Join NEXT at our Head Office in Enderby, Leicestershire, and take a pivotal role in shaping the future of global retail.
As Head of Data Science will transform NEXT’s vast customer data into measurable commercial value by building the systems that bridge the gap between raw data and live commercial assets. You will lead the evolution of how millions of customers discover products across 80+ international websites, moving beyond traditional insights into the realm of AI—where data doesn't just inform decisions, it executes them.
Working at the intersection of machine learning, optimisation and large-scale systems, you will lead the transition from traditional search into AI-powered and agent-assisted discovery, delivering measurable improvements in conversion, engagement and customer satisfaction.
What you’ll take on
Lead the AI Strategy by owning the science and architecture behind product discovery, including search relevance, ranking, and recommendation systems.
Develop Workflows: Oversee the transition from static projects to autonomous systems that link product metadata and imagery to trigger real-time digital marketing assets.
Deliver measurable commercial improvements via conversion rates, revenue per visit, and discovery efficiency through continuous algorithm optimization.
Build and manage robust AI capabilities that perform across multiple languages and varied product catalogues for over 3 million daily customers.
Guide a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence in applied machine learning and agile experimentation.
Establish best practices for model monitoring and responsible AI, ensuring our customer-facing systems are reliable and transparent.
What you’ll bring
Expertise in building and scaling machine learning systems in production, specifically within search, ranking, or recommendation engines.
The ability to translate the concept of "Agentic Shopping" into practical architectures that connect product data to the customer path-to-purchase.
Comfort navigating emerging areas like LLM-powered systems and agent-based discovery to turn new capabilities into scalable retail solutions.
Strong project management skills to guide complex, interconnected AI agents through development within cost and time parameters.
Confidence acting as an organizational leader on how data is collected, stored, and utilized to drive the business forward.
Benefits
- 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
- Company performance based bonus
- Sharesave scheme
- On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
- 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
- Early VIP access to sale stock
- Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
- Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
- Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
- Free on-site parking
- Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
- Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
- Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
- Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
- Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more
Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
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.
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