AO.com to recruit 50 tech experts in Bolton and Manchester

AO is looking for software developers, UX designers and business analysts to commercial IT analysts to support its future growth

Online white goods retailer AO.com has launched its biggest ever recruitment drive.

The company has pushed the button on recruiting over 50 new staff in IT roles across its Bolton and Manchester offices over the next 12 months.

AO is looking for software developers, UX designers and business analysts to commercial IT analysts to support its future growth.

To accommodate a larger tech team, AO has expanded into a second office at Parklands Business Park.

The company is aiming to develop the majority of its technology systems in-house, allowing it to quickly adapt to opportunities and make online shopping ‘as easy as possible’ and the new roles form a pivotal part of that.

Carl Phillips, AO’s IT director said: “What makes our IT team unique is the range of projects that people get to work on and the freedom that they have to get things done.

“From infrastructure to coding, our teams get the opportunity to use the latest technology and working practices on a daily basis.  It’s an exciting place to develop new skills and broaden your career in a way that you wouldn’t get to do anywhere else in the North West.”

He added: “We put passion and a willingness to learn before experience and expertise when looking for new candidates for the team.

“We’re willing to give people a chance who haven’t had a traditional education and background in tech, and to invest deeply in training and personal development to get the best out of our people.”

Bolton-headquartered AO sells domestic appliances and electronics including washing machines, fridges, cookers, and TVs.

It was founded in 2000 by Roberts after a bet in the pub. His aim was to make it easier to buy appliances online. The company made its debut on the London Stock Exchange in 2014.

Since then it has been seeking to expand into Europe, where it wants to become the largest electricals retailer, as well as extending the range of what it sells from white goods to computing and mobile products.