Full responsibility for Next’s data platform and data product development, leading a team of 90+ with £7m pa budget. Transformed Next’s data strategy from on premise SQL to modern Azure based data platform introducing latest tech and releasing business analytics potential with “self-service” Lakehouse architecture. Secured business buy in to new data strategy through marketed “Data @ Next” program, analysis of user persona needs and delivery of real world use cases with £m+ savings. Reduced technical debt by migrating data from out of date SQL platform to cloud PaaS services creating an “evergreen” environment with reduced maintenance overheads. Built a high performance department through selective recruitment and reorganisation into product focused teams. Successfully delivered Next’s first major Total Platform data service for Reiss by mobilising a team of 60+ managers, developers and analysts, taking a project which was “RED” from day 1 to on time MVP delivery. Increased support levels and development capacity through provision of Sri Lanka based off shore squad. Enhanced development delivery and service levels through the introduction of Agile / Dev Ops approach and more recently Data Ops. Forged a collaborative work environment by getting SQL based team on board with new cloud based Lakehouse vision, promoting leaders of the future and achieving less than 2% staff turnover in highly competitive market.

Responsible for all Business Intelligence Systems development and support activity, leading a team of 40. Significantly enhanced Next’s financial reporting with an extensive sales model and suite of PowerBI dashboards delivering for the first time a single version of retail, online and brand sales. Slashed SQL query times from hours to minutes and transformed Next’s warehouse / delivery analytics by introducing Azure based Data Bricks / PowerBI service. Ensured GDPR compliance through Data Masking and Data Retention programs. Increased teams skills base by funding training in Data Bricks, Python, PowerBI, DAX and Azure fundamentals. Reduced capital investment requirements by obtaining Microsoft ECIF funding. Improved service levels by restructuring support team with new manager and dedicated developers.

Responsible for data project delivery managing a team of 7 developers and analysts. Enabled £multi-million increase in sales through Marketing use of new Single Version of Truth for customer and sales data to target customers based on purchasing patterns. Enabled £multi-million increase in sales through new “Abandoned Basket” feature allowing marketing to target customers thinking of buying.

Responsible for delivery of all BI / standard reporting solutions group wide managing small team of 2 developers. Transformed budget process through new sales and operating cost forecasting models. Significantly enhanced business reporting and analysis capabilities with suite of BI models covering Financial ledgers, Sales, Inventory and Production results based on a new data warehouse.

Responsible for the design and launch of business process for ERP / CRM implementation throughout Europe (UK, DE, FR, ES, BE, IT). Full ERP launch responsibility for UK. Designed and introduced many major process changes including CRM opportunity management, order management, intercompany trading and customer claims.

Responsible for management and launch of all new business projects including 24/7 DC Vehicle De-Kit operation, 40% site volume increase for new customer, start up operation for packing wash business, new operating standards achieving BRC / HACCP accreditation on 1st audit and developing new business modelling tool.

Project Manager for design, development and production launch of Jaguar Interior Trim system. Negotiated project scope, system design specifications and following engineering roadblock sold new design on to 2 additional vehicles.

Design, develop and commission 10k bespoke returnable packing containers into supply chain.

Designed, developed and commissioned production line for Jaguar overhead trim system. Exceeded target capacity with planned manning and under budget for sequenced production line with 100+ variants and < 6 hour JIT schedule.

Responsible for 3 production lines. Introduced new Rover assembly line reducing space and maintaining headcount / capacity.

Responsible for introduction of lean manufacturing methodologies such as SMED, Poke Yoke, Kaizan, Kanban etc. 25% reduction in heat exchanger changeover time, £1.2m Japanese stock reduction.