Next
NEXT is a major UK retailer operating a large network of 500+ physical stores alongside one of the UK’s most established online retail platforms.
Maintaining and evolving its in-store technology infrastructure is critical to their operational performance and customer experience.
The Challenge
NEXT was launching a large-scale technology refresh programme to upgrade the hardware and software powering every in-store till across its retail estate. The scale of the programme required rapid access to delivery capability while the organisation simultaneously transitioned from traditional waterfall approaches to Agile delivery.
The Requirement
NEXT needed a cross-functional delivery capability spanning Agile leadership, software development, architecture, data administration, and testing. The capability had to integrate seamlessly with internal teams while enabling nationwide rollout without disrupting operations.
UA Managed Delivery Approach
UA mobilised and governed a multi-disciplinary Agile delivery function to implement the POS technology refresh across NEXT’s entire retail estate. Teams were structured around the rollout phases, ensuring the right specialists were deployed at the right stage. The approach emphasised continuity, governance, and integration with NEXT’s internal technology function.
At a Glance
Programme duration
3 years.
Capability Mobilised
Full cross-functional Agile delivery teams of up to 90+ specialists mobilised in 6 weeks from project launch.
Programme Focus
POS technology upgrade and Agile adoption.
Key Outcome
Seamless nationwide rollout with operational continuity.
Skills & Capabilities
-
Scrum Mastery
-
Build Management
-
Development (C# .NET)
-
UX & Architecture Design
-
Business Analysis
-
Data
-
System Testing
Programme Lifecycle
- Discover - Identified capability gaps, programme risks, and integration requirements with internal teams.
- Mobilise - Deployed delivery capability aligned to rollout phases: build > pilot > national deployment.
- Deliver - Executed software development, system configuration, testing, and nationwide POS deployment.
- Optimise - Scaled resources according to programme needs, introducing specialist expertise at key stages.
- Transition - Ensured knowledge transfer to internal teams and embedded Agile practices.
Service Management & Governance
- Onsite presence five days a week for real-time collaboration.
- Multiple delivery managers overseeing programme workstreams.
- Formal milestone reviews and programme board oversight.
- IR35-compliant operating model and SDS framework that is still in use today.
Evolution
Over the course of the project, there was significant flex in demand needs. As capability requirements evolved, UA was able to mobilise and onboard resource from their extensive network as required. UA retained most specialists throughout, ensuring knowledge transfer, delivery continuity, and operational stability.
Impact & Results
- POS systems upgraded across 500+ stores, including thousands of devices.
- Retail estate modernised for digital and contactless payments.
- Agile delivery practices embedded within internal teams.
- Rollout completed without disrupting trading operations, allowing ongoing business-as-usual delivery.
