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.
