About this role
The role
As a Senior Stylist in our dynamic Photo Studio in Leicester, you will play a pivotal role in shaping NEXT’s photographic vision and creative output across multiple departments. You will lead and inspire a blended team of in-house staff and freelance talent, overseeing the end-to-end asset creation process to ensure our content always meets the highest quality standards for the NEXT customer. Working closely with your Creative Lead and senior management, you will bring empathy and clear direction to the studio floor, confidently presenting ideas and creative developments to wider business teams.
In return, we provide a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your innovative ideas are valued, alongside the guidance and resources you need to continuously develop both yourself and your team.
What you'll take on
- Provide strong creative leadership to the studio, inspiring your team through expert guidance, planning, and resource management.
- Execute high-level technical styling on set, using expert pinning, fitting, and tailoring techniques to adapt garments flawlessly for a diverse roster of models.
- Drive visual innovation by researching fashion and social trends across menswear, womenswear, and accessories, creating mood boards that align with our creative direction.
- Solve on-set challenges dynamically, quickly resolving issues like ill-fitting samples or last-minute brief changes without disrupting the shooting schedule.
- Oversee quality control and edit selections both on set and post-shoot, meticulously checking imagery before handing it over to the retouching team.
- Nurture and develop talent by conducting regular performance reviews and 1-to-1s to support the growth and motivation of junior team members.
- Integrate emerging AI tools into your workflow for trend analysis, ideation, and image enhancement to keep our studio at the forefront of the industry.
- Collaborate closely with product coordination teams and other Seniors to ensure outfit builds translate perfectly across multiple sets and varying briefs.
What you'll bring
- Proven management experience with a natural ability to lead, motivate, and develop a creative team within a large studio environment.
- Expert knowledge of creative and commercial styling, backed by a strong portfolio showcasing your experience across e-commerce and editorial shoots.
- A commercially minded approach, staying sharply attuned to retail fashion, lifestyle trends, and industry competitors.
- Outstanding organisational and workload management skills, allowing you to thrive, remain calm, and make quick decisions in a fast-paced, highly pressured setting.
- Exceptional communication and presentation abilities, ensuring you can confidently share concepts, listen effectively, and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
- A forward-thinking, proactive mindset with a flair for solving problems and proposing innovative, out-of-the-box solutions.
- Proficiency in macOS, Google Workspace (GSuite), and Capture One.
- Exemplary attention to detail, a full UK driving licence, and the flexibility to work at external studios or on location when needed.