Payment Operations Lead

Next PLC; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Next PLC, a leading retail company in the UK, is looking for a Payment Operations Lead to manage £4 billion in global payments. This pivotal role involves leading a high-performing team, driving ERP transformation, and ensuring compliance in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong operational background and proven leadership skills, contributing to the continued success of the company.

Benefits

25% off most NEXT products

Company performance-based bonus

Sharesave scheme

On-site nursery available

Discounts at Staff Shops

Access to digital GP and health services

Free on-site parking

Apprenticeship opportunities

Flexible gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience leading payment operations in a complex environment.
• Proven track record of developing UK and offshore teams.
• Strong understanding of global payment methods and compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead team to deliver accurate, compliant payments.
• Manage end-to-end payment cycle including supplier payments.
• Drive ERP transition for payments and manage external relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Operational excellence

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

ACT/CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified (or equivalent)

Tools

ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)

Payment automation tools

Job description

Payment Operations Lead

About us

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!

Your role

Job Title: Payment Operations Lead Location: Head Office, Leicestershire Salary: Competitive plus bonus & benefits

Play a pivotal role in managing £4bn in global payments.

Lead a high-performing team.

Drive ERP transformation.

We’re looking for a Payment Operations Lead who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume environments and has a passion for operational excellence, leadership, and change. This isn’t just about managing processes—it’s about owning them end to end, from strategy to execution, and leading a team through a major transformation.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for the accurate, timely, and secure disbursement of over £4 billion in payments annually across our global operations. You’ll lead a UK-based team of three, manage offshore resources, and be the go-to person for all things payment operations.

Your leadership will be especially critical as we embark on a major ERP system change, your expertise will ensure that we land this transition smoothly, efficiently, and with zero disruption to our global payment commitments.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead & empower your team to deliver accurate, compliant payments while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Own the end-to-end payment cycle, including supplier payments, payroll, taxes, intercompany transfers, and more.
• Drive the ERP transition for payments—leading UAT, cutover planning, go-live readiness, and post-launch support.
• Manage external relationships with banks and PSPs, and maintain internal partnerships across Treasury, AP, Payroll, IT, and beyond.
• Champion compliance & risk management, ensuring we meet internal controls and external regulations to the highest standard.
• Innovate and improve—introduce new tools, automation, and streamlined processes that reduce risk and increase efficiency.

About you

• Proven experience leading payment operations in a large, complex environment—ideally a global retailer or similar high-volume organisation.
• Strong leadership skills, with a track record of developing UK and offshore teams.
• A deep understanding of global payment methods and compliance frameworks (AML, sanctions, treasury controls).
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and ideally exposure to payment automation tools (e.g., RPA, payment factories).
• A problem-solving mindset and a calm, proactive approach to change and challenges.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:

ACT/CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified (or equivalent), and experience with payment transformation projects.

Why Join Us?

We’re not just processing payments—we’re powering growth, supporting global operations, and helping teams across the world stay agile and effective. If you’re ready to step into a high-impact leadership role where change is on the horizon and your ideas will be heard, we’d love to hear from you.

What's next

Benefits

• 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

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 [e-mail] (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.

Apply Before 07/25/2025, 07:59 PM

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.