Laboratory and Testing Certification Manager
Our Technologists work hand-in-hand to produce the most creative, on-trend and high quality collections season after season. From producing garments to testing and setting safety and performance standards, no day is ever the same.
Laboratory and Certification Manager
Let's Take it On
Lab
£43,000 - £64,000 (depending on experience)
Head Office, Leicester
Let’s talk quality… When it comes to UK retail, it’s hard to find a company with a bigger focus on quality. We sell thousands of items an hour and our repeat customer base comes back to us time and time again for our renowned quality products. For anyone in the Product Technologist field - this is the place to learn. To grow. And to thrive.
Our Technologists work hand-in-hand to produce the most creative, on-trend and high quality collections season after season. From producing garments to testing and setting safety and performance standards, no day is ever the same.
Your role
The Laboratory Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and compliance of the laboratory, ensuring adherence to EN ISO 17025 for UKAS and SATRA and overseeing the Next Accreditation Programme. The role includes maintaining and updating the Quality Manual, its appendices, and associated procedures, as well as issuing documents and supporting quality manual reviews.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing quality control and compliance, including the Quality Control Manual.
Maintaining primary copies of critical manuals (Fabric, Home, and Footwear).
Addressing complaints and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Overseeing the laboratory's accommodation, environmental conditions, and equipment maintenance.
This role ensures the laboratory's operations and standards align with accreditation and quality management requirements.
About you
With a sharp eye for detail, you manage quality control processes and compliance, maintaining critical manuals across Fabric, Home, and Footwear sectors. You are solution-focused, adept at addressing complaints and fostering customer satisfaction, ensuring high standards are consistently met.
Your proactive approach to managing the laboratory's environment, equipment, and conditions demonstrates your commitment to maintaining a space that supports success. Beyond technical skills, your ability to inspire and guide a team through challenges sets you apart, ensuring the laboratory operates with integrity and excellence.
Your team
The Lab team at NEXT boasts a wealth of knowledge and experience across all product testing areas, making it the ideal environment to showcase your skills while learning from some of the best in the field. With exciting growth and transformative changes planned for 2025, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and evolving team.
Your benefits
We’ll discuss more of what you’ll get when you work for Next at interview, but here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Profit–related bonus
Company car or car allowance
25 days holiday and the opportunity to buy more
Contributions into a pension scheme
Life assurance
Management shares
Group income protection
Private medical insurance
Sharesave scheme, which allows you to invest in Next and claim your share of our success
On-site nursery (salary sacrifice scheme) in Leicester
A fantastic restaurant, coffees shops and juice bar
Staff shop
Free parking on-site, including car sharing
Free company bus service to and from Leicester city centre and other areas
25% staff discount on most Next products – either in our stores or delivered directly to your desk
National and local discounts on goods and services
A digital GP healthcare service
Sponsorship
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. For further information please see: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
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!