Employer: NEXT
Job Title: Assistant Designer
Location: Leicester, UK
Salary: £32,000–£43,000 a year
Job Type: Full-time
Apply Before: 09/06/2026

The Role

As an Assistant Designer for Boyswear, specialising in Wovens and Jersey, NEXT plays a pivotal role in shaping a dynamic and essential product category. The primary mission is to capture emerging trends and transform them into stylish, commercially successful products that resonate with customers.

In this role, creativity directly influences seasonal ranges. The Assistant Designer works closely with Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers, Technologists, and Sourcing specialists to bring concepts to life efficiently and beautifully. Whether stepping up a career or bringing solid industry experience, NEXT provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and resources to integrate seamlessly into a fast-paced design studio.

What You’ll Take On

• Design Versatile Ranges: Create and support the development of innovative product ranges across Boyswear Wovens and Jersey
• Deliver Rapid Turnarounds: Respond swiftly and effectively to design briefs, producing high-quality creative work under fast-paced timelines
• Gather Global Inspiration: Undertake inspirational travel and market research trips to spot emerging global trends, fabrics, and styling directions
• Translate Trends Commercially: Apply strong trend awareness to build desirable product collections aligned with NEXT brand identity
• Design to Cost: Work within price point guidelines without compromising quality, style, or design integrity
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with designers, buyers, merchandisers, tech teams, sourcing specialists, and global suppliers to deliver ranges on time

What You’ll Bring

• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, plus experience creating tech packs and briefing manufacturers
• Commercial Taste: Strong trend-spotting ability and willingness to pitch ideas and support the wider team
• Industry Experience: Background in retail or supplier environments, ideally working with factories and multiple brands
• Collaboration & Spirit: Strong teamwork and communication skills, thriving in a collaborative environment

Portfolio Requirement

Applicants must attach a digital portfolio demonstrating Boyswear design work, commercial viability for NEXT, and CAD/design capability. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

Sponsorship

Candidates requiring sponsorship must meet Home Office Skilled Worker visa requirements. More information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Application Note

NEXT encourages early applications as recruitment begins immediately. This role may close early if filled.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Profit-related bonus
• Private health insurance
• Sharesave scheme
• Pension with optional additional contributions
• 25% staff discount on most NEXT products
• Wagestream financial support service
• Salary finance access
• Life assurance
• Direct to work free office deliveries
• VIP sale early access
• Access to NEXT staff shops
• Octopus Energy EV scheme
• Free parking (excluding London locations)
• Travel2NEXT bus services
• On-site dining facilities (excluding London locations)
• National and local discounts
• Wellhub gym membership discounts
• Simply Health subscription
• Aviva Digicare Workplace+ services
• Onsite GP and physiotherapy (Leicester Head Office)
• Wellbeing partners support
• Free eye testing

Support & Accessibility

NEXT provides workplace adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term conditions. Support can be requested via headoffice_careers@next.co.uk or 0116 284 2486.

Work Location

On-site (Leicester Head Office)

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.