NEXT – Technologist – Kids Furniture, Beds & Mattresses

Job Description
Find out more about the world of Home Technology, have a listen to our awesome Tech Manager Tim Stanton talk all things Tech on one of our Podcasts here

About The Role…

You’ll be working closely alongside the Home product teams, using your extensive technical knowledge of Children’s Furniture, Beds and Mattresses and skills to provide support and ensure product development is meeting the business’s standards for quality, value and sustainability – as well as adhering to legal and industry standards.
You’ll play a key role at every stage of the process. From planning and managing the technical development of new products and ranges, through key milestones such as manufacturing, in-home performance and end of life.
You’ll also take responsibility for analysing product data and approving ranges, before working with the Home product team to progress development and agree on a critical path. Finally you’ll ensure we are prepared for launch and that all areas of the business receive the necessary samples and information.
You’ll be carefully managing new products in-season, following up with issues, analysing returns data and carrying out store visits and supplier factory evaluations.

About You…

You’ll have a wealth of technical knowledge of Children’s Furniture, Beds and Mattresses and the ability to communicate it in a clear and compelling way across the business.
You’ll also be highly analytical and able to accurately interpret data from across the business.
A natural problem solver, you’ll be able to make a logical and inventive contribution to the design and development process, as well as expertly managing the technology critical path for development.
You’ll also have a keen eye for detail and be able to ensure the quality and compliance of all products.

Skills and/or qualifications:

Applied technical knowledge of upholstery shape construction and performance.
Strong experience of working as a Furniture Technologist
Highly organised with good prioritisation skills.
Confident and clear communication skills; both verbal and written to work productively alongside product teams and external suppliers.
Product manufacturing experience is an advantage.

About Us
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!

Organisation