Next Plc
Senior Mainframe Developer
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Senior Mainframe Developer
As a Senior Mainframe Developer in our Warehouse Tech team, you’ll be at the heart of the engine that powers NEXT. Based in our South Elmsall office, you’ll join a specialist team dedicated to developing and maintaining the software behind our highly automated warehouse and distribution network. Your work ensures that thousands of items are picked, packed, and dispatched to customers across the globe every single day. Whether you’re evolving our international operations or keeping our UK systems robust, you’ll have the autonomy to make a tangible impact from day one. To help you settle in, you’ll be supported by a collaborative team of experts and given the tools you need to understand our unique automation landscape. What you’ll take on In this role, you’ll bridge the gap between complex technical specifications and high-performance code. You will: Develop and maintain mission-critical software using COBOL, CICS, and DB2 to support our vast distribution estate. Lead the full development life cycle, from initial requirements gathering and business analysis through to testing and deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver project streams that expand our global reach and evolve our warehouse offerings. Provide essential support to internal users, ensuring system stability through proactive maintenance and participating in an out-of-hours cover rotation. Drive continuous improvement by sharing your expertise to refine our departmental processes, making our development practices faster and more efficient. What you’ll bring We’re looking for a seasoned developer who balances technical mastery with a practical, problem-solving mindset. You’ll thrive here if you have: Strong technical foundations in COBOL, CICS, JCL, and IBM DB2, with a proven track record of delivering clean, reliable code. An analytical approach, with the ability to interpret business needs and turn them into functional technical solutions. Great communication skills, allowing you to work effectively with both technical peers and internal stakeholders. Adaptability and organisation, staying calm and focused during busy periods or when handling out-of-hours support. Desirable: experience with SQL, Microsoft Azure DevOps, Natural/ADABAS, or ZOS Connect. #LI-LE1 #LI-Hybrid
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I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT) Company performance based bonus Sharesave scheme On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty Early VIP access to sale stock Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops Restaurants with great food at amazing prices Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services Free on-site parking Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more
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Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
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