Leads Finance Operations’ data, analytics, reporting, RPA, and automation strategy. Manages RPA and MI teams, oversees 120+ automated processes, governs finance data architecture, and develops Power BI, Databricks, intelligent workflow, and Agentic AI capabilities. The role also owns data quality, security, controls, vendor management, operational resilience, stakeholder engagement, and strategic transformation projects.
The Role
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.
What You Will Take On
- 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.
What You Will Bring
We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader who combines strong technical understanding with the ability to turn technology into tangible business value.
- 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.
This is an opportunity to shape the future of Finance Operations through data, automation and AI — not simply manage what exists today.
#LI-DC1
About UsYou 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! So we’ve gone global! 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 [email protected] (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
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