Life at Next

Life at Next
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The Life at NEXT podcast bringing you all the inside knowledge and people focused stories about working at NEXT, one of the biggest retailers in the World. Get ready to look behind the curtain and hear from the people who are constantly evolving a brand that has traditionally been a high street retailer but is now a Ecomm and Distribution powerhose. Real people with real stories all with their Life at NEXT.

  1. APR 29

    E129: Is Merchandising Guesswork?

    Predicting the future of fashion is about more than just trends. Join Matt as he interviews Charlotte to discover the "nerdy" science behind merchandising at NEXT. Merchandising is the art of having the right stock in the right place at the right time. In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, Charlotte shares insights from her 11-year career, from "crying over a sewing machine" during her A-levels to managing global supplier relationships in Bangladesh and Egypt. At NEXT, our merchandisers are integral members of the product team, working nine months in advance to bring a garment to life. ⏰ Discover how we use sales analysis and technical expertise to ensure our denim collections resonate with customers worldwide. 00:00 The "guesswork" of merchandising 02:40 Fast-paced sales analysis 05:18 Moving from textiles to data 08:42 Life on the Leicester Head Office campus 11:51 Travel: Best sushi in Bangladesh 14:12 Building supplier relationships 23:19 The "nerdy" details of denim 26:52 Advice for future merchandisers Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣 Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://careers.next.co.uk/?utm_source=Organic+Social+&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_campaign=Podcast_E128 Follow us! Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnext TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnext Facebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnext LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext #LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

    28 min

  2. APR 22

    E128: Ella's Logistics Management Graduate Journey at NEXT

    Discover what it is really like to join the NEXT Graduate Scheme. Follow our Logistics Management Graduate as she shares her first six months in HR and distribution.In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, we explore the transition from university to a career in logistics. Ella shares how she navigated over 40 applications to secure one of five spots on this tailored two year program.We deep dive into:🚀The rotating functional areas within HR Services and recruitment.🚀The importance of company culture and the mentorship program.🚀A look behind the scenes of the "Know Your Network" scheme, from international hubs to loss prevention.00:00 Introduction to Logistics at NEXT 01:41 The Graduate application journey 02:52 Transitioning from Uni to work life 05:31 Standing out: 750 applicants for 5 roles 10:34 Rotating across H.R. departments 17:42 The NEXT mentorship program 27:05 Advice for future graduatesDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://careers.next.co.uk/?utm_source=Organic+Social+&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_campaign=Podcast_E128Follow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

    29 min

  3. APR 15

    Special: How to Launch a Career in Fashion Buying & Merchandising

    Discover what it takes to launch a career in one of the UK’s most renowned graduate trainee schemes! 🎓In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we sit down with Fiona and Jess from the Product Academy to explore opportunities in Buying, Merchandising, Design, and Technology.We delve into how NEXT supports trainees through a structured 12 month programme designed to help you excel, regardless of your background. Whether you are a geography graduate, a school leaver, or considering a career pivot, our academy provides the tools to build your expertise in a business that never stands still.Join us to find out how you can make an impact and push the boundaries of your career!00:00 Intro01:13 What is the NEXT Product Academy? (Graduate Trainee Scheme)02:32 Meet the Team: Learning & Development Roles at NEXT03:03 AI for Product: Transforming Efficiency in Fashion04:44 The Purpose of the Academy: Building a Foundation of Excellence05:53 Diversity in Recruitment: Why You Don’t Need a Fashion Degree07:31 Fiona’s Career Story: From Store Staff to Training Manager09:17 Beyond Process: Training Soft Skills and Resilience11:00 Jess’s Background: Transitioning from Charity to Retail Training12:01 Levelling the Playing Field for Design and Tech Trainees13:00 What is a Technologist? Garment Fit, Aesthetics, and Quality14:42 Industry Leading: Why NEXT Training is the Gold Standard15:51 Retention and Culture: Why People Stay at NEXT for Decades17:09 A Structured Pathway to Success: Month 1 to Promotion18:18 The "Lightbulb Moment": What Drives a Learning Specialist?19:18 From University Lecturer to Product Academy Manager21:11 Training AI: Overcoming the Fear of New Technology22:22 Innovation and Gaps: Never Standing Still in Training23:30 Terminology and Jargon: Breaking Down Industry Barriers25:40 Know Your Learner: Tailoring the Approach to Gen Z26:24 The Knowledge Confidence Matrix: Tangible Growth29:51 The Impact of AI: Freeing Up 4 Hours for Creativity32:00 Is AI a Threat? Why AI Has "No Taste"34:00 Behavioural Shifts: Moving from Google Search to Generative AI36:47 Curiosity: The Spark That Lifts the Business39:20 Advice for Students: Why Anything is Possible at NEXT41:14 The Power of Resilience: Dealing with Failure in FashionDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://careers.next.co.uk/?utm_source=Organic+Social+&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_campaign=Podcast_Special_EC Follow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

