Technical Manager; OEM

Job Overview About The Role

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.

• 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.

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.

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…