Design, build and scale Python-based automation and AI-enabled workflows to reduce manual work across Site Operations. Implement automated tests (Selenium/Playwright), validate platform functionality, integrate APIs and web technologies, measure automation impact, and upskill stakeholders to drive an automation-first culture.
We are looking for a Site Ops AI & Automation Engineer to join the eCommerce Developments team and drive AI innovation forward! Based at the NEXT Head Office in Leicestershire!
The Role:
Our eCommerce Developments team are responsible for implementing, testing and building on the UX designs plus the requirements of our partnered brands and the overall content of the website.
As the Site Ops AI & Automation Engineer, you’ll play a key role in transforming our operations by integrating automation and AI into daily workflows. You’ll streamline repetitive tasks, enhance accuracy and accelerate decision-making using cutting edge tools and data analysis. Embedded in the Site Operations team, you’ll drive an automation first culture by building smart, practical solutions that reduce manual effort and prepare the organisation for more advanced AI adoption.
What You'll Take On:
Business Process Automation
- Identify repetitive or manual business processes across multiple teams within the department where automation could support efficiency and reduce errors.
- Design and implement Python based automation scripts and AI enabled workflows that complement human effort, allowing scale and enhanced productivity across teams
- Partner closely with stakeholders to map existing processes, understand team pain points, and co-create automation solutions that improve productivity.
- Build reusable automation frameworks that can be shared across teams, encouraging consistent best practice and reducing duplication of effort.
- Monitor and measure the impact of automation, highlighting where it has helped teams work more effectively, freed capacity, or improved outcomes.
- Act as a champion for AI collaboration, showing how automation supports people in their roles and strengthens overall performance.
- Contribute to the departments wider adoption of automation and AI by upskilling colleagues, sharing knowledge, and creating accessible tools that empower teams.
Automated Testing & Quality Assurance
- Develop, implement, and maintain Python based scripts to validate platform functionality and performance.
- Continuously review and enhance testing processes, introducing AI assisted validation to increase efficiency and coverage.
- Proactively identify opportunities for automation in regression testing, reporting, and operational workflows.
- Experience with building complex engineered prompts to aid implementation of tasks.
- Experienced in using AI to aid in code completion (desirable).
- Experience with Vertex AI and/or embeddings for data vectorisation (desirable).
You’ll be doing all this from either our Leicestershire Head Office. Our offices are inspiring, yes. But we understand that life happens. So, we’re big on making sure your work, works for you which is why we offer flexible working - 3 days in the office per week and 2 from home.
What You'll Bring:
- Proven ability to design, implement and scale efficient automation scripts and workflows, primarily using Python, to reduce manual effort, enhance efficiency, and minimise errors. This includes process mapping, stakeholder collaboration, and experience integrating AI/ML services to augment human decision-making.
- Comfortable developing and maintaining scripts using frameworks (e.g., Selenium, Playwright) for content validation, cross-browser/cross-device compatibility, and proactive error detection (e.g., broken links, missing assets).
- Strong analytical skills combining Python, SQL, and BI tools (Power BI/Tableau) with automation to give insights.
- Must have hands-on experience consuming and interpreting APIs and a working knowledge of web technologies (HTML, CSS, JS) for effective troubleshooting.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical outputs and automation impact (time saved, risk reduced) into clear, business-focused insights for stakeholders at all levels.
- Must be a strong collaborator focused on driving an automation-first culture and managing multiple priorities effectively.
- A strong collaborator with an inquisitive mindset for emerging technologies and a passion for building AI aided system
- A background in eCommerce is beneficial but not essential
#LI-JT1 #LI-Hybrid
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.
Similar Jobs
Digital Media • Gaming • Software • Esports • Automation
Design, build, and maintain business-critical internal systems and integrations. Deliver high-quality backend and frontend code, drive cloud microservices adoption, apply AI-assisted development, mentor junior developers, manage releases, ensure testing/logging, troubleshoot production issues, and collaborate with architects and cross-functional teams to improve development practices.
Top Skills:
.NetAi-Assisted Development ToolsApi Back-EndsCloud-Based MicroservicesJavaScriptMs-SqlPostgresPythonReactUi Front-End Services
Digital Media • Gaming • Software • Esports • Automation
Design, build, and maintain business-critical internal systems by developing API back-ends and front-end services, integrating third-party tools, driving AI-assisted development, ensuring code quality, guiding junior developers, participating in release management, troubleshooting production issues, and improving development practices.
Top Skills:
.NetAi-Assisted Development ToolsApi Back-EndsCloud-Based MicroservicesJavaScriptMs-SqlPostgresPythonReactUi Front-End Services
Big Data • Food • Hardware • Machine Learning • Retail • Automation • Manufacturing
Lead program-level change strategy, readiness framework, and QA for change deliverables. Standardize key user learning journeys, manage the integrated change plan, oversee risks and issues, direct Functional Change Leads, represent change at leadership forums, and build lasting organizational change capability.
Top Skills:
ConfluenceJIRAMicrosoft TeamsMs ProjectO9OracleSalesforceSAPSharepointSmartsheet
What you need to know about the London Tech Scene
London isn't just a hub for established businesses; it's also a nursery for innovation. Boasting one of the most recognized fintech ecosystems in Europe, attracting billions in investments each year, London's success has made it a go-to destination for startups looking to make their mark. Top U.K. companies like Hoptin, Moneybox and Marshmallow have already made the city their base — yet fintech is just the beginning. From healthtech to renewable energy to cybersecurity and beyond, the city's startups are breaking new ground across a range of industries.
