Trainee AI & Automation Engineer
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Skills
About the role
We are looking for a Trainee Site Ops AI & Automation Engineer to join the Developments team and support the growth of automation and AI-driven solutions. Based at NEXT Head Office in Leicestershire.
About The Role
Our eCommerce Development team is responsible for implementing, testing and building on UX designs, alongside the requirements of our partnered brands and overall website content.
As a Trainee Site Ops AI & Automation Engineer, you’ll support the transformation of operational workflows by assisting in the development of automation and AI-driven solutions. Working closely with experienced engineers, you’ll help streamline repetitive tasks, improve accuracy and contribute to more efficient ways of working.
Embedded within the Site Operations team, you’ll gain hands-on experience in building practical automation tools while developing your technical skills and understanding of AI-supported workflows.
This is a 12-18 month trainee programme where you will learn and develop your skills to become a Site Ops AI & Automation Engineer.
What You’ll Take On
Business Process Automation
- Assist in identifying repetitive or manual processes where automation could improve efficiency.
- Support the development of Python-based scripts to reduce manual effort and improve accuracy.
- Work with team members to understand existing workflows and contribute to automation solutions.
- Help maintain and improve existing automation tools and scripts.
- Contribute to documenting processes and sharing knowledge across the team.
- Learn how automation impacts performance, capacity, and operational efficiency.
- Develop wider business knowledge and commercial understanding.
Automated Testing & Quality Assurance
- Develop, implement, and maintain Python based scripts to validate platform functionality and performance.
- Continuously review and enhance testing processes, introducing AI assisted validation to increase efficiency and coverage.
- Proactively identify opportunities for automation in regression testing, reporting, and operational workflows.
- Gain hands-on experience using AI tools to support automation and development tasks.
- Assist in experimenting with AI-assisted workflows and AI-assisted coding tools.
- Support the team in exploring new technologies and understanding their practical applications.
What You’ll Bring
- Familiarity with Python and an interest in automation and scripting.
- Understanding of basic web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
- Exposure to APIs and an interest in how systems integrate.
- Analytical mindset with an interest in problem-solving and improving processes.
- Comfortable working with data (e.g. basic SQL or data analysis tools is beneficial).
- Strong communication skills and willingness to learn from others.
- A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for developing new technical skills.
- Interest in AI and automation, with a curiosity for how they can improve workflows.
BE BRAVE. BE YOU. BE NEXT.
You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!