Site Ops AI & Automation Engineer
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Job Description
The eCommerce team is recruiting a Site Ops AI & Automation Engineer to join the Developments team and drive AI innovation forward! Based at NEXT Head Office in Leicestershire, offering a competitive salary range of £40,000 - £53,000 and great benefits!
At NEXT, we’re one of the UK’s largest fashion retailers and a FTSE-100 listed company. We sell products and world‑famous brands both in‑store and online across the UK and internationally. We’re growing fast, and the investment in growth is exciting for everyone.
The eCommerce Developments team is responsible for implementing, testing and building on the UX designs and the requirements of our partnered brands and overall website content.
About the Role
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 organization for more advanced AI adoption.
Responsibilities
* 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 department’s 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 automation frameworks 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 tasks with AI.
* Desirable: experience in using AI to aid in code completion to drive productivity.
* Desirable: experience with Vertex AI and/or embedding for data vectorisation.
* Desirable: comfortable with the Google ecosystem such as BigQuery, Appscripts, Cloud Run, etc.
Conditions & Location
Work from our Leicestershire Head Office. Flexible working is available to support your work‑life balance.
About You
* Proven ability to design, implement and scale efficient automation scripts and workflows, primarily using Python, to reduce manual effort, enhance efficiency and minimise errors.
* Proficiency in developing and maintaining automated testing frameworks (e.g., Selenium, Playwright) for content validation, cross‑browser/de‑vice 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 accelerate insights.
* 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.
* Strong collaborator focused on driving an automation‑first culture and managing multiple priorities effectively.
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
* 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 while gaining a qualification
* Direct to Work – Discounted 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.
Other Information
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. If you need support with your application due to a disability or long‑term condition, please email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (include “Workplace Adjustments” in the subject) or call 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
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