John Lewis is launching a major recruitment drive for data professionals as part of wider plans to boost its customer contact strategy through social media and the retail chain’s online store.
A number of roles are being created, including project managers, business analysts, systems analysts, solutions architects and developers, which will see up to 50 people join the company’s 280-strong team by the end of the year.
The retailer is extending its use of data throughout its stores and online to include “click and collect”, kiosks and using iPads instore.
A new data strategy will include integrated customer-facing platforms, back-office systems and databases to enable staff to see customers making orders through a selection of purchase routes, including Facebook, Twitter and its online shop.
The roles are available in several departments, including supply chain and distribution, management information/data warehouse, buying and merchandising, CRM, e-commerce and branch selling.
John Lewis recruitment manager Owen Roberts said: “Technology has been identified as one of the most important drivers of our business growth.
“We are now looking for talented professionals to join our team and help us take multi-channel retail to the next level, cementing our reputation as an industry leader.”
