Acting Product Development Manager - 12 Month FTC

We're looking for an Acting Product Development Manager to join our Finance Technology team on a 12 month FTC. Based from NEXT Head Office in Leicestershire!

The Role:

As an Acting Product Development Manager at NEXT, you will take technical ownership of an application or a suite of core applications, driving the future of what's possible for our retail products.

You are here to bridge the gap between technical delivery and commercial strategy, successfully managing and delivering a high-value portfolio of application development projects from initial concept to deployment.

Leading a dedicated, collaborative squad of around 5 Developers and Business Analysts, you will make a lasting impact by ensuring the integrity, availability, and security of our systems while shaping NEXT's long-term systems roadmap.

From day one, you will be fully supported by our technology leadership team, integrated into our Agile development frameworks, and given the autonomy to drive real change

What You’ll Take On:

• Invite Collaboration & Lead: Lead and coach your squad, conducting regular

one-to-ones and performance reviews to foster a high-performance learning culture.

• Make It Happen: Drive the delivery of a significant £10m+ project portfolio,

overseeing everything from resource estimation to final project closure.

• Push the Boundaries: Define project scopes by analysing strategic business

drivers, validating complex requirements, and contributing fresh ideas to our wider applications strategy.

• Keep It Real: Own application standards by ensuring all quality, legislative

(FCA/PCI), and governance guidelines are met while providing clear, transparent communication to stakeholders.

• Always Think Customer: Champion operational stability and manage day-to-day

support to ensure a seamless experience for our customers.

What You’ll Bring:

• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to manage the technical,

strategic, and human elements of a fast-paced development squad.

• Deep technical knowledge of Agile principles, ceremonies, and delivery tools.
• A customer-first mindset with a genuine determination to elevate the shopping

experience.

• Clear, professional communication skills to articulate complex technical

concepts and align diverse teams.

• Excellent organisational skills to manage multi-million-pound budgets and

shifting priorities with ease.

• A forward-thinking attitude, actively bringing new learning and innovation

back to the team.

Standing still isn't an option here—change is what we do. We know everyone is at their best when they are being themselves, which is why we foster an environment with no egos, just people working together to make a difference.

From day one, you will be fully supported by our technology leadership team, integrated into our Agile development frameworks, and given the autonomy to drive real change.

Discover your potential and take on your next career milestone with us.

#LI-NI1 [https://keep.google.com/#label/li-ni1]

#LI-Hybrid [https://keep.google.com/#label/li-hybrid]

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!

• 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.