Technical Manager (OEM)

ao.com; Bolton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holidays

Company pension

AO Arena VIP access

Health & wellbeing programs

Exclusive product discounts

Family leave policy

Volunteer days

Job summary

AO is seeking a hands-on Technical Manager to own the technical approval and ongoing management of OEM and direct import products. You will develop product specs with suppliers, lead testing and QA activities, and ensure UKCA and regulatory compliance across launches.

You will review technical documentation and content, coordinate with inspection partners, and support packaging and logistics readiness while driving improvements through data analysis and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experience working with consumer electrical products.
• Strong knowledge of product quality, testing and compliance requirements.
• Understanding of UKCA regulations and technical documentation.
• Experience working with manufacturers, suppliers or third-party labs.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of technical approval and ongoing management of OEM and direct import products.
• Develop product specifications and technical requirements with suppliers and internal teams.
• Lead product testing, sample reviews and QA activities for launches.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including UKCA.
• Review technical docs, user manuals and product content for accuracy.
• Coordinate with suppliers and inspection partners to maintain quality.
• Support packaging development for AO's logistics.
• Analyze feedback and product performance to drive improvements.
• Investigate issues, perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Customer Services, Technical and Logistics teams.

Skills

Product quality

Testing & compliance

UKCA regulations

Supplier collaboration

Analytical thinking

Job description

At AO, we're always looking for ways to make things better for our customers. As we continue growing our own-brand and direct import ranges, we're looking for a Technical Manager to help make sure every product we launch is safe, reliable, compliant and delivers a great customer experience.

This is a hands-on role where you'll work closely with suppliers, inspection partners and teams across AO to manage products from concept through to launch and beyond. You'll play a key part in shaping product quality, solving technical challenges and making sure our products meet the high standards our customers expect.

This is a varied role that combines technical expertise, problem-solving and supplier partnership, giving you the opportunity to influence product quality, customer experience and future range development.

Our people are our superpower, and we’re unstoppable when we’re together!

We want your ideas to flow, and what better way to make that happen than being based onsite in our Bolton office 5 days a week, where our culture fuels creativity, collaboration and growth. If a £1 bet in the pub between two friends can become the UKs most trusted electrical retailer, imagine what else can be achieved when we’re together.

Here’s What You Can Expect To Be Doing

• Taking ownership of the technical approval and ongoing management of OEM and direct import products.
• Developing product specifications and technical requirements with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Leading product testing, sample reviews and quality assurance activities to support successful product launches.
• Ensuring products meet all regulatory and compliance requirements, including UKCA standards.
• Reviewing technical documentation, user manuals and product content to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Working with suppliers and third-party inspection partners to maintain quality standards and manage pre-shipment approvals.
• Supporting packaging development to ensure products are protected and ready for AO's logistics and delivery network.
• Analysing customer feedback, warranty trends and product performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Investigating technical issues, leading root cause analysis and driving corrective actions.
• Building strong relationships across Commercial, Customer Services, Technical and Logistics teams to continuously improve product performance.
• Supporting future category expansion, including small domestic appliances, personal tech and smart technology.

A Few Things About You

You’ll be naturally curious, commercially aware and passionate about delivering products that customers can rely on. You’ll enjoy getting into the detail, solving problems and working collaboratively with both internal teams and external partners.

• Experience working with consumer electrical products and product development processes.
• Strong knowledge of product quality, testing and compliance requirements.
• A good understanding of UKCA regulations and technical documentation.
• Experience working with manufacturers, suppliers, testing laboratories or third-party inspection providers.
• The ability to assess product design, performance and functionality from a customer perspective.
• Experience reviewing product specifications, user manuals and customer-facing product information.
• An understanding of packaging requirements, product protection and supply chain considerations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience investigating product issues and driving improvements.

A Bit About Us

We’re big on appliances and electricals, REALLY big. Washing machines, fridge freezers and TVs? They’re our bread and butter. Mobiles, Airwraps and Ring doorbells? Yep, those too. If it plugs in, powers up or makes life easier, AO probably has it.

But we’re more than that… For over 25 years, trust has been at the heart of everything we do, helping us become the UK’s most trusted electrical retailer. Our customers rate us 4.9 on Trustpilot from over ONE MILLION reviews and more 5-star ratings than any other UK electrical retailer, because they know they can rely on us and it’s the exact same for our AOers too.

We truly believe it’s more than just a job, we genuinely care about each other and our impact on making our customers lives easier, by helping them brilliantly. Everyone here knows how their role makes a difference. Our people are our superpower, so, when it comes to finding new AOers, we know it’s about more than just a CV, it’s about what makes you, YOU.

Our benefits are designed to cover the moments that matter to AOers. From health and wellness to giving back - you’ll be rewarded inside and outside of work.

• Holidays; 25 days, plus bank holidays (increasing to 27 days after 2 years with us!)
• Pension; Contribute 5% of your annual salary and we'll do the same, giving you a little extra support for the future.
• Be a VIP at the AO Arena; we have loads of opportunities to win free tickets and pre-sale access!
• Health & wellbeing; discounted gym membership, an onsite spa and our Help @ Hand scheme giving you access to virtual GP’s, Mental Health support and much more.
• Discounts; exclusive 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.
• On site perks; start your day with free on site parking, grabbing a complimentary breakfast and a coffee at our in house coffee shop!

To see all our benefits and perks, visit our AO Benefits page.