Data Engineering and Infrastructure Manager

ao.com; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electrical retailer in Bolton is seeking a Data Engineering & Infrastructure Manager to define and implement the data strategy across the organization. This role involves managing a team and ensuring high-quality data availability for analytics and decision-making. The ideal candidate will have experience in strategic planning and fostering a data-first culture. You will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of data usage within the company and contribute to various business projects.

Benefits

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Pension contribution

VIP access to events

Discounted gym membership

Exclusive product discounts

Enhanced family leave policies

Two paid charity days

On-site perks like free parking

Qualifications

• Experienced in leading teams and developing data strategies.
• Skilled in building relationships with various stakeholders.
• Passionate about promoting a data-first culture.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the Data Engineering and Platform strategy.
• Lead planning and budgeting for the data area.
• Ensure high performance and availability of data platforms.
• Manage and develop a team of twelve.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Data analysis

Vendor management

Job description

Job Overview

Permanent

Department

Tech

Location

Bolton Hybrid

About The Role

We’ve been growing fast, really fast. And with even bigger plans ahead, we’re on the lookout for a Data Engineering & Infrastructure Manager. This is a transformational position that shapes how we design, build, and run data across the whole group.

Reporting to the Head of Data, you’ll lead the strategy for our Data Engineering and Platform capabilities. Your work will make high‑quality, reliable, real‑time data available across the business, powering analytics, AI, and the day‑to‑day decisions that keep AO moving.

If you’re excited by the idea of building something truly meaningful, influencing a whole organisation, and setting the direction for years to come, this is your chance to make a big impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, create, and deliver the group-level Data Engineering and Platform strategy.
• Lead the 12‑24 month planning and budget for your area.
• Oversee data deliverables for a wide portfolio of business projects.
• Ensure our data platforms are high‑performing, resilient, and available 24/7.
• Lead a team of twelve, including development of managers and technical specialists.
• Recruit and develop team members, creating strong business cases for resources when needed.
• Define data standards, processes, and best practices — and ensure they’re followed across AO.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders in Tech and the wider business.
• Support training and development so AO stays ahead in data capability.
• Partner closely with our Data Science and Analytics teams.
• Manage relationships with vendors, partners, and third‑party service providers.

About You

• You’re a practical strategist — someone who can spot opportunities, design solutions, and bring people with you.
• You’ve got a great eye for detail but can also zoom out and think creatively when needed.
• You’re experienced in leading managers and planning ahead for the next 12‑24 months.
• You’re passionate about building a "data‑first" culture, where data fuels decisions and innovation.
• You’re confident partnering with different teams and stakeholders, from hands‑on engineers to senior leaders.
• You’ve delivered multiple data projects at once and can clearly articulate business value and ROI.
• You stay curious about industry trends and emerging tech, and you know how to explain complex topics in simple, accessible language.

Benefits

• 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 subsidised in‑house coffee shop!

About the Company

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.

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 nearly 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.

Diversity & Inclusion

We should all feel that we belong. That’s why we are creating a welcoming and inclusive place to work. We’re proud to be different. From how we look to the way we talk to our customers, we skip to the beat of our very own drum. We know that being different together is our superpower and we celebrate it because it makes us stronger, more creative, and better at what we do.

We believe the people we employ should reflect the diversity of our customer base; that way, we can communicate in a way that recognises all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, abilities, and sexual orientations.

And that’s why we’re asking these questions. Making sure our recruitment process is inclusive is a key part of what we’re doing at AO to encourage diversity as an employer.

After we've collated the data, we'll look at the patterns to assess if we are inclusive at each stage. If it turns out that we aren't, then the data may help us identify where we can improve.

The data collated won't have any impact on your application and is not shared with hiring managers or the recruitment team.

If you experience any issues during your application, please email your CV to [e-mail]

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