Director of Sourcing (OEM)

AO RETAIL LIMITED; Bolton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company is seeking an experienced Director of Sourcing to shape its Own Brand product strategy. The role involves developing a sourcing strategy, managing international suppliers, and leading complex negotiations. Candidates should have a strong background in OEM product development, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to build and lead a sourcing team. The position offers various benefits and is located in Bolton, Northern Ireland.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

9% employer pension contribution

Health & wellbeing perks

Discounts across product range

Qualifications

• Proven track record in OEM/MDA sourcing with manufacturers.
• Hands-on experience in OEM electrical product development.
• Ability to influence and manage complex supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a multi-category OEM sourcing strategy.
• Build relationships with Far East manufacturers to drive supplier performance.
• Own and lead complex commercial negotiations ensuring product quality.

Skills

OEM/MDA sourcing

Advanced negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Technical understanding of compliance

Collaborative leadership

Job description

We're looking for an ambitious and globally experienced Director of Sourcing (OEM) to lead a strategic growth initiative for AO. This role will shape the future of our Own Brand product range (Major Domestic Appliances) by building a world‑class sourcing capability from the ground up. You'll be central to creating and delivering a sourcing strategy that drives innovation, quality and value across product ranges. Success in this role requires someone who understands how to navigate Far East manufacturers, build strong commercial relationships and influence how suppliers think, operate, and develop products. Someone who can build a team and has experience of managing globally remote teams. Just as importantly, this is a role for someone who can think strategically, being just as comfortable leading negotiations as you are rolling up your sleeves, getting into the detail, and driving delivery. This is a rare opportunity to shape our long‑term, own‑brand product strategy and deliver significant commercial gains. If you’re hungry for a challenge and excited by managing international suppliers, delivering incremental sales through own‑brand product development, then this role is tailor‑made for you.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a multi‑category OEM sourcing strategy that delivers a competitive advantage.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with Far East manufacturers, understanding cultural nuances, negotiation dynamics, and driving supplier performance.
• Own and lead complex commercial negotiations, ensuring product quality that achieves existing brand guidelines.
• Drive end‑to‑end OEM product development, working directly with manufacturers on specification, quality, compliance, and production.
• Implement robust quality assurance and regulatory frameworks, ensuring products comply with all relevant standards, including REACH and RoHS.
• Develop a clear range architecture aligned to AO’s product and brand strategy.
• Establish governance structures and risk‑management approaches that support a resilient global sourcing operation, including supply‑chain regulations and ESG considerations.
• Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing sourcing team.
• Set the logistics and freight strategy, selecting and negotiating with international forwarding partners to ensure cost efficiency, resilience, and scalability.
• Work cross‑functionally with the existing Brand, Commercial, Supply and logistics teams to deliver product launches that exceed customer expectations.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in OEM/MDA sourcing, working directly with manufacturers across China and Southeast Asia, with a deep understanding of how Far East sourcing markets operate.
• Strong background in OEM electrical product development, including hands‑on involvement with manufacturing partners.
• Commercially astute, with advanced negotiation skills and ability to manage complex supplier relationships.
• Ability to operate at pace, comfortable with ambiguity, thrive on change, and balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery.
• Strong technical understanding of global compliance and product assurance requirements.
• Experience owning or influencing a sourcing P&L, with a track record of improving cost, quality, and margin.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence and work across multiple functions.
• A self‑starter, with ambition, curiosity, and the drive to build something significant.

Benefits

• Holiday entitlement: 25 days, plus bank holidays (increasing to 27 days after 2 years with us).
• Flexible benefits: 9% employer pension contribution, car allowance, and private healthcare.
• Opportunity to participate in the AO incentive programme.
• VIP access to the AO Arena: free tickets, pre‑sale access and special events.
• Health & wellbeing perks: discounted gym membership, on‑site spa, virtual GP access, mental health support and more.
• Discounts across our product range.
• Family leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Making a difference: 2 fully paid days a year to donate your time to any charity of your choice.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We celebrate diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.