    43 min

  4. APR 8

    E126: The Scale of NEXT Finance!

    This week on the Life at NEXT Podcast, we sit down with David, a Recruitment Business Partner for NEXT Finance 💰David shares what it truly takes to develop a successful career within our Finance team.From managing £6 billion in turnover to finding the right technical and cultural fit, David explores the breadth of opportunities available. Finance at NEXT is a broad area with roles across commercial finance, treasury, and supply chain distribution.At NEXT, we encourage you to own your work and drive your own development. We value people who take initiative and challenge themselves to evolve. For those with a proactive attitude, the opportunity for genuine career growth is here.00:00 Introduction to a £6 Billion Turnover 01:15 Why Finance is a "Broad Church" 03:45 Dealing with 5,000 Invoices a Day 06:30 Moving Beyond Traditional Accounting 10:30 David’s Journey: Agency vs. In-House 18:40 What People Get Wrong About NEXT 25:00 Top Tips for Your CV and InterviewDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://careers.next.co.uk/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=podcast_E126Follow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

    29 min

  5. APR 2

    E125: Hamish The Cow Exclusive! 🚨

    We are excited to announce a special guest for this latest episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast! 🐮 Hamish has been a staple of the NEXT community, and today he’s finally taking the mic to lead the conversation.In this 60 second exclusive, we see how Hamish handles the pressure at NEXT. Whether he’s discussing our latest collections or life on campus, his energy is truly one of a kind.0:00 - A bold new introduction0:15 - Hamish’s thoughts on the NEXT cultureDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://careers.next.co.uk/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=podcast_E125Follow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

    2 min

  6. MAR 25

    E124: ADHD, Autism and Finding a Career at NEXT

    Scott shares his remarkable story of navigating ADHD, autism and depression to find a sense of belonging as a team member at NEXT.In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, Scott discusses his late diagnosis at age 31 and how he transitioned from acting to a flourishing career in retail. He explains the concept of "masking," the importance of supportive management, and how he now takes on flagship store challenges with confidence.00:00 Introduction to the Manchester Arndale team 04:05 Lived experience: ADHD and autism diagnosis 12:22 From drama school to the shop floor 25:23 Why retail is like stepping onto a stage 36:25 Overcoming mental health challenges at work 41:12 Advice for climbing the career ladderDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://careers.next.co.uk/?utm_source=Organic+Social+&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_campaign=Podcast_E124 Follow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

