Life at Next

Hosted by Life at Next

Business Careers

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Episodes

152

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

The Life at NEXT podcast bringing you all the inside knowledge and people focused stories about working at NEXT, one of the biggest retailers in the World. Get ready to look behind the curtain and hear from the people who are constantly evolving a brand that has traditionally been a high street retailer but is now a Ecomm and Distribution powerhose. Real people with real stories all with their Life at NEXT.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 21, 2026Episode 15429 min

E154: How AI Is Transforming Data at NEXT

Discover how data engineering and AI are reshaping tech at NEXT, driving efficiency across our business and making coding accessible for all. In this episode of the Life at NEXT podcast, we sit down with a BI Systems Developer to discuss the rapid growth of our technology teams, the practical applications of AI in data pipelines and how building a career in tech requires curiosity, continuous learning and collaboration. From managing cloud infrastructure with tools like Data Bricks and Gemini to breaking out of the data bubble through internal hackathons, explore what it really takes to innovate at one of the largest retailers in the UK. 00:00 Introduction to Tech at NEXT 00:53 What Is Business Intelligence 02:02 Scaling AI and Efficiency 05:20 Role of a BI Systems Developer 07:11 AI Skepticism to Adoption 12:05 Cloud Data and Data Bricks 13:26 Hackathons and Cross-Team Collaboration 18:48 Hybrid Working and Team Culture 25:04 How to Build a Career in Data Engineering Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://bit.ly/4APH6l1 Follow us! Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

October 14, 2026Episode 15328 min

E153 Inside Finance & International Growth

Ever wondered what a finance career at NEXT looks like? Explore how the finance graduate scheme supports your move from university to a full time role. In this episode of our podcast series, we chat with Rory, an Assistant Finance Analyst at NEXT. Rory shares his journey transitioning from university life and competitive swimming into the NEXT finance graduate scheme. Discover what it is like to rotate across key financial departments, including stock finance, international accounts payable, cash accounting, and third party aggregators. Learn how early careers support helps you build broad industry experience, work on key business modernisation projects, and move the needle on international growth. 00:00 Introduction & Seeing Your Impact at NEXT 00:30 Transitioning From University to a 9-to-5 00:55 The NEXT Finance Graduate Scheme Structure 01:45 Key Rotations Across Finance Departments 03:00 Project Integration & Stakeholder Collaboration 04:14 Career Progression & Broad Finance Experience 05:09 Adapting to the Lifestyle Change After Uni 06:48 Competitive Swimming & Team Dynamics 08:40 Mindset & Key Strengths in the Workplace 09:23 Managing International Finance & Aggregators 11:30 Contributing to NEXT Financial Presentations 13:50 Early Careers Ambassadors & Workplace Support 15:00 Overcoming Challenges & Relocating to Leicester 16:24 Bringing a Fresh Perspective to Processes 17:16 Finance Modernisation & Utilising AI 19:25 How Data Tells the Story Behind the Numbers 23:36 Perceptions of Head Office vs Retail Stores 25:57 Advice for Future Finance Graduates Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://bit.ly/4APH6l1 Follow us! Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

October 7, 2026Episode 15130 min

Podcast Special: Making an impact from DAY ONE! | NEXT Early Careers

What is it really like starting your career at NEXT? In this episode of Life at NEXT, we sit down with Beth (Trainee Buyer in Womenswear Dresses) and Oliver (Trainee Developer in E-Commerce) to talk about their early career journeys!From discovering that NEXT manages an in house tech team of over 1,600 people, to changing the button colours on a global website serving millions, Beth and Oliver break down the real responsibility trainees receive from Day 1. They discuss relocating to Leicester, staying at the 18 bedroom NEXT training house, making an impact as Early Careers ambassadors, and top interview tips for candidates looking to stand out.Whether you're interested in fashion buying, software engineering, or applying for graduate and placement schemes, tune in to see how our trainees take it on!00:00 Real Impact from Day 1 at NEXT00:53 Welcome & Introductions: Meet Beth & Oliver01:21 Describing Life at NEXT in 3 Words02:30 Perceptions vs. Reality: Did You Know NEXT Has an In-House Tech Team?03:44 Behind the Scenes of Womenswear Buying & Fit Teams04:30 How Beth & Oliver Joined NEXT (Placements & Applications)06:26 Beth's Journey: From Flower Markets to a First-Class Fashion Degree09:53 Life Experience & Reflecting on the Application Process10:51 What Does a Trainee E-Commerce Developer Actually Do?12:28 Changing the Website Shopping Bag (Global Impact!)13:06 Handing Over Responsibility to Trainees on Day 115:01 Community & Support: What is an Early Careers Ambassador?17:39 Why Become an Ambassador? Supporting New Starters & CV Tips18:51 Relocating to Leicester & Living in the NEXT Training House21:03 Support, Management & Fast-Paced Work Culture23:40 Life at Enderby Campus & Perks of the Job26:22 Top Application & Interview Tips for Graduates & Trainees28:04 Advice for Tech Applicants: Mindset Over Coding LanguagesDon't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://bit.ly/4APH6l1Follow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

September 30, 2026Episode 15139 min

Opening Our Anchor Store at Bluewater

Discover the story behind the opening of our anchor store at Bluewater. In this special episode, we explore the scale, logistics, and cross functional effort required to process 80,000 units of stock and open this expansive retail space in just three weeks. From a decade long journey securing the location to introducing exclusive brand offerings like Seraphine, Rocket St. George, and Cath Kidson, we look at how design innovations from our Thurrock store shaped this destination space. We also celebrate our collaborative culture and career longevity, highlighting team members who have built their careers with us over decades, including Menswear Lead Gary as he approaches his 50 year service milestone. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://shorturl.at/qbbyIFollow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

