Developer - 12 Month FTC

We're looking for a Developer to join our HR Systems team on an 12 month FTC. Based from the NEXT Head Office in Leicestershire!
The Role:
As a leading FTSE 100 UK retailer, Next relies on cutting-edge technology to support our expansive workforce and complex retail operations. Our Technology division is at the heart of our business, driving innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
We are seeking an AI & Automation Developer to join our HR Technology domain. In this key role within the team responsible for the configuration, support, and evolution of our Oracle Fusion HCM application, your remit will span our core operational modules: Payroll, Time & Labour, Absence Management, and Compensation.
As our specialist in AI and automation, your purpose will be to transform how colleagues interact with HR systems. You will champion the application of native Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning capabilities across the Oracle Fusion HCM suite to enhance user engagement, deliver real-time data insights, and streamline our internal development and deployment practices. Looking beyond native Oracle functionality, you will evaluate and implement modern Generative and Agentic AI tools to automate repetitive processes, modernise IT support, and significantly reduce HR-related queries across the business.
What You’ll Take On:

• Native Oracle AI Adoption: Evaluate, configure, and roll out native AI features within Oracle Fusion HCM (including Oracle AI Agent Studio, Fusion Setup & Configuration Registry, predictive analytics, and automated data entry) across Payroll, Time & Labour, Absence, and Compensation modules.
• Support & Incident Resolution: Design and deploy AI-driven solutions—such as conversational chatbots, automated triage systems, and generative AI knowledge bases—to swiftly resolve and deflect Tier 1 and Tier 2 user queries and incidents.
• Process Re-engineering: Partner with our People Process Efficiency Lead to analyse existing HR and Payroll processes, identifying opportunities to replace manual administration with intelligent automation, robotic process automation (RPA), or third-party AI tools.
• Data & Insights: Transform HR data into actionable, real-time insights for HR leaders and operational managers, supporting informed decision-making around workforce planning, absence patterns, and compensation modelling.
• Streamlined Development: Introduce AI-assisted tools into the HR Tech team’s development lifecycle to optimise configuration workflows and streamline deployment practices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with HR stakeholders, the wider Technology division, Data teams, and external partners to design secure, compliant, and integrated solutions.
• Continuous Innovation: Monitor emerging developments in AI and Oracle’s product roadmap, ensuring Next remains at the forefront of modern HR technology practices.

What You’ll Bring:

• Oracle Fusion HCM Experience: Solid technical or functional understanding of Oracle Fusion HCM, particularly across core HR/operational modules.
• AI & Automation Knowledge: Practical experience or strong foundational expertise in deploying AI solutions, Machine Learning concepts, or modern automation tools within an enterprise environment.
• Process Optimisation: A proven ability to identify operational bottlenecks and implement pragmatic technology solutions to automate and simplify workflows.
• Technical Integration: An understanding of integrating third-party tools, APIs, and AI applications into enterprise HCM systems.
• Analytical Skills: Aptitude for interpreting complex HR and payroll data and converting it into clear, accessible insights.
• Stakeholder & Change Skills: Collaborative communication skills with the ability to explain technical AI concepts clearly to non-technical colleagues and support positive user adoption.
• Desirable Experience: Familiarity with enterprise chatbot frameworks, prompt design/engineering, or working within large-scale retail/workforce environments.
  

If you have the technical expertise and a collaborative mindset to strengthen the systems our colleagues rely on, we would love to see your application.
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