Lead Data Scientist – Marketing Science
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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 with a competitive salary range and great 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, to grow, and to 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 within Marketing Science at NEXT, you will build data‑driven solutions through state‑of‑the‑art machine learning, causal inference, and experiment design to measure true impact and make impactful recommendations to the business. As a lead, you are expected to handle end‑to‑end projects and mentor junior/senior data scientists whenever relevant. What else is involved?
- Working closely with marketing teams and agencies to understand challenges and opportunities in e‑commerce marketing.
- Proactively lead the design, development, and deployment of data science solutions that inform marketing strategy and execution.
- Build Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM), predictive modeling, lifetime value prediction, churn analysis, marketing attribution, and channel optimisation.
- Partner with marketing stakeholders to test, learn, and optimise campaigns through experimental design and/or causal inference methods.
- Create dashboards and data products that enable self‑serve analytics and real‑time insights for marketing teams.
- Drive data quality, model governance, and documentation standards across the marketing science function.
About you
- Proven experience in applied data science or analytics, with 2+ years in a leadership or mentoring role.
- Strong expertise in marketing analytics, building MMM models via Meridian, Robyn and/or PyMc, multi‑touch attribution, customer lifecycle modelling.
- Proficiency in SQL, Python, R, PySpark and dashboarding in PowerBI/Looker.
- Experienced running Geolift tests, causal inference models, and other forms of experimental design.
- Solid foundation in machine learning, statistics, econometric modelling, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex data insights into actionable business strategies.
- Preferred experience in the e‑commerce, technology or marketing industry.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or higher education in Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, or related field.
You’ll be doing all this from our Leicestershire Head Office on a hybrid basis. 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.
So if you’re an expert in Data Science, have strong Python/SQL/Pyspark skills and considerable knowledge in test design, implementation and reporting, can work with initiative and can build great working relationships within the business, this is the place for you – and your career.
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! So we’ve gone global!
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 in‑store, 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 (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on and leave a voicemail.
