Lead Data Scientist

Next
Leicester
1 month ago
Applications closed

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We are looking for a Lead Data Scientist to join the eCommerce Data team, based from NEXT Head Office in Enderby, Leicestershire. The role offers a competitive salary range and generous benefits.


Let’s talk numbers. When it comes to UK retail, it’s hard to find a bigger name. We sell thousands of items an hour and are expanding our e‑commerce business by the second. For anyone in tech, this is the place to learn, grow, and thrive.


eCommerce Data provides the department and the business the means to see what is working and what is not by drawing data and analysing patterns of shopping on our site and in general.


About the Role

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will own the algorithm roadmap for NextAds, architecting novel solutions to drive true incremental revenue. This is a unique opportunity to join a relatively new area of the business within a growing team.



  • Architect & Build: Design, test and deploy state‑of‑the‑art predictive models (e.g. Two‑Tower, Recurrent Neural Networks, XGBRanker) that drive the internal Ad ranking and assignment algorithms.
  • Optimise Feedback Loops: Increase responsiveness of ad algorithms to real‑world events and outcomes in the pursuit of real‑time decisioning.
  • Lead Technical Strategy: Proactively lead the design, development, and deployment of data science solutions.
  • Production Excellence: Write robust, scalable, production‑grade code and champion best practices.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Present outcomes to senior leadership teams and work with stakeholders across the eCommerce team to move towards shared business goals.

You’ll be doing all this from our Leicestershire Head Office. Our offices are inspiring, yes. But we understand that life happens. So, we’re big on making sure your work works for you, which is why we offer flexible working. Bring your energy. Play to your strengths. Make things bigger and better than before.


About You

  • BSc, MSc, or PhD in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 4+ years of experience in Data Science, with a focus on personalisation or recommendation systems.
  • Proven leadership experience with the ability to guide projects from conception to deployment.
  • Advanced proficiency in PyTorch or TensorFlow.
  • Strong proficiency in SQL, Python, and distributed processing (PySpark).
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex data insights into actionable business strategies.

Preferred

  • Experience in AdTech.
  • Familiarity with MLFlow, Databricks and Azure DevOps.

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 online from over 70 countries around the world!


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 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 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. If you need support with your application due to a disability or long‑term condition, please email (please include “Workplace Adjustments” in the subject line), or call us on and leave a voicemail.


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