustments) or phone +44 116 284 2486.
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