Head of Group Programmes

About The Role

At AO, we’re all about doing things brilliantly, and that means delivering our strategy with clarity, pace, and real impact.

As Head of Group Programmes, you’ll play a pivotal role in making that happen. This is a group wide position focused on bringing structure to how we plan, deliver and track our most important initiatives. You’ll connect the dots across the business, ensure we’re aligned on priorities, and help teams execute at their best, without duplication or wasted effort.

A huge part of this role is relationships. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and teams across AO, bringing people together, keeping everyone focused on the same outcomes, and making collaboration count.

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, 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

Driving strategy delivery & performance;

• Own the rhythm of strategy management, tracking progress, calling out what’s on or off track, and helping teams course correct
• Create a clear, real time view of priorities, milestones, risks and dependencies so leaders can make informed decisions

Helping leaders shape and land initiatives;

• Support leaders in defining clear objectives, plans, and measures of success
• Connect activity across teams to ensure work is sequenced effectively and delivered end to end
• Help refine and present plans so decisions are faster, clearer and more impactful

Keeping the organisation aligned;

• Maintain alignment across the business, especially as priorities evolve
• Spot overlaps, duplication, and gaps early, simplifying before they become issues

Building delivery capability;

• Strengthen how we deliver by embedding consistent ways of working, governance and planning
• Improve execution over time, not just for individual programmes, but across the Group

Providing insight, foresight and challenge;

• Identify risks, inconsistencies and emerging challenges early
• Act as a trusted advisor, bringing options, trade offs and recommendations
• Ensure decisions are grounded, joined-up and focused on outcomes

A Few Things About You

• You’re a natural relationship-builder who brings people together and builds trust quickly
• You’ve led programmes, portfolios or strategy delivery in complex organisations and know what great execution looks like
• You’re confident holding teams to account, challenging constructively and focusing on outcomes
• You’re structured and decisive, able to simplify complexity into clear next steps
• You’re comfortable working with senior leaders and making decision-making easier
• You have strong judgement and focus on what really matters

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 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.

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!
• Flexible benefits; including 9% employer pension contribution and private healthcare
• Opportunity to particiapte 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.