IT Solutions Specialist/Analyst/Consultant / IT Implementation Specialist / IT Business Analyst /

About The Role

At AO Recycling, we are learning more about our business every day, and we’re looking for someone to lead the charge in the field of data gathering, analysis, and business change. As a business, we are on an ambitious journey, tearing up the rule book on recycling, and doing things the AO Way. We need equally ambitious people to join our quest and grow with the business, unafraid to take bold steps and make smart decisions!  We’re seeking a versatile and dynamic IT Generalist to join our team. You will play a critical role in delivering and supporting IT projects, from conception to execution, while contributing to ongoing operational improvements. Working closely with business functions across the group, you will need to analyse, identify and drive improvements in a range of Operational functions, to make AO Recycling’s proposition and platform the best in the UK. This will require you to leverage not only your skills, but those of the wider AO family, both in Telford and at our Headquarters in Bolton. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in IT project delivery and a proactive mindset for embracing and advocating for innovative technology solutions. Fluency in SQL and SQL Reporting Services is essential, as this role requires hands-on involvement in database management, report creation, and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, a basic understanding of networking and the ability to diagnose common networking issues are desirable. The successful candidate will also work closely with third-party developers and Group IT functions to deliver solutions that align with business needs.

The role demands the ability to work independently and proactively, managing tasks and projects with minimal supervision and delivering high-quality solutions.

This role offers excellent opportunities for growth and professional development. Over time, you will have the opportunity to progress into a Project Manager or Delivery Lead role, where you will take on increased responsibility for managing larger projects, overseeing delivery timelines, and ensuring that solutions are executed efficiently and in alignment with business objectives.

We are committed to supporting your career development and will provide the necessary mentorship and training to help you grow into a leadership position within the IT function.

Here's What You Can Expect To Be Doing

• Project Delivery: Lead and manage IT projects, ensuring timely and successful delivery in alignment with business objectives. Handle project lifecycle activities, including planning, execution, and post-implementation support.

* Requirements Gathering: Collaborate with stakeholders to gather, analyse, and document business requirements. Ensure that all technical specifications are communicated to the development teams.

* SQL and Reporting: Develop, maintain, and optimise SQL queries to support business processes. Design and deliver custom reports using SQL Reporting Services to provide actionable insights and data visualisation to stakeholders.

* Problem Solving: Identify and address technical challenges and roadblocks, offering innovative solutions to complex problems. Provide troubleshooting and support as needed across the IT ecosystem.

* Networking Issues Diagnosis: Utilise basic networking knowledge to diagnose and resolve common networking issues, such as connectivity problems, IP address conflicts, and network performance issues.

* Collaboration with Third-Party Developers: Work with third-party developers and external vendors to implement and integrate IT solutions. Ensure smooth communication and efficient coordination between internal teams and external partners to deliver quality solutions.

* Collaboration with Group IT Functions: Collaborate with the Group IT functions to ensure alignment with corporate IT standards, security policies, and best practices. Work together on global initiatives, ensuring solutions are scalable and compatible with broader IT infrastructure.

* Advocacy for New Technology: Stay up to date with emerging technologies and trends. Advocate for and assist in the integration of new tools and solutions that drive efficiency and improve business performance.

* Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with various departments and teams to ensure alignment on IT-related initiatives. Provide technical guidance and recommendations based on business needs.

* Support and Maintenance: Assist with the maintenance, upgrades, and ongoing support of IT systems. Ensure that systems are optimised and functioning efficiently.

* Documentation: Create and maintain clear technical documentation for all projects and IT systems, ensuring knowledge sharing across the team. Create test scripts, UAT processes, and acceptance criteria.

A Few Things About You

• Degree (minimum 2:1) in computer science with relevant experience in IT.

* Experience in IT project management and delivery

* Proven experience in requirements gathering, business analysis, and translating business needs into technical solutions, with strong communication skills to effectively present complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

* Power Apps and Power Automate knowledge would be beneficial but not mandatory.
* Familiarity with SQL and experience with SQL Reporting Services for report development, maintenance, and optimisation.

* Basic networking knowledge to diagnose common networking issues, including connectivity, IP configuration, and network performance problems.

* Experience working with both internal and external developers and vendors to implement and integrate IT solutions aligned with corporate IT standards and best practices

* Excellent problem-solving abilities with a solutions-oriented approach.

* Experience working in cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders.

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

A Bit About Us

At AO, we want to make sure our customers are happy. When they have a smile on their face, we know we’ve done a good job. It’s at the heart of everything we do, and it’s why our logo is always smiling.

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 passionate, relentless and full of beans, determined to make a difference and change the world for the better. From massive changes to tiny tweaks - making a difference is what keeps us driven.It started at a pub in Bolton with a £1 bet and a belief that things could be done better!

Our Benefits

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, 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.
• Free Food Thursday - Last Thursday of every month, lunch is on us as a way of saying thank you for your efforts!

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