Head of Data

About The Role

This is a unique opportunity to take on a senior Data leadership role at AO, shaping how data is used to drive decisions across the entire business.

At AO, we generate and hold a significant volume of data. The opportunity here is to unlock its full value — turning insight into action, improving outcomes for our customers and enabling better decision making at every level of the organisation.

You’ll lead our Data function, owning the design, delivery and evolution of our data strategy across visualisation, governance, advanced analytics and AI. Alongside this, you’ll ensure the stability of a 24/7 production environment, while supporting multiple high priority transformation programmes.

It’s a role with real scope, real challenge and real impact.

Here’s What You Can Expect To Be Doing

You’ll take accountability for the performance, direction and output of the Data function, leading and developing high performing teams across Data Engineering, Platforms, BI & Analytics, Data Science & AI, Solution Architecture and Data Governance.

Operating at a senior level, regularly engaging with executive stakeholders and the Board to demonstrate progress, value and strategic direction, this role strikes a balance between strategic thinking and rolling your sleeves up to get stuck in. Working closely with teams across the AO group, you’ll play a central role in connecting data to meaningful business outcomes.

• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary Data teams, building strong capability and performance
• Define and deliver a scalable, secure and reliable data architecture, establishing a single source of truth
• Shape and execute a clear, business-aligned Data strategy and roadmap
• Embed governance, standards and best practices across the data landscape
• Support and evolve a product-led, agile mindset across Systems and Engineering
• Build a culture of continuous improvement, learning and innovation
• Strengthen AO’s data capability, operating model and team structures
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders and key stakeholders across the business
• Act as a visible advocate for Data, both internally and externally
• While this role has significant scope, it’s backed by strong organisational support and a collaborative network — ensuring you have the infrastructure, commitment, and buy-in needed to succeed.

A Few Things About You

• You’re an experienced Data leader with a track record of building, leading and developing, engaged high performing, multi‑disciplinary teams. Whether across a full Data function or areas such as engineering, analytics or architecture, you bring strong technical expertise alongside commercial judgement, translating both into clear business outcomes.
• You have deep knowledge of modern data ecosystems, including cloud platforms, data engineering approaches and lakehouse architectures, with experience using tools such as Snowflake, Databricks, MSSQL, dbt and Airflow. You also have a solid understanding of Machine Learning and AI.
• You’ve shaped and delivered Data strategies aligned to business goals, embedding governance, standards and Agile ways of working, with a clear focus on value and prioritisation.
• You build credibility quickly and influence at senior levels, communicating clearly at Executive and Board level while remaining comfortable in technical discussions.
• You’re passionate about developing people and capability, with a growth mindset and interest in emerging technologies, and are comfortable challenging the status quo and bringing others with you to drive meaningful change
• We know that great candidates don’t always meet every requirement.
• If your experience is aligned to much of what we’re looking for and you’re excited by the opportunity, we’d still love to hear from you

A Bit About Us

When it comes to appliances and electricals, we’ve got the lot. Washing machines? Yep. TVs? Check. Laptops? Absolutely. Everything except doorbells (just kidding, we’ve got those too).

We’re known for helping our customers brilliantly – and it’s no different for AOers. We care about more than what’s on your CV, because together we can do extraordinary things.

Our Benefits

• Holidays; 25 days, plus bank holidays (increasing to 27 days after 2 years with us!
• Flexible benefits; including 9% employer pension contribution and private healthcare
• Opportunity to participate in the AO incentive programme
• 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.