Product Development Manager at Next Plc

Blaby, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 May, 26

Salary

71600.0

Posted On

19 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Product Development, Portfolio Management, Application Development, Stakeholder Management, Team Leadership, Agile Methodologies, Project Lifecycle Management, Design Standards, Risk Management, Governance, Quality Assurance, Requirement Validation, Feasibility Analysis, Coaching, Performance Monitoring, Technical Oversight

Industry

Description

The Role 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 In this role, your day-to-day will be varied, balancing technical oversight with people leadership to deliver tangible business outcomes: 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 We’re looking for a proactive leader who thrives in a demanding, technical environment and understands the nuances of a busy retail operation: 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. #LI-LE1 #LI-Hybrid 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! So we’ve gone global! 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.

Responsibilities

The Product Development Manager will lead and develop a team of 10 developers, a BA, and testers responsible for logistics applications, while managing the full product and project lifecycle from requirements validation through to handover. This involves balancing technical oversight with people leadership to deliver tangible business outcomes aligned with strategic goals.