    43 min

  7. MAR 18

    E123: Inside the NEXT Branded Merchandising Team

    Discover what it takes to manage a portfolio of over 1,000 external brands in our latest podcast episode. We sit down with an Assistant Merchandiser from the NEXT Branded Team to explore their unique career journey, choosing real world experience over university to build a successful career.This episode offers an expert look at how our teams manage global brands like The North Face, Regatta, and Mountain Warehouse. You will learn how the merchandising team uses market insights to influence international product ranges and the technical skills required to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment.00:00 What is an Assistant Merchandiser?01:09 The Growth of "Branded" at NEXT: Over 1000 Brands Online01:45 Explaining Technical Sport & Outdoor: North Face, Regatta, and More02:17 Working with Buyers and Brand Partners03:00 How NEXT Data Shapes Exclusive Products04:20 The Logistics of Branded Retail05:22 Choosing a Trainee Program over a Degree06:12 The Application Journey: From Warehouse Applicant to Merch Academy06:56 Main Range vs. Branded Merchandising: Key Differences08:00 Account Management: Building Relationships with External Brands08:40 First Impressions of the NEXT Head Office Environment09:07 Retention & Culture: Why Employees Stay for 8+ Years10:37 The "Startup Mentality" within a Corporate Giant11:32 The Art of Forecasting: Balancing Trends and Best Sellers12:40 Seasonal Trends: From Dark Chocolates to Animal Prints13:18 Collaboration: The Relationship Between Buying and Merchandising14:50 Taking Risks: De-risking Newness in Fashion Retail15:24 Daily Motivation: Proving Your Point and Striving for Better16:24 Life Outside the Office: Football, Socials, and St. George’s Park17:20 Employee Benefits: Gym Memberships and Wellhub Partnerships18:13 Advice for Future Trainees: Taking the Leap Without a Degree19:09 Brand Pride: Working for the UK’s Biggest Retailer20:10 The Enderby Campus: Building a Life in LeicesterDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣

    22 min

  8. MAR 11

    E122: From A Science Degree to Fashion Merchandising!

    Discover what a career in Merchandising actually looks like at NEXT. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with a Trainee Merchandiser to discuss the realities of the role, the progression path, and the transition from university into the industry. We explore how a background in Natural Sciences can lead to success in a data driven fashion role. It is a great example of how analytical thinking and discipline are essential transferable skills that help our teams thrive!Whether you are a student, a graduate, or considering a career change, this interview offers a look behind the scenes of women's tailoring and range building. It is a perspective on how we use shared expertise to move the business forward.00:00 What is a Trainee Merchandiser?00:41 Using Data and Analysis in Women's Tailoring01:00 Transitioning from University to a "Proper Job"01:58 First Job Realities03:14 The 12 Month Merchandising Roadmap04:30 Why We Always Need New Talent05:08 Exploring Women's Tailoring: Trends and Style Evolution05:54 Changing Perceptions: How NEXT Evolved for Younger Shoppers07:18 The Switch: Moving from Natural Sciences to Fashion Merchandising08:35 Transferable Skills: Why Your Degree Subject Isn't Everything09:27 The Perfect Mix: Combining Math, Data, and Fashion10:19 Working with Buyers & Designers: Building a Range11:13 Predicting Trends: The Gut Feeling vs. The Data11:58 Training & Development: Learning on the Job at 9 Months In13:17 From Selection Meetings to Presenting Range Analysis14:30 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome and Promotion Nerves15:54 The Trainee Day Experience & Hearing from Leadership17:21 Why Nerves Mean You Care About Your Work18:13 Honing Presentation Skills: Moving from Script to Confidence20:44 Career Path: From Trainee to Assistant to Merchandiser21:10 The Vibe at NEXT: Why People Stay for 20+ Years22:03 Cross-Department Learning within Womenswear23:13 Favourite Moments: From Photoshoots to Seeing Products in Store25:34 Top Tips for NEXT Trainee Scheme Applicants27:52 Looking Forward: Mastering the Unknown in Your CareerDon't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣

    30 min
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About

The Life at NEXT podcast bringing you all the inside knowledge and people focused stories about working at NEXT, one of the biggest retailers in the World. Get ready to look behind the curtain and hear from the people who are constantly evolving a brand that has traditionally been a high street retailer but is now a Ecomm and Distribution powerhose. Real people with real stories all with their Life at NEXT.

Information

  • Creator
    Life at Next
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Life at Next
  • Show Website
    Life at Next

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