The Role

Our Business Intelligence Systems (BIS) team is at a pivotal moment in our tech journey - transitioning from legacy architectures to a modern, cloud-first data ecosystem.

As a Senior Support Developer, you won’t just be maintaining systems; you will actively shape the future of NEXT’s data infrastructure. You will bridge the gap between operational stability and cloud innovation, using modern data tools (Azure Data Factory, Databricks, Fabric, Power BI) and traditional SQL platforms to optimise existing solutions, automate workflows and build high-reliability data pipelines.

What You’ll Take On

• Customer-Centric Problem Solving: Maintain active communication with business stakeholders throughout the support lifecycle - translating technical troubleshooting into clear status updates and ensuring end-user satisfaction upon issue resolution.
• Drive Automation & Modernisation: Identify opportunities to eliminate manual overhead, streamline batch processing, and implement proactive, automated workflows across our hybrid data environment.
• Maintain High-Availability Data Services: Ensure peak reliability and performance for business-critical data pipelines across NEXT through proactive monitoring and rapid root-cause resolution.
• Lead Complex Incident Resolution: Take ownership of incidents and tasks, perform deep technical troubleshooting, and coordinate cross-functionally via ServiceNow to deploy permanent fixes.
• Champion Operational Excellence: Support routine maintenance, patch management, and planned platform upgrades while embedding rigorous data security, cyber resilience, and cost-efficiency practices.
• Mentorship & Continuous Improvement: Guide and mentor junior developers, foster collaborative pair-programming, and explore emerging AI/ML and intelligent automation tools to solve real-world data challenges.

What You’ll Bring

• Senior-Level Troubleshooting: An analytical mindset with a proven track record of diagnosing complex data failures, managing process dependencies, and restoring critical services swiftly.
• Hybrid Landscape Navigability: Comfortable balancing immediate legacy SQL Server support with rapid scaling into modern cloud architectures.
• Workflow & Batch Automation: Hands-on experience with job scheduling (e.g. ActiveBatch), dependency management, and batch script execution to keep scheduled data processes running seamlessly.
• AI & Modern Automation: Practical experience using AI tools and smart automation to speed up troubleshooting, simplify routine tasks, and eliminate repetitive manual work.
• Growth Mindset & Ownership Culture: A positive, resilient, and proactive attitude combining a genuine curiosity for emerging technologies with a strong sense of accountability, mutual trust, and a passion for fostering an inclusive, knowledge-sharing environment.
• Collaborative Leadership: A proactive, adaptable team player who thrives in fast-paced product teams, communicates complex technical concepts clearly, and enjoys mentoring others.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Data Integration & ETL: Proven capability in building and supporting data pipelines using Azure Data Factory (ADF), SSIS, and API integrations.
• Data Platforms & Engineering: Hands-on experience with Azure Data Lake, Databricks, and Microsoft Fabric.
• Job Scheduling: Deep working knowledge of ActiveBatch (or equivalent enterprise scheduling tools) and batch automation.
• Programming & Databases: Proficiency in SQL and Python; expertise in MS SQL Server, advanced querying, performance tuning, and data validation.
• ITSM & Support: Solid grounding in ITIL principles (Incident, Problem, Change Management) using ServiceNow.

Desirable

• Practical experience with PySpark, Delta Lake, or Dimensional Modelling/Data Warehousing principles.
• Familiarity with SQL Server SSAS Tabular, DAX, or Azure Event Hubs.
• A strong interest or practical exposure to Generative AI, AI agents, or ML-driven automation for enterprise data pipelines.
• Reporting & Analytics: Proficiency in Power BI; familiarity with SSRS or equivalent enterprise reporting environments.
• Familiarity with ActiveBatch job scheduling, workflow design, automation, dependency management, and job monitoring, with an interest in exploring its advanced features and capabilities.

#LI-LE1 #LI-Hybrid

You 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!

• 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.