Lead Data Engineer

Job Description
We are looking for a Lead Data Engineer to join our eCommerce Data team at NEXT. Based from NEXT Head Office in Leicestershire with a competitive salary range of £64,000 - £79,000 with great benefits

Let's talk numbers. When it comes to UK retail, it's hard to find a bigger name. We sell thousands of items an hour and are expanding our e-commerce business by the second. For anyone in Tech, this is the place to learn. To grow. And to thrive.

eCommerce Data provides the department and the business the means to see what is working and what is not by drawing data and analysing patterns of shopping on our site and in general.

About the Role:
As a Lead Data Engineer at Next, you will be instrumental in designing, developing, and maintaining scalable data solutions within our Azure environment. You will be responsible for building robust data pipelines, ensuring data quality, and supporting our data science and analytics teams. This is a hands-on role where you will be expected to lead by example, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the overall technical strategy of our data platform. You will primarily work with PySpark, SQL on Databricks to deliver high-performance data solutions.

What else is involved?

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines and ETL processes using Azure services (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks)
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security across all data platforms, implementing best practices for data governance.
• Collaborate with data scientists, business analysts, and other stakeholders to understand data requirements and provide necessary data infrastructure and solutions.
• Manage and optimize processes for performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
• Mentor and guide junior data engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex data-related issues, ensuring high availability and reliability of data systems.

You'll be doing all this from 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.

Bring your energy. Play to your strengths. Make things bigger and better than before.

About You:

• Strong knowledge of Python, PySpark, and SQL, with extensive experience in developing and optimizing data pipelines.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with Azure data services, including Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory and Azure Data Lake Storage.
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases (e.g., Cosmos DB)
• Experience with building streaming data pipelines and Delta Live Tables using Pyspark/Databricks
• Strong understanding and working experience of building CI/CD pipelines using relevant tools (e.g., Azure DevOps, Git) for data solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of machine learning concepts and MLOps practices.
• Experience with other cloud platforms (AWS, GCP)
• Experience with data governance frameworks and tools.

So if you have proven experience within Data Engineering with great communication skills and the ability to translate business needs to technical requirements for building data engineering solutions, this is the place for you - and your career.

About Us
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

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 (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on and leave a voicemail.