At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a software development team to enhance warehouse operations and drive innovation.
- Company: Join NEXT, one of the UK's largest online retail platforms with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, profit-related bonuses, and exclusive staff discounts.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant office close to key stakeholders with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on logistics while developing your leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and team leadership, preferably in e-commerce or logistics.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Join Next’s dynamic Warehouse & Distribution Technology Domain, a crucial part of one of the UK’s largest online retail platforms. The Product Development Manager will take full strategic ownership of core products, directly impacting warehouse operations both locally and abroad, enabling cost savings, service enhancements, capacity increases and resiliency improvements.
Responsibilities
- Lead and line‑manage a software development team, overseeing all aspects of project delivery within an agile framework.
- Oversee all stages of project delivery, managing risks, issues and decisions.
- Establish and validate project scope aligned with strategic business drivers.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and aligned with priorities.
- Manage the product development lifecycle using Agile Delivery Methods.
- Coach and develop a team of developers to deliver the highest standards.
- Manage team performance, set clear objectives and foster collaboration.
- Communicate project status clearly to all stakeholders.
- Partner with cross‑functional teams to integrate workflows.
- Ensure full compliance with policies, governance and NEXT standards.
- Actively manage all project risks and drive continuous improvement in processes.
Qualifications
- Proven experience managing complex projects and portfolios.
- Strong senior stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience in team leadership, coaching and development.
- Background in fast‑paced warehousing, logistics, e‑commerce, marketing, retail technology or similar environment.
- Proficiency with ALM tools such as Jira and Azure DevOps.
- Familiarity with Agile or hybrid project delivery models.
- Ability to plan and prioritise workload in an agile, demanding environment.
- Excellent communication skills.
Location
You’ll be based at our Yorkshire Office on the same complex as four of our biggest warehouses, close to key stakeholders and business owners.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Profit‑related bonus based on company performance.
- Management share options.
- Company car or car allowance.
- Private medical insurance.
- Sharesave scheme.
- Pension with fixed employer contributions and voluntary contributions.
- Life assurance.
- Group income protection.
- Wagestream financial management service.
- Salary finance program.
- 25% staff discount on most NEXT products.
- Direct to work service.
- VIP sale early access.
- Access to NEXT staff shops.
- Octopus energy electric vehicle scheme.
- Free parking (excluding London locations).
- Travel2NEXT bus services.
- On‑site dining facilities (excluding London locations).
- National and local discounts on goods and services.
- Wellhub gym membership discount.
- Simply health subscription service.
- Aviva Digicare Workplace+ healthcare services.
- On‑site GP and physio at Leicester Head Office.
- A range of dedicated wellbeing partners.
- Free eye testing vouchers.
Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
Product Development Manager - Warehouse Technology employer: Next
Next is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Warehouse & Distribution Technology Domain. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented software development team while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, profit-related bonuses, and access to exclusive staff discounts. Located in Yorkshire, you'll be at the heart of operations, close to key stakeholders, ensuring your contributions directly enhance our logistics and e-commerce capabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager - Warehouse Technology
✨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 put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and how they impact warehouse operations. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Product Development Manager, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your pitch.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager - Warehouse Technology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects and leading teams, especially in fast-paced environments like warehousing or e-commerce.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your skills with Agile methodologies and tools like Jira or Azure DevOps. We want to see how you’ve used these in past roles to drive project success.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Know Your Agile Inside Out
Since the role involves managing projects within an agile framework, make sure you brush up on agile methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented agile practices in past projects and how they can benefit the team at Next.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Product Development Manager, you'll be leading a software development team. Prepare examples of how you've coached and developed teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project outcomes or team performance.
✨Understand the Business Drivers
Familiarise yourself with Next's core business objectives and how the Warehouse & Distribution Technology Domain fits into the bigger picture. Be ready to discuss how you can align project scopes with these strategic drivers to deliver real value.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication skills are a must for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you would communicate project statuses to stakeholders and ensure you're comfortable discussing technical details with non-technical audiences.
