Life at Next

Discover how the massive scale of data operations moves behind the scenes at NEXT. In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we sit down with a data analyst who successfully transitioned from a four-year primary school teaching career into our Business Intelligence Systems (BIS) team. Learn how the BIS department acts as a central hub, managing millions to billions of rows of data daily to prov...

Discover how we are moving sustainability forward at NEXT through data-driven packaging choices and international legislative compliance. Go behind the scenes with our Sustainability team at Head Office as we explore the vital role packaging plays across our entire global supply chain. In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, Sustainability Manager Josh breaks down the nuances of material sele...

Discover how the NEXT technology team grew from 300 to over 1,800 experts driving our global retail and website innovation. In this episode, we sit down with two members of our specialist technology team to explore the incredible evolution of their roles and the company culture that powers our digital growth. From our roots in traditional retail to managing a massive, sophisticated e-commerce plat...

Discover what it is really like to take on a tech placement at NEXT. From university applications to building real features, here is Hasham’s story. What does it take to stand out in a competitive tech industry? In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, we sit down with Hasham Shakir, a placement developer working within our e-commerce department. Hasham shares his journey of moving 4,000 miles...

Discover what happens behind the scenes of homeware photoshoots at NEXT. In this episode, Studio Planning Lead Sarah shares her nine-year career journey. Sarah shares her experience moving from a Trainee Merchandiser to leading the planning for our major home brands at the Buzz Studio. She explains the massive scale of our studio operations, how we collaborate with partner brands like Laura Ashley...

Discover what it means to be a leader at NEXT. From studying psychology to managing team dynamics and presenting on internal video channels, explore a 14-year career journey built on growth and connection. What does it take to guide a customer service team in a fast-paced environment? In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, we sit down with a Customer Service Manager to discuss transferable s...

In this episode, we sit down with Jo, our Charities Engagement Manager, to discuss the authentic and thoughtful approach to giving at NEXT. With a career spanning 20 years at the business, Jo provides a unique perspective on how we foster a culture of integrity and support. Jo shares how her team of four manages a wide range of initiatives, from local support for hospices in Leicester to internati...

In this episode, we sit down with Phillip, our Group Finance Controller, to discuss his first six months at NEXT and the dynamic world of large scale corporate finance. Phillip shares his journey from training in London to leading a team of 17 at our Head Office, offering a transparent look at what it takes to manage the numbers for a growing global business. We explore the "roll your sleeves...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rosie, a Senior Studio Coordinator at NEXT, as she shares her unique journey from the world of performing arts to a thriving career in our creative studios. Rosie discusses the resilience required to navigate graduating during the pandemic and how she successfully transitioned her passion for performance into a dynamic role in marketing and logistics. Now...

n this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we explore the extraordinary 25 year journey of our Visa and Sponsorship Partner, Stuart. From his early days as a part time office cover in one of our first stores to becoming an expert in international recruitment and compliance, Stu's story is a masterclass in building a non traditional career within a dynamic global brand. You can expect to hear...

Predicting the future of fashion is about more than just trends. Join Matt as he interviews Charlotte to discover the "nerdy" science behind merchandising at NEXT. Merchandising is the art of having the right stock in the right place at the right time. In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, Charlotte shares insights from her 11-year career, from "crying over a sewing machine&q...

Discover what it is really like to join the NEXT Graduate Scheme. Follow our Logistics Management Graduate as she shares her first six months in HR and distribution. In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, we explore the transition from university to a career in logistics. Ella shares how she navigated over 40 applications to secure one of five spots on this tailored two year program. We deep...

Discover what it takes to launch a career in one of the UK’s most renowned graduate trainee schemes! 🎓In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we sit down with Fiona and Jess from the Product Academy to explore opportunities in Buying, Merchandising, Design, and Technology. We delve into how NEXT supports trainees through a structured 12 month programme designed to help you excel, regardless...

This week on the Life at NEXT Podcast, we sit down with David, a Recruitment Business Partner for NEXT Finance 💰David shares what it truly takes to develop a successful career within our Finance team. From managing £6 billion in turnover to finding the right technical and cultural fit, David explores the breadth of opportunities available. Finance at NEXT is a broad area with roles across commerc...

We are excited to announce a special guest for this latest episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast! 🐮 Hamish has been a staple of the NEXT community, and today he’s finally taking the mic to lead the conversation. In this 60 second exclusive, we see how Hamish handles the pressure at NEXT. Whether he’s discussing our latest collections or life on campus, his energy is truly one of a kind.0:00 - A bol...

Scott shares his remarkable story of navigating ADHD, autism and depression to find a sense of belonging as a team member at NEXT.In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, Scott discusses his late diagnosis at age 31 and how he transitioned from acting to a flourishing career in retail. He explains the concept of "masking," the importance of supportive management, and how he now takes...

Discover what it takes to manage a portfolio of over 1,000 external brands in our latest podcast episode. We sit down with an Assistant Merchandiser from the NEXT Branded Team to explore their unique career journey, choosing real world experience over university to build a successful career. This episode offers an expert look at how our teams manage global brands like The North Face, Regatta, and...

Discover what a career in Merchandising actually looks like at NEXT. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with a Trainee Merchandiser to discuss the realities of the role, the progression path, and the transition from university into the industry. We explore how a background in Natural Sciences can lead to success in a data driven fashion role. It is a great example of how analytical thinkin...

Joe, our Lead Videographer, has turned a childhood obsession with vlogging and Lego movies into a career as a professional storyteller. In our latest podcast episode, he shares his transition from being a "kid with a camera" to capturing the scale of NEXT.Through shared expertise and perseverance after early career setbacks, Joe now uses FPV drones and cinematic techniques to bring our b...

In our latest episode, we sit down with Katie to discuss her 10 year journey at our Head Office in Enderby. Katie shares her incredible transition from finance and tech recruitment into the HR Benefits and Compliance team - a move she navigated while eight months pregnant! We explore the curated range of employee benefits that support our teams and make NEXT a leading place to work. Whether you ar...

Go behind the lens with Senior Photographer, Graeme, to discover what it really takes to build a three-decade career in the industry. From the high-pressure days of shooting on limited rolls of film to managing massive studio spaces for national product launches, we explore the evolution of brand photography. Learn why lighting is the ultimate "make or break" for authenticity, how to tra...

How do you stay motivated at the same company for 40 years? This week on the podcast, we explore a career journey that spans four decades of change, growth, and leadership. Our guest, Sarah, shares how they transitioned from the retail front lines in 1990 to becoming a key driver of talent and procedure in head office. We explore how to remain "locked in" to your role , the evolution of...

Discover the intersection of high-performance endurance and the fast-paced world of retail merchandising with Assistant Merchandiser Ben. In this episode, Ben reveals how the discipline required to complete a full Ironman triathlon directly fuels his success in managing "fashion maths" for over 1,000 global brands. Learn about the strategic side of the fashion industry, from analysing sa...

From Temp to Site Assistant Manager: Daryl’s 13-Year Career JourneyIn this episode, Daryl joins the podcast to discuss his incredible 13-year journey through the ranks of distribution. Starting on a six-month temporary contract, Daryl has navigated the "nitty-gritty" of warehouse workflows to become a Site Assistant Manager. We dive deep into the resilience required to manage a 24-hour o...

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a major retail marketing department? In this episode, we sit down with Demi, our Marketing and Campaign Planning Lead, to explore the incredible evolution of marketing at NEXT over the last nine years. From the shift away from the iconic NEXT Directory to embracing a multi-channel digital world with TikTok, YouTube, and paid advertising in over 70 co...