Next, the UK’s largest online fashion retailer, is embarking on a major strategic shift towards AI-driven commerce after kicking off a global search for a “visionary technical leader” to spearhead its next generation of shopping technology.
The retail giant is aiming to appoint its first head of AI and data science, who will be based at its Leicestershire headquarters. The role is designed to oversee the intelligence layer of a global engine that currently serves over 3 million daily customers across more than 80 international websites.
According to a post on LinkedIn, the successful candidate will not merely maintain existing systems but will lead a fundamental transition from “traditional search” to “AI-powered and agent-assisted discovery”, with “product discovery being the heartbeat of customer experience”.
A primary focus of the role will be moving “agentic shopping” – where AI agents proactively assist customers in finding and purchasing items – from the experimental phase into large-scale production. This includes developing sophisticated Large Language Model (LLM) systems that are both scalable and reliable for a global audience.
Next is seeking a “deeply technical leader” who can balance “technical elegance with commercial objectives,” specifically focusing on conversion rates and customer engagement. The role involves building personalisation systems capable of adapting to diverse languages, vast product catalogues, and varying customer behaviours across the globe”.
The recruitment drive comes as Next continues to outpace competitors, positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing fashion retailers globally. By investing heavily in AI and machine learning at a foundational level, the company aims to redefine how millions of people interact with digital storefronts.
The move follows the CX Horizons: The State of CX in 2026 report which has warned companies that the rise of agentic AI means brands will no longer be judged on how well they rank in search, how strong their marketing is or even “brand promise”, with the technology likely to weigh up a raft of key operational factors before making a decision on a customer’s behalf.
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