Head Of Data Science

Next
Leicester
1 day ago
Create job alert
Job Description

Join NEXT as the Head of Data Science and take a pivotal role in transforming our vast customer data into measurable commercial value and an exceptional customer experience. This is a unique opportunity to lead the strategy for key commercial applications, driving sales growth and market leadership.


Based at Head Office in Enderby, Leicestershire. Salary is highly competitive and complemented by management share options, a car allowance, private medical insurance and more.


About the Role

This position’s central purpose is to monetise the huge amount of data NEXT collects—billions of rows per week—to grow sales by making it easier for customers to find the items they want that make them feel great everyday. You will lead the modelling, reporting and use of generative and agentic AI, with a solid focus on commercial outcomes. You will develop and implement the functional strategy for significant areas such as NEXT ads, Search and Recommendations.


Key strategic projects include Personalisation for the website, emails and digital marketing in real time, leveraging the latest data science techniques. You will guide a team of 12 people with 2‑3 direct reports and tackle the biggest challenge of commercially advancing Data Science within the business while aiding the adoption of new AI tools.


You will work closely with the Data Engineering and Web Analytics functions to utilise their expertise in aiding model building and ensuring a robust data architecture.


About You

  • Recognised thought leader in data science who can challenge priorities at CEO level.
  • Solid commercial focus, delivering clear commercial benefit.
  • Translate innovative ideas into practical solutions and champion creative ideas into implementation.
  • Experience in retail, particularly online, leveraging data from 15 million customers and 20 million weekly visits.
  • Project Management background, guiding projects within cost, time and quality parameters.
  • Organisational authority on Data Collection and Analysis, managing information life‑cycle, design of architectures, policies and practices.
  • Committed office presence to ensure stakeholder and peer engagement.
  • Prepared to make tough decisions, even if unpopular, and support individuals and teams through difficult circumstances.

About Us

Next is a FTSE‑100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We are the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and the market leader in kidswear. With over 500 stores plus Next Online, we sell online from more than 70 countries worldwide.


About The Team

  • 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 while 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 Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
  • Wellhub – Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Seniority level: Director


Employment type: Full‑time


Job function: Engineering and Information Technology


Industry: Retail


Office location: Head Office, Enderby, Leicestershire


Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Next by 2x.


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, please contact us by email (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call and leave a voicemail.


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Head of Data Science

Head of Data Science

Head of Data Science

Head of Data Science

Head of Data Science

Head of Data Science

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Neurodiversity in Machine Learning Careers: Turning Different Thinking into a Superpower

Machine learning is about more than just models & metrics. It’s about spotting patterns others miss, asking better questions, challenging assumptions & building systems that work reliably in the real world. That makes it a natural home for many neurodivergent people. If you live with ADHD, autism or dyslexia, you may have been told your brain is “too distracted”, “too literal” or “too disorganised” for a technical career. In reality, many of the traits that can make school or traditional offices hard are exactly the traits that make for excellent ML engineers, applied scientists & MLOps specialists. This guide is written for neurodivergent ML job seekers in the UK. We’ll explore: What neurodiversity means in a machine learning context How ADHD, autism & dyslexia strengths map to ML roles Practical workplace adjustments you can ask for under UK law How to talk about neurodivergence in applications & interviews By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of where you might thrive in ML – & how to turn “different thinking” into a genuine career advantage.

Machine Learning Hiring Trends 2026: What to Watch Out For (For Job Seekers & Recruiters)

As we move into 2026, the machine learning jobs market in the UK is going through another big shift. Foundation models and generative AI are everywhere, companies are under pressure to show real ROI from AI, and cloud costs are being scrutinised like never before. Some organisations are slowing hiring or merging teams. Others are doubling down on machine learning, MLOps and AI platform engineering to stay competitive. The end result? Fewer fluffy “AI” roles, more focused machine learning roles with clear ownership and expectations. Whether you are a machine learning job seeker planning your next move, or a recruiter trying to build ML teams, understanding the key machine learning hiring trends for 2026 will help you stay ahead.

Machine Learning Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK machine learning hiring has shifted from title‑led CV screens to capability‑driven assessments that emphasise shipped ML/LLM features, robust evaluation, observability, safety/governance, cost control and measurable business impact. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews & how to prepare—especially for ML engineers, applied scientists, LLM application engineers, ML platform/MLOps engineers and AI product managers. Who this is for: ML engineers, applied ML/LLM engineers, LLM/retrieval engineers, ML platform/MLOps/SRE, data scientists transitioning to production ML, AI product managers & tech‑lead candidates targeting roles in the UK.