Location: Leicester, United Kingdom
Salary: £45,000 per year
Work Pattern: 4 days in office, flexible core hours between 8am–6pm
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available (Skilled Worker Visa Eligible)
Why This Graphic Design Opportunity at NEXT Stands Out
NEXT is more than a household name in British fashion — it’s a FTSE 100 retail powerhouse with a global reach. Employing over 35,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, NEXT has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, trend-led clothing that appeals to millions of repeat customers worldwide.
As the UK’s number one Kidswear retailer and the second largest fashion retailer overall, our influence in retail is unmatched. With over 500 physical stores, a rapidly growing online platform, and international operations spanning 70+ countries, we are redefining the future of fashion retail — and we’re looking for a creative force to help shape that vision.
This is your chance to become an integral part of our Menswear Design Team, working from our innovative Design Studio in Leicester. This position is tailored for a senior-level graphic designer with a flair for men’s fashion, innovation, and creative autonomy.
Role Overview: Lead Graphic Designer – Menswear
This is not your average design job. We’re offering a creative leadership opportunity where you can run with your own menswear category. You’ll have the freedom to influence, elevate, and execute trend-driven designs — including AI-integrated and hand-drawn graphics — across a wide spectrum of casual menswear.
Key Responsibilities
-
Trend-Led Conceptualization: Identify, interpret, and adapt fashion trends into innovative graphics for men’s casual wear.
-
Design Ownership: Take creative ownership of a designated category within Menswear — from concept to production.
-
Artwork Development: Create high-quality digital and hand-drawn designs tailored to both trend forecasts and commercial appeal.
-
Collaboration: Work closely with the lead designer and cross-functional teams, including buying and garment tech, to ensure cohesive product development.
-
Presentation Skills: Present mood boards, concept visuals, and final artworks to internal stakeholders.
-
Research & Travel: Conduct competitive shopping, international market research, and supplier visits to remain at the forefront of fashion innovation.
-
Technology Utilization: Leverage Adobe Creative Suite and consider AI design integration to streamline and enhance the design process.
-
Feedback Incorporation: Adjust design direction based on internal feedback and customer insights to boost commercial success.
What You’ll Bring to the Table
We are seeking a forward-thinking, passionate designer who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You must be able to deliver graphics that are both trend-conscious and commercially viable.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
-
Professional Experience: Minimum of 3 years in a Graphic Design role focused on clothing, preferably in a major retail or fashion brand.
-
Design Portfolio: A standout portfolio showcasing trend-relevant, innovative graphic designs for fashion apparel.
-
Adobe Suite Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and related tools.
-
Industry Knowledge: Strong grasp of menswear fashion trends, streetwear influences, and emerging graphic styles.
-
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and visual communication; able to clearly present ideas and creative direction.
-
Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative studio environment.
-
Self-Motivation: Highly organized, self-driven, and capable of managing multiple projects to tight deadlines.
Desired Attributes
-
Passion for fashion and emerging technologies like AI-assisted design
-
Eye for detail with a strong commercial mindset
-
Ability to lead and inspire junior team members
-
Enthusiasm for continuous learning and innovation in design
-
Proactive problem-solving mindset
Visa Sponsorship for Skilled International Applicants
We welcome international talent to join our growing team. For applicants requiring a Certificate of Sponsorship, we comply with UK Home Office Skilled Worker visa regulations.
To learn more about eligibility criteria and sponsorship guidelines, please visit the official Skilled Worker Visa page.
Life at NEXT – Culture, Team & Growth
NEXT is proud to offer a dynamic, supportive, and highly creative workplace culture. Our Menswear design team is passionate, tight-knit, and performance-driven — yet we never lose sight of the importance of collaboration, fun, and mutual respect.
You’ll be joining a studio environment where your ideas will be heard, and your work will have a tangible impact on what hits the shop floors and digital storefronts.
This is a career-defining opportunity to shape product ranges that are worn by millions across the globe.
Employee Benefits That Go Beyond Expectations
NEXT is committed to the wellbeing and growth of every employee. We’ve designed an extensive benefits package to support your professional development, financial stability, health, and personal lifestyle.
Core Employee Benefits
-
25% Staff Discount: Enjoy discounts across NEXT, MADE, Lipsy, Gap, and Victoria’s Secret (via NEXT purchases)
-
Bonus Schemes: Company-wide performance bonuses
-
Sharesave Options: Opportunity to own part of the business through discounted share plans
-
Free On-site Parking: Hassle-free commute with available parking spaces
-
Flexible Working Hours: Choose your core hours between 8am–6pm
Family & Lifestyle Perks
-
On-Site Nursery: Rated OFSTED ‘Outstanding’ in all areas
-
Staff Shop Access: Discounted designer and branded products
-
Direct-to-Work Delivery: Shop online and collect next day from your office or local store
-
Early Sale Access: VIP invitations for pre-sale shopping events
-
Restaurant Discounts: Subsidised meals at on-site eateries
Health & Wellbeing Support
-
Digital GP Access: Speak to healthcare professionals anytime, anywhere
-
Mental Health Support: Free resources, helplines, and counselling services
-
Fitness Perks via Wellhub: Access discounted gym memberships, personal trainers, fitness apps, and more
-
Financial Wellbeing Tools: Resources to save, track, and plan your financial goals
-
Workplace Adjustments: Support for disabilities and long-term conditions
Career Development
-
Apprenticeship Programmes: Earn while you learn and gain industry-recognized qualifications
-
Support Networks: Join internal diversity, inclusion, and empowerment groups
All benefits are subject to eligibility, availability, and terms of use. They may change without prior notice.
Application Guidelines
Required Application Materials
-
Updated CV
-
Design Portfolio showcasing your best fashion/apparel graphic design work
Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
How to Apply
Submit your application online through the Next Careers portal, or contact our Head Office Careers Team for support.
For workplace adjustments or disability support, email:
headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (subject line: Workplace Adjustments)
Or call: 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
We encourage early applications. This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline if the role is successfully filled.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Join NEXT
With fashion constantly evolving, now is the perfect time to join a company that not only leads in style but also empowers designers to innovate, influence, and create products that shape the future of retail.
You’ll get to work on massive scale projects, have your designs featured in global campaigns, and collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the fashion industry.
In an era where trend-led, high-quality design is key to success, you’ll play a direct role in what drives our growth.
Whether you’re an experienced fashion graphic designer in the UK or an international candidate looking for a UK visa sponsorship graphic designer job, this is your chance to grow with one of the best.
Apply Now – Shape the Future of Menswear Design
Don’t just follow trends — define them.
Take the reins, own your category, and design what’s next.
Apply today and make your mark at NEXT.
Join Telegram
Join WhatsApp