At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive innovative retail product development and manage high-value projects.
- Company: Join NEXT, a leading FTSE-100 fashion retailer with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% off products, performance bonuses, and access to health and wellbeing services.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping the future of retail technology.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and technical knowledge in Agile project management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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.
About Us
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!
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 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.
Acting Product Development Manager - 12 Month FTC in Leicester employer: Next
NEXT is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Leicestershire Head Office where innovation meets collaboration. As an Acting Product Development Manager, you will benefit from a supportive technology leadership team, extensive employee growth opportunities, and a culture that prioritises both personal and professional development. With competitive perks such as discounts on products, access to health and wellbeing services, and a commitment to fostering a high-performance learning culture, NEXT is dedicated to ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career for all its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Acting Product Development Manager - 12 Month FTC in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to product development. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your collaborative style will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Acting Product Development Manager - 12 Month FTC in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about the opportunity to lead a squad and drive impactful projects. Share specific examples of your past experiences that align with our vision.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Acting Product Development Manager role. Highlight your experience with Agile principles and project management, as well as any relevant technical skills. We love seeing how your background fits into what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the job. We appreciate professional communication, so make sure your ideas come across effectively without unnecessary fluff.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about NEXT and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Agile principles and the technical aspects of product development. Brush up on your knowledge about application standards, FCA/PCI regulations, and how they impact project delivery. This will help you speak confidently about how you can lead the squad effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative leadership style. Think about times when you've successfully coached a team or managed performance reviews. Be ready to discuss how you foster a high-performance culture and encourage innovation within your squad.
✨Understand the Business Drivers
Familiarise yourself with NEXT’s business model and the retail landscape. Be prepared to discuss how you would define project scopes based on strategic business drivers and how you can contribute fresh ideas to their applications strategy. This shows you’re not just technically savvy but also commercially aware.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. You’ll need to align diverse teams, so think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and professionally. Good communication is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
