Lead Analyst - AI Innovation
Lead Analyst - AI Innovation

Lead Analyst - AI Innovation

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Transform data analytics with AI, delivering insights in real-time and automating workflows.
  • Company: Join NEXT, a leading UK fashion retailer with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts, bonuses, health services, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation, making impactful decisions quickly.
  • Qualifications: Experience in SQL, Python, and a passion for AI and problem-solving.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent growth potential.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking a Senior Web Analytics Lead to transform our data landscape from reactive into proactive analytics! Based from NEXT Head Office in Leicester!

About the role:

The Data Team enables the department and the business to elevate understanding of customer behaviours and sales performance - what is working and what is not by articulating actionable insights from complex data. We value curiosity, inspire ideas and unlock new opportunities. You will access advanced AI tools and data platforms, and grow fast with support.

What you’ll take on:

  • AI-Enhanced Business Intelligence: Deliver AI in BI solutions, moving beyond static dashboards to conversational and also predictive and prescriptive analytics that provide ‘argumentation’ - explaining the why behind the data, not just the what.
  • Speed to insight: Develop capabilities such as AI agents capable of ‘talking to data’ - allowing non-technical users to query complex databases using natural language to receive instant, visualised insights.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Design and test proof-of-concept models using LLMs, computer vision. You’ll validate whether a tool delivers high-accuracy insights or if it’s just noise, moving on quickly if the value isn’t there.
  • Automation for Scalability: Build and implement automated workflows that handle data cleaning, anomaly detection, and trend reporting, allowing the team to focus on high-level strategy. Help take AI features into production, working with engineers to meet reliability and security needs. Contribute to data preparation and feature engineering for AI use cases.

What you’ll bring:

  • Track record of taking vague business problems and turning them into structured AI experiments.
  • A genuine desire to learn fast and grow your skills in applied AI and agentic tooling.
  • Problem solving mindset: Intellectual curiosity and problem-solving instincts that drive you to figure things out.
  • A "fail fast" approach with a focus on high-impact, scalable results.
  • Communication: Refine the technical requirements to specifically highlight the AI frameworks or prompt engineering skills and then communicate. The ability to explain AI logic, visualise complex data findings and articulate model behaviour to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Technical skills: Great SQL and Python skills and the ability to write code that others can understand and maintain. Practical knowledge of APIs, services and development practices like version control, code reviews and testing. Exposure to GCP, Databricks, Azure AI services or similar cloud AI platforms along with agent frameworks, RAG patterns or orchestration tools are beneficial.
  • AI and data pipeline skills: Understanding of basic ML and AI concepts like prompting, evaluation, embeddings and how models and data workflows work.
  • Ecommerce and web analytics knowledge: Understanding of key metrics of web analytics and having business acumen for ecommerce.

Benefits include:

  • 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
  • Company performance based bonus
  • 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.

What’s Next?

  • Apply: Show us what you can do. Submit your application online and our recruitment team will take a first look at your experience and strengths.
  • Inform: Let’s talk. We will get in touch for an initial conversation by phone or video to learn more about you and share what the team is looking for.
  • Review: If you are invited to an interview, you may be asked to present an interview task or portfolio and talk through your experience in a competency based interview. It is also your chance to ask questions and get to know us.
  • Offer: If it’s the right match, our recruitment team will be in touch with a job offer and next steps. This is where your journey with NEXT begins.

Team Overview:

The Digital & Marketing team brings creativity, technology, and insight together. From bold campaigns and boundary-pushing design to product innovation, digital evolution, and vital data support, these teams shape seamless experiences and drive the business forward.

Explore similar opportunities across our business. You’ve probably heard of NEXT, but did you know about our portfolio? Every brand in our offering brings a distinct story, attitude and community. Spanning contemporary lifestyle brands, established high street names and timeless collections, together they showcase the vibrancy of today’s retail world.

About NEXT: 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 on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global! Challenges. Opportunities. The future. Let’s take it on at NEXT.

Lead Analyst - AI Innovation employer: Next Careers

NEXT is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of curiosity and innovation, particularly in the role of Lead Analyst - AI Innovation at our Leicester Head Office. With access to cutting-edge AI tools and a commitment to employee growth through hands-on experience and support, we empower our team to transform data into actionable insights while enjoying a range of benefits including discounts on popular brands, financial wellbeing initiatives, and a vibrant work environment that prioritises collaboration and creativity.
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Contact Detail:

Next Careers Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Analyst - AI Innovation

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your problem-solving mindset. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've tackled challenges and delivered results.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your skills! If you have a portfolio or any projects that highlight your technical abilities, bring them along to interviews. This is your chance to visually communicate your expertise and creativity.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at NEXT.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Analyst - AI Innovation

Web Analytics
AI Tools
Data Analysis
SQL
Python
APIs
Machine Learning Concepts
Ecommerce Knowledge
Natural Language Processing
Data Visualisation
Automation
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Rapid Prototyping
Cloud AI Platforms

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Curiosity: We love a curious mind! When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your eagerness to learn and explore new AI tools. Share examples of how you've tackled complex problems in the past.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep it straightforward! Use clear language to explain your experience and skills. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and remember, we want to understand your thought process without getting lost in technical details.

Tailor Your Application: Make it personal! Align your application with the job description by showcasing relevant experiences that match the role. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers

✨Know Your Data Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the data landscape of the company. Familiarise yourself with their key metrics and analytics tools. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've transformed data into actionable insights will show your understanding and readiness for the role.

✨Showcase Your AI Knowledge

Brush up on your knowledge of AI tools and techniques relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied AI in past projects, especially in automating workflows or enhancing business intelligence. This will demonstrate your capability to contribute to their AI-driven initiatives.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions around SQL, Python, and data pipelines. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders. This skill is crucial for bridging the gap between technical teams and commercial units.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your curiosity about the company's data strategy and future projects. Inquire about their current challenges in analytics or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

Lead Analyst - AI Innovation
Next Careers
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