Fabric & Sustainability Technologist

Location | Head Office, Tottenham Court Road, London

Working style | Hybrid

About the role:

We are looking for an experienced Fabric & Sustainability Technologist. You will take a leading role in ensuring all materials meet the highest standards of quality and performance. The Role will have a focus on Improving Core fabrics and driving Sustainability through setting clear goals to move the business forward. You will be working across our collections at Next’s Wholly Owned Brands, including Lipsy, Love & Roses, Friends Like These and Nothing Ordinary, ensuring we remain innovative and compliant.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous fabric analysis to ensure quality, compliance, and performance standards are met, through fabric testing and sourcing analysis.
• Drive the continuous development of the sustainability strategy, researching, identifying and implementing new opportunities. Developing detailed roadmaps and delivery plans
• Act as a champion for sustainability within the business, working closely with the wider business, inspiring and educating colleagues on best practices.
• Collaborate closely with design, buying, and technical teams to improve and integrate the best fabric choices into our collections.
• Manage and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring that our standards are understood and followed, and that fabric requirements are met.
• Encouraging a right-first-time approach, challenging suppliers to improve performance to deliver quality and consistency
• Reviewing and implementing policies with internal and external stakeholders, facilitating training and action plans.
• Manage complex projects from concept to completion.
• Monitor and report on key sustainability metrics, tracking progress and identifying areas for further improvement.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and regulations related to fabric technology and sustainability.

Your Talent..

We're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about making a positive impact through sustainable fashion practices.
• Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of sustainability and innovation in textiles.
• An excellent communicator, able to articulate complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Highly collaborative, with the ability to build strong relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of fabric manufacturing, including dyeing/finishing, printing techniques and wash processes
• Technically proficient in fabrics, testing, and garment production.
• Process-driven, with a strong understanding of how to plan and effect change within a fast-moving business.
• Proactive and adaptable, thriving in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Experienced in a similar role within the fashion industry, ideally with a focus on fabric technology and sustainability.
• Able to travel throughout the UK with potential overseas travel when required

What we can do for you..

• 25% off a huge selection of Next, Lipsy, GAP and Victoria's Secret products & 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through Perks At Work
• We recognise hard work with our company performance-based bonus
• Life Assurance
• Join our Next Sharesave Scheme
• Digital GP Service for help at home
• Lesson the impact with our Annual Travel Card Loan
• Never miss a package and with Direct to Desk delivery
• Bag a bargain at our sample sales
• Hybrid & flexible working across the business to support your work-life balance
• Learn, develop and grow with our personal development plans
• Enjoy more time with friends and family with Early Bank Holiday finishes
• Join in the fun with our year-round office events

Diversity & Inclusion

At Next’s Wholly Owned Brands, we recognise that our differences are what make us who we are. We want people to want to work for us and be their true selves. We are dedicated to attracting and developing a talented team, and recognise that all unique backgrounds and experiences contribute to our future success. We want to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where individuals feel valued and respected, and where people can achieve their full potential and be their very best, whoever they are.

Wellbeing

We believe that wellbeing is having the opportunity to achieve your full potential, cope with day to day pressures, be productive and thrive in all aspects of your life. We encourage a culture that promotes and enables us all to achieve positive wellbeing, by focusing on mental, physical and financial health.