Head Of Data Science (AI, Search & Discovery)

Join NEXT as the Head of Data Science and take a pivotal role in transforming our vast customer data into measurable commercial value. We are moving beyond traditional insights into the realm of Agentic AI, where data doesn't just inform decisions - it executes them. This is a unique opportunity to lead the strategy for autonomous commercial applications, driving sales growth and market leadership from our Head Office in Enderby, Leicestershire.

About the Role

The central purpose of this role is to monetize NEXT's data by building the systems that bridge the gap between raw data and live commercial assets. You will lead the development of agentic workflows that link disparate data sources, such as product specifications and high-resolution photography, to autonomously generate and deploy high-performing creative assets, such as automated Meta ads.

While you will lead modelling and reporting, your primary challenge will be implementing functional strategies for NEXT ads, Search, and Recommendations that operate with minimal manual intervention. You will oversee the transition from static data science projects to dynamic, agentic systems that:

• Synthesise Data: Link product metadata and image libraries in real-time.
• Automate Creative: Trigger the creation and deployment of digital marketing assets based on live inventory and customer signals.
• Execute at Scale: Move beyond "insights" to build a system that actively manages the e-commerce lifecycle through autonomous agents.

As a leader of 12 people, you will partner with Data Engineering and Web Analytics to ensure the underlying architecture is robust enough to support these autonomous agentic loops.

About You

• You are a thought leader who understands how to move beyond predictive modelling into autonomous system design.
• You concentrate on delivering results where AI drives the clearest commercial benefit, specifically in automating the path from product to purchase.
• You can translate the concept of "Agentic Shopping" into practical architectures that link product data, creative assets, and ad platforms.
• Ideally, you have experience in high-volume retail, managing the complexity of 15 million customers and 20 million weekly visits.
• Essential background in Project Management, with the ability to guide the team through the development of complex, interconnected AI agents within cost and time parameters.
• You are comfortable acting as the organisational authority on how data is collected, stored, and ultimately utilised by agentic systems to drive the business forward.