September 23, 2026Episode 15027 min

E150: How Brands Works with UK Charities

Discover how the Charities department at NEXT collaborates with organiSations across the UK to deliver real community impact. In this episode, our guest, Livvi, shares how her dual role spans product collaborations and coordinating gifts in kind. Learn how menswear, childrenswear, home, and womenswear teams design items where 100% of profits go directly to charity partners, alongside how unsold stock is redirected to schools, shelters, and Women's Aid organisations. We also discuss raffle prize requests, partnerships with hospices like LOROS, and how all donation data is tracked for our annual Corporate Social Responsibility reporting. Explore community initiatives and careers at NEXT.Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://shorturl.at/XOUoMFollow us!Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

September 16, 2026Episode 9031 min

How AI Is Transforming Software Engineering

Discover how software engineering teams at NEXT use an AI first approach to build backbone retail systems.In this episode, we sit down with developer, Nabin, from our product technology team to explore how tools like GitHub Copilot, Google Gemini, and NotebookLM are used to create rapid interactive prototypes and reduce administrative tasks. We also discuss the journey of relocating from Kerala to Leicester, adapting to a new city, and how participating in our Sports and Social community helped build lasting connections across departments.

September 9, 2026Episode 14831 min

E148: A New Start At 37

Discover how taking risks, embracing change and stepping out of your comfort zone can build a fulfilling 24 year career at NEXT. In this episode, Assistant Operations Manager Tracy shares her 24 year journey within NEXT. From her early days in customer service and credit to training as a fitness instructor at 37, Tracy discusses the power of continuous learning, stepping out of your comfort zone and supporting your team. Learn how transferable skills, strong workplace culture and being brave can help you thrive in your career. 0:00 Embracing New Challenges 0:45 Welcome and Assistant Operations Manager Role 1:09 Tracy’s 24 Year Journey at NEXT 2:16 Customer Service Training and Personal Growth 4:12 Moving Departments and Taking on New Roles 6:10 Becoming a Fitness Instructor at 37 8:50 Bringing Fitness Lessons into Leadership 13:46 Managing Peers and Team Dynamics 18:26 The Supportive Culture at NEXT 22:37 Being Brave and Office Culture 29:06 Advice for Joining the NEXT Team Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes! Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team → https://shorturl.at/c1lyB Follow us! Instagram: @lifeatnext TikTok: @lifeatnext Facebook: @lifeatnext LinkedIn: ‪@lifeatnext‬ #LetsTakeItOn

September 2, 2026Episode 14730 min

E147: The Truth About Finance

Explore Finance at NEXT: From Data to Decision Making Discover how finance at NEXT drives strategic decisions, data modeling, and commercial value across our business. In this episode, we dive into our collaborative culture, where teamwork and support take center stage. In this video, we cover: The Four Pillars: Understanding Commercial, Operations, Total Platform, and Group finance. The Power of Storytelling: How we use data to craft narratives for stakeholders. Culture & Flexibility: Navigating post-pandemic autonomy and a modern workplace. Careers & Placements: Essential advice for students applying to our graduate schemes. Key Career Tip: We "recruit for attitude" because technical skills can be trained. Learn how to highlight your unique selling points and bring a growth mindset to your application. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Finance at NEXT 1:30 - The Collaborative Culture 3:45 - The Four Main Pillars of Finance 6:20 - Storytelling Through Data 8:50 - Life After the Pandemic: Flexibility & Autonomy 11:15 - Advice for Placement & Graduate Applicants Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/V2hvU Follow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext #LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

August 26, 2026Episode 14642 min

Inside Bhoem's Journey with NEXT Group

Discover how fashion brand Bhoem combines startup agility with the scale and infrastructure of NEXT Group. In this episode, the team behind Bhoem shares how they brought a contemporary, European-inspired aesthetic to market in just eight months. Learn how operating with a lean, adaptable mindset while leveraging enterprise level logistics, warehousing, and platform tech allowed the team to focus on un compromised quality, precision craftsmanship, and rapid growth. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/V2hvUFollow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn

August 19, 2026Episode 14525 min

E145: Behind the NEXT Photo Studio with a Studio Manager

What does it take to manage a photo studio operation handling an average of 1,300 fashion samples every single week? In this episode of the Life at NEXT Podcast, we sit down with Head Office Studio Manager Zoe to discuss her 15 year career journey within NEXT. Marking the 10 year anniversary of our dedicated studio building, Zoe reflects on how our creative spaces have grown from a two person team into a multi site network housing seven distinct studios. Zoe shares how our leadership team responded directly to internal employee survey feedback, transforming warehouse style spaces into welcoming hubs featuring breakout lofts, improved storage and dedicated wellbeing rooms. She also breaks down her approach to talent development, from seeking wild card candidates with incredible work ethic to mentoring 10 entry level assistants into permanent promotions. The conversation also covers how our creative teams test artificial intelligence tools responsibly, using technology to enhance human creativity while protecting real products and customer trust. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to receive updates on everything Life at NEXT! 📣Pursue your ambition and join the NEXT team 🚀 https://shorturl.at/TrtShFollow us!Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatnextTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lifeatnextFacebook: www.facebook.com/lifeatnextLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lifeatnext#LifeAtNEXT #LetsTakeItOn