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Head of Credit & Risk
Head of Credit & Risk
NEXT is one of the biggest retailers in the UK, with over 40% of our online customers using a branded credit account.
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Head of Credit & Risk to lead our consumer credit and retail lending operations.
What You Will Take On
The Credit and Risk team is responsible for analysing all facets of our £1.3B+ lending portfolio—covering 3 million customers. You will drive insights using data to optimise our customer proposition and business profit while maintaining compliance in our FCA-regulated environment.
Key responsibilities include:
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Portfolio Management: Oversee and strategically manage the £1.3B retail consumer credit portfolio, balancing profitability with effective risk mitigation.
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Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of over 20 people in credit and risk.
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Policy & Infrastructure: Define, implement, and oversee the UK Lending Policy and foundational credit infrastructure, supporting nextpay and flexible credit accounts.
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Risk Strategy: Use deep insights into customer behavioural economics to optimise credit risk models, lending strategies, and payment account experiences.
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Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to FCA requirements across all retail finance and credit operations.
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Financial Management & Accounting: Oversee balance sheet and P&L management, including provisions under IFRS 9, while liaising with external auditors.
What You Will Bring
Ideal candidates will possess:
- Extensive Senior Credit & Risk Experience: Proven track record in credit and risk management, with deep industry expertise.
- Consumer Finance Knowledge: Understanding of the modern retail lending landscape and its integration with customer shopping behaviours.
- Scale of Operations: Experience managing large-scale credit portfolios, preferably with a £1bn+ book.
- Sector Background: Leadership experience within a major financial institution or FCA-regulated retail credit business, including revolving credit, instalments, or embedded finance.
About NEXT
Beyond being a FTSE-100 retail powerhouse employing 44,000+ people, NEXT is the UK’s 2nd-largest fashion retailer and a market leader in kidswear. With 450+ stores and an expanding e-commerce presence, we now offer global shopping from over 80 countries.
Perks of Joining NEXT
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Staff Discounts: 25% off NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap*, and Victoria’s Secret* (when purchased via NEXT).
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Financial & Career Growth: Performance-based bonus, Sharesave scheme, and opportunities for personal development through apprenticeships and leasing schemes.
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Work-Life Balance: On-site nursery (OFSTED outstanding) and home-by-home parking at select locations. Flexible gym memberships via Wellhub, plus access to on-site selling rooms to shop ahead of opening hours.
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Wellbeing Support: Free digital GP, mental health services, Financial Wellbeing programmes, and elucidated support networks.
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Discounts Miles program: Up to 10% off many partner brands and 15% off Brands Beauty, plus early VIP sale access and free collection from bricks-and-mortar locations.
Disclaimer: Conditions apply to all listed benefits, which are discretionary and subject to future updates.
For questions related to workplace adjustments due to disability or long-term conditions, please contact:
- Email:
headoffice_careers@next.co.uk(reference"Workplace Adjustments"in the subject) - Phone: 0116 284 2486 (leave a voicemail if preferred).
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