Description Assistant Product Technologist – Brands 12 Month Mat Cover Let’s Take it On From £30,000 (depending on experience) Market Harborough Brands Licensing is a growing area within our branded division, where we design, develop, and manufacture products for some of our top brands. Our Brands Licensing team works with an exciting portfolio including Ted Baker childrenswear, smAllSaints, Laura Ashley, Little Bird by Jools Oliver, Clarks schoolwear, Paul Smith Childrenwear, Reebok Childrenswear and more brands launching soon. Our Technologists work hand-in-hand to produce the most creative, on-trend, and high-quality collections season after season. From developing garments to testing fabrics, ensuring compliance, and setting safety and performance standards, no day is ever the same. Your role Working as part of a dynamic and experienced team, this is a fantastic opportunity to support the Licensing department at Next. In this role, you’ll work closely with all our teams. Key responsibilities: Product Development: Assist in developing products from concept to production, prepare samples, and ensure creative and technical alignment with design and buying teams. Quality Assurance & Testing: Coordinate fabric and garment tests, review results, and resolve quality issues with suppliers. Compliance: Ensure products meet sustainability, safety, and regulatory standards using product management systems. Technical Support: Assist in creating technical specifications, updating technical packs, and supporting fit sessions. Supplier Communication: Manage communication with suppliers to ensure timelines, technical requirements, and product quality are met. Data Management: Track product information, test results, and sample approvals using internal systems. Problem-Solving: Identify technical challenges and collaborate on solutions during product development. About you You may have some experience as an Assistant Product Technologist or in a similar role, with exposure to both garment and fabric technology. Experience within a fast-paced retail or supplier environment, preferably working with branded or licensed products. Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Microsoft Excel, and Word. Quick to learn new systems, including internal systems like NIS. A proactive, positive individual with a can-do attitude, ready to take on challenges and work collaboratively with different teams. A true team player with excellent communication skills, who enjoys working within a collaborative environment and building relationships across teams and territories. You are flexible and adaptable, able to manage shifting priorities and excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Basic knowledge of pattern cutting, fabric testing, and product fitting is beneficial. Your team The product technology team at Next Licensing is rich with knowledge and experience across different territories. This is an ideal opportunity to tap into a wealth of expertise, while thriving in a department that fosters learning, collaboration, and growth. Your benefits We’ll discuss more of what you’ll get when you work for Next at interview, but here’s an overview of what you can expect: Profit–related bonus 25 days holiday and the opportunity to buy more Contributions into a pension scheme Life assurance Sharesave scheme, which allows you to invest in Next and claim your share of our success 25% staff discount on most Next products National and local discounts on goods and services A digital GP healthcare service 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 .