At NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, we’re a collective of London-based fashion and lifestyle brands. From our beginnings with Lipsy in 1998, to becoming part of the UK’s largest fashion retailer, NEXT, in 2008 we’ve evolved into a group of bold, design-led brands, each with its unique identity.

At the heart of our business is a passionate team driven by creativity, innovation, and a shared ambition to deliver exceptional results. We foster a culture where individuality is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged, and challenging the status quo is part of how we grow.

Who are Love & Roses?

Love & Roses is for the woman who isn’t afraid to push boundaries, she’ll set her own trend, with unique styles, playful prints and fabulous fabrics at her core.

Purpose of the Design Assistant

The Design Assistant provides vital creative and administrative support to the in-house Design team across all product categories. This role involves contributing innovative ideas to design processes and strategy while developing professional talent under the guidance of senior team members. You will assist in the execution of design concepts from initial research through to product development.

Responsibilities of the Design Assistant

Design & Creative Support:

• Provide consistent support to the Design Team across all designated product categories.
• Create and amend CADs utilising Photoshop and Illustrator to support range development.
• Conduct research into relevant trends for shape, print, and colour in keeping with the brand identity.
• Develop competitor shop reports, trend flashes, and key item summaries to provide team insights.
• Monitor shops, catwalks, and social media to provide current trend recommendations to the team.
• Assist with the preparation for sign-off meetings, including organising samples and updating CAD sheets.

Operational & Administrative Excellence:

• Maintain and update all department documentation with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Manage daily tasks in alignment with the critical path to ensure development timelines are met.
• Provide quality administrative support to ensure the continuous development of the business.
• Liaise effectively with Buying, Garment Tech, and external suppliers or factories.
• Work using your own initiative and take responsibility for assigned tasks as required by the team.
• Proactively seek self-development by requesting support and guidance from your Line Manager.

What Next is looking for:

• Fashion design-related degree or equivalent industry experience within fashion retail.
• Strong proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator; InDesign and hand sketching skills are also required.
• Adept in creating accurate technical drawings.
• Ability to translate global trends into a commercial format for the brand's customer.
• Previous experience working effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines while working flexibly.

Benefits:

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through our online benefits platform
• Company performance based bonus
• Early VIP access to sale stock via Direct to Desk
• Life assurance
• Sharesave scheme
• Annual Travel Card Loan
• Sample Sales
• Fantastic L&D opportunities
• Flexi-Hour Scheme
• Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more