ICQA Team Manager

Octopus Energy Germany GmbH; Hinckley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Octopus Energy is seeking an ICQA Team Manager to lead the Purchasing, Communications and Inventory pillars from our Hinckley warehouse. You will drive end-to-end inventory control, oversee purchasing and ensure effective cross-functional communications across the operation.

You will also provide systems support, optimise data processes and lead a high-performing team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in inventory control, purchasing, quality assurance or a similar operational environment.
• Strong experience in a people management or team leadership role.
• Experience working with operational systems, data and processes, with the ability to identify and resolve issues.
• Experience of managing KPIs and using data to drive performance and continuous improvement.
• The ability to lead and support teams through change, adapting quickly to new processes, systems and ways of working.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day activities across Purchasing, Communications and Inventory functions.
• Oversee end-to-end inventory control with stock accuracy and effective management.
• Oversee purchasing activity and ensure accurate, up-to-date orders.
• Collaborate with Procurement to monitor service performance and improve processes.
• Oversee operational communications and ensure timely information sharing across teams.
• Manage and maintain inventory, purchasing and communications systems and data.
• Monitor system performance and coordinate with technical support when needed.
• Track ICQA KPIs and use data to drive improvements in accuracy and efficiency.
• Analyse data to improve inventory accuracy, purchasing and overall operations.
• Coach, mentor and develop team members to maximise potential.

Skills

Team leadership

Inventory control

Purchasing

Data analysis

KPI management

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Change management

Problem solving

Job description

We’re spearheading the transition to greener, cheaper energy through the installation of in-home technologies; from smart meters and electric car chargers, to low carbon heating, home batteries, solar, and beyond. Utilising Octopus’ awesome tech power, we deliver smart energy solutions for our customers.

If you're passionate about leading a team, driving operational excellence and keeping things running smoothly across purchasing, communications and inventory, we want you leading our ICQA team!

As the ICQA Team Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in overseeing three key operational pillars: Purchasing, Communications and Inventory. You'll lead a team responsible for maintaining accurate inventory, ensuring purchasing activity is processed effectively, and supporting clear and effective communication across the operation.

You’ll also act as a key systems support point for the team, helping to ensure our processes, systems and data are working effectively and continuously looking for ways to improve how we operate.

This role will be based at our warehouse in Hinckley.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day activities across the Purchasing, Communications and Inventory functions.
• Oversee end-to-end inventory control, ensuring stock accuracy, availability and effective stock management.
• Oversee purchasing activity, ensuring orders and purchasing information are accurate, up to date and processed correctly.
• Work closely with Procurement to monitor service performance, support data capture and identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes.
• Oversee operational communications, ensuring accurate and timely information is shared across teams and key stakeholders.
• Manage and maintain inventory, purchasing and operational communication systems, including associated software and hardware.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues and coordinate with technical support where required.
• Monitor and manage key ICQA KPIs, using data and insights to identify trends, improve performance and drive operational excellence.
• Analyse data and provide insights to improve inventory accuracy, purchasing performance and overall operational efficiency.
• Support scheduling activity where required, ensuring products, resources and operational requirements can be planned and coordinated effectively.
• Implement and maintain quality standards and controls across ICQA processes.
• Coach, mentor and develop team members to maximise their potential and build a high-performing team.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve ICQA processes, systems and ways of working.
• Lead and support change within the team, ensuring new processes, systems and ways of working are embedded effectively.
• Collaborate with warehouse, operations, logistics, procurement and other cross-functional teams to align ICQA activity with wider business goals.
• Ensure processes are followed consistently and support compliance with relevant regulatory, quality and safety standards.

What you'll need

• Proven experience in inventory control, purchasing, quality assurance or a similar operational environment.
• Strong experience in a people management or team leadership role.
• Experience working with operational systems, data and processes, with the ability to identify and resolve issues.
• Experience of managing KPIs and using data to drive performance and continuous improvement.
• The ability to lead and support teams through change, adapting quickly to new processes, systems and ways of working.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to analyse information, identify opportunities for improvement and turn insights into action.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment where no two days are the same.
• Leadership qualities that inspire, motivate and develop your team.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with teams across the wider operation.
• A passion for continuous improvement and a desire to contribute to a greener world.

Why else you'll love it here

• Wondering what the salary for this role is? Just ask us! On a call with one of our recruiters it's something we always cover as we genuinely want to match your experience with the correct salary. The reason why we don't advertise is because we honestly have a degree of flexibility and would never want salary to be a reason why someone doesn't apply to Octopus - what's more important to us is finding the right octofit!
• unique culture. An organisation where people learn, decide, and build quicker. Where people work with autonomy, alongside a wide range of amazing co-owners, on projects that break new ground. We want your hard work to be rewarded with perks you actually care about! We were named the UK's top company to work for in 2025, and we ranked in the top ten in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026. Our Group CEO, Greg has recordeda podcast about our cultureand how we empower our people. We’ve also been placed in thetop 10 companies for senior leadership
• Visit our UK perks hub -Octopus Employee Benefits

P.S. Our process usually takes up to 4 weeks, but we’ll always do our best to flex across what works for you. Along the way, you’ll chat with our recruitment team and your Recruiter will help you throughout different stages. Got any burning questions before then? Drop us a message at talent(at)octoenergy.com and we’d love to help!

Are you ready for a career with us? We want to ensure you have all the tools and environment you need to unleash your potential.Need any specific accommodations?Whether you require specific accommodations or have a unique preference, let us know, and we'll do what we can to customise your interview process for comfort and maximum magic!

Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we hire. Across Octopus, we're looking for genuinely decent people who are honest and empathetic. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.