Assistant Footwear Technologist - Childrenswear

Job ID
Job ID 74953
Team
Team Product
Location
Location Leicester
Contract Type
Contract Type Perm
Job Schedule
Job Schedule Full time
Salary
Salary £30,000 to £43,000
Posting Date
Posting Date 18/03/2026
Apply Before
Apply Before 25/03/2026
Person browsing colour thread swatches on a table covered with yarn samples, striped socks, and measuring tape.

Summary

The Role
Let’s talk quality…When it comes to UK retail, it’s hard to find a company with a bigger focus on quality. We sell thousands of items an hour and our repeat customer base comes back to us time and time again for our renowned quality products. For anyone in the footwear technology field - this is the place to learn. To grow. And to thrive.

Our Footwear Technology teams work hard to ensure the quality of our Next footwear is always of the highest standard. Working alongside the Designers, Buyers and Merchandisers; this role is key to the whole product critical path from start to finish.

What You'll Take On
Supporting the Footwear Technology process from design concept to delivery; developing and elevating quality is key here at Next within the Childrenswear team. Developing the range; driving technical innovation and product improvements whilst promoting collaborative and close working relationships with the footwear technology team. Approving and progressing the range; delivering good quality standards, providing clear and concise written and verbal communication internally and externally; whilst managing supply base to meet expectations. Responsibility for risk assessment, and requesting and analysing product test data, to ensure compliance with all performance, legal and safety standards. Implementing Next policies and sustainability targets. Managing in season; reviewing product quality throughout the season, auditing and utilising information to further improve quality.

What You'll Bring
A team player; you will have great people skills to communicate effectively within a multi-functional team. Using your technical experience & exceptional eye for technical detail gained through qualifications & experience within footwear technology; You’ll be able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of manufacturing, construction and performance. You’ll show drive and initiative to generate and implement new ideas in your department.

Your team
The Childrenswear technology team at NEXT has a wealth of knowledge and experience across territories. This is an ideal opportunity to show us what you can do and to also soak up all the knowledge of those around you.

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-Onsite

Benefits

  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Profit-related bonus - based on company performance
  • Private health insurance- surgery choices
  • Sharesave scheme - make savings from your net pay to buy NEXT shares at a discount
  • Pension - fixed contribution rates from both an employer and employee perspective, but you're also able to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) if you wish to save more.
  • 25% staff discount on most NEXT products - plus discount on other products
  • Wagestream - helping you make the most out of your money
  • Salary finance - offers access to affordable loans repaid through salary, simple savings and free financial education.
  • Life assurance
  • Direct to work - NEXT orders delivered free to the office for collection
  • VIP sale - early access to the NEXT sale
  • Access to NEXT staff shops
  • Octopus energy - like cycle-to-work, but for electric vehicles
  • Free parking (excluding London locations)
  • Travel2NEXT - bus services dependent on location
  • On site dining facilities (excluding London locations)
  • National and local discounts on goods and services - this includes things like discounted cinema tickets
  • Wellhub - includes access to discounted gym membership
  • Simply health - a healthcare subscription service
  • Aviva Digicare Workplace+ healthcare service - 7 Free services including Digital GP appointments and an annual health check.
  • Onsite GP - Leicester Head Office
  • Onsite Physio - Leicester Head Office
  • A range of dedicated 3rd party wellbeing partners
  • Free eye testing - voucher to use at specific locations
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.

What's Next?

Team Overview

This is where ideas become incredible collections. Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers, and Technologists collaborate to create products our customers love. You'll spot global trends, strategically balance our range plans and meticulously test quality so every season feels fresh, inspiring and exceptional.

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Our brands

You’ve probably heard of NEXT, but did you know about our portfolio? Every brand in our offering brings a distinct story, attitude and community. Spanning contemporary lifestyle brands, established high street names and timeless collections, together they showcase the vibrancy of today’s retail world.

About NEXT

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
A group of smiling NEXT employees stand together outside the company’s modern glass-fronted building, posing beneath the large NEXT logo.

Are you ready to take it on?

Challenges. Opportunities. The future. Let’s take it on at NEXT.