Description
NEXT has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious data and automation leader to join our Finance team as Senior Data Analytics Manager.
This is a pivotal leadership role within Finance Operations, where you’ll shape how we use data, automation, robotics, and AI to transform the way Finance operates. Leading our RPA and MI & Reporting teams, you’ll challenge the status quo, drive continuous improvement, and help build the technology and data capabilities of tomorrow , while maintaining strong controls and governance.
You’ll provide strategic leadership across Finance Operations’ data, analytics, and automation agenda, working closely with senior stakeholders across Finance, IT, and the wider business.
You’ll lead the continued evolution of our automation and analytics capabilities, moving beyond traditional RPA towards intelligent workflows and Agentic AI, while using advanced data and AI technologies to deliver more proactive, predictive, and actionable insight.
With responsibility for a significant live automation estate and complex Finance data environment, you’ll balance innovation with operational resilience, data quality, security, and governance.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the RPA and MI & Reporting teams, providing strategic direction, coaching, and mentorship.
- Own the Finance Operations strategy for data, analytics, and automation, ensuring our capabilities continue to evolve.
- Identify and re-engineer Finance processes before automation, driving efficiency and sustainable improvement.
- Oversee 120+ live automated processes, ensuring robust change management, controls, compliance, and resilience.
- Manage and govern our outsourced RPA development partner, ensuring quality, commercial, and delivery targets are met.
- Identify opportunities for next-generation automation, including Agentic AI and intelligent workflows.
- Act as strategic data steward for an ecosystem comprising 800+ tables, Gold Data, and complex semantic models.
- Build on our Power BI and Databricks foundations, using emerging AI/BI technologies to deliver forward-looking insight.
- Ensure data remains accurate, secure, and trusted across Finance Operations.
- Lead strategic Finance Operations projects, working across Finance, IT, and Business Operations to deliver measurable transformation.
- Provide clear governance, milestone tracking, and progress reporting to senior stakeholders.
Requirements
- Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across data, analytics, and/or automation.
- Strong understanding of modern data architecture, Databricks, Gold Data, and complex data models.
- Expertise in SQL, DAX, and Python, with experience in data engineering, analytics, or process automation.
- A strong understanding of RPA, process re-engineering, and emerging Agentic AI capabilities.
- Experience managing change, governance, and operational risk within a large-scale live production environment.
- Strong vendor and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge existing ways of working.
- The ability to translate complex technical strategies into clear business value.
- A genuine passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and emerging technology.
Benefits
- 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 in-store, 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