At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in developing innovative applications for a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join Next, a leading FTSE-100 fashion retailer with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, bonuses, and access to health and wellbeing services.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities and support for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving technology solutions that enhance customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership and technical expertise in managing complex development projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Product Development Manager within our Stock and Pricing team, you’ll be at the heart of driving Next forward in a fast-paced retail landscape. You’ll take ownership of a diverse portfolio of application development projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the high standards our business expects. Working closely with both technical experts and business stakeholders, you will bridge the gap between complex requirements and high-quality software solutions. Whether you’re refining our applications strategy or mentoring your team, you’ll be supported by a collaborative IT community and provided with the tools needed to navigate our agile framework effectively.
You will be leading the Logistics development team of 10 developers supported by a BA and testers. Responsible for the support and development of the suite of applications including Inbound Logistics System (ILS), UK Inbound Logistics System (UKILS), Fastrack+ and Export Logistics System (ELS). These applications combine mainframe with .Net/Azure technologies.
What you’ll take on
- Lead and develop a team of Developers, fostering a learning culture through coaching, performance monitoring, and regular one-to-ones.
- Manage the full product and project lifecycle, from validating business requirements and proving feasibility to ensuring a smooth handover to support teams.
- Collaborate with subject-matter experts and architects to agree on design standards and tools, ensuring our systems remain secure, integrated, and high-performing.
- Maintain transparency across the business by providing clear, professional updates on progress, risks, and key decisions.
- Drive quality and governance, ensuring all documentation is accurate and compliant with essential legislation, such as FCA and PCI guidelines.
- Partner with the wider business to prioritise user needs and ensure IT deliverables are always aligned with our strategic goals.
What you’ll bring
- Proven technical expertise: You have an extensive track record of managing complex portfolios and delivering development projects from start to finish.
- Strong leadership: You’re an experienced manager who knows how to motivate a team, manage recruitment needs, and develop the skills of those around you.
- Excellent communication: You can translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders and build lasting relationships across different departments.
- An Agile mindset: You have a solid understanding of Agile methodologies and a knack for planning and prioritising in a shifting environment.
- Attention to detail: You take pride in maintaining high standards of governance, security, and integrity in everything you deliver.
- Technical curiosity: While not essential, a working knowledge of Mainframe environments would be a great advantage.
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 on-line from over 70 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.
Product Development Manager in Leicester employer: Next
Next is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. As a Product Development Manager, you will thrive in a supportive IT community that prioritises employee growth through mentorship and continuous learning opportunities. With competitive benefits including discounts on products, financial wellbeing initiatives, and access to health services, Next ensures that its employees are well-equipped to succeed both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager in Leicester
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Next!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Next would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Next through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Development Manager, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Development Manager position at Next. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
