Technical Design Consultant - OVO Drive

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Design Consultant - OVO Drive Company: OVO Energy Location: Bristol, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-Time Category: Operations / Technical Support / GTM Enablement Date Posted: August 18, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hub Based - Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting OVO Energy's mission to zero carbon living by facilitating customer adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure.
• The Technical Design Consultant acts as a key liaison between customers, technical teams, and regulatory bodies, ensuring a seamless and technically sound EV charger installation process.
• This position requires a blend of technical aptitude in electrical systems and EV charging, strong customer-facing communication skills, and meticulous organizational capabilities to manage project lifecycles.
• Successful candidates will contribute to OVO's reputation as a tech leader in the EV space by ensuring operational excellence in customer installations and representing the company at industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional Revenue or Sales Operations role, this position heavily intersects with GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement by directly impacting customer onboarding, satisfaction, and the operational delivery of OVO's EV services. The focus on process, technical feasibility, and customer experience aligns with core operations principles in a growing clean energy sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth technical reviews of remote and on-site survey data to assess the feasibility of proposed EV charger installations, ensuring compliance with IET code of practice and relevant electrical standards.
• Provide expert technical guidance and support to customers regarding EV charger queries throughout the installation survey process, fostering a positive customer experience.
• Manage and complete all necessary Distribution Network Operator (DNO) submissions accurately and in a timely manner, liaising directly with DNOs to address feedback and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve project challenges by leveraging technical expertise, collaborating with EV engineers, and recommending solutions to ensure smooth project execution.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive handover packs for customers upon completion of installations, ensuring all technical documentation and customer requirements are met.
• Evaluate and manage project risks, challenges, and opportunities, providing strategic recommendations for future improvements in installation processes and customer offerings.
• Represent OVO Energy at external industry events, contributing to the company's brand as a technology leader in the EV and clean energy sector.
• Act as an internal subject matter expert on all aspects of electric vehicles and charging installations, providing support to various internal teams and customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong technical process management, cross-functional collaboration (with EV engineers), and stakeholder management (customers, DNOs). The emphasis on problem-solving and risk evaluation is central to operational efficiency in a technically complex service delivery environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A strong foundational understanding of electrical principles, configurations, and materials is expected, likely gained through a formal qualification or significant practical experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in reviewing technical surveys and assessing installation feasibility for electrical or EV charging systems.
• Proven ability to manage project documentation, including DNO submissions and customer handover packs, with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Previous experience in customer-facing roles, handling technical queries and providing clear, concise explanations.

Required Skills:

• Technical Knowledge: Sound technical understanding of hardware and software solutions relevant to EV charging installations, including electrical configurations and materials.
• EV Charging Expertise: Knowledge and experience of EV charger installations, including familiarity with the IET code of practice for EV charging installations.
• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to provide guidance and support to customers, resolving queries effectively and ensuring a positive experience.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, essential for liaising with customers, DNOs, and internal teams.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Capacity to adapt to changing scenarios, respond positively to new challenges, and manage a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve technical and project-related challenges independently and collaboratively.
• Organisational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain meticulous records for surveys, submissions, and customer data.
• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues to build strong team relationships and achieve collective goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in the installation, repair, maintenance, or surveying of electrical or EV charging installations.
• Direct experience working with EV Charger survey platforms, specifically Jumptech software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for Jumptech experience and previous installation/surveying background suggests that candidates with practical, hands-on knowledge in the EV charging installation ecosystem will have a distinct advantage. The "not essential" caveat for previous installation experience indicates that strong technical aptitude and analytical skills can compensate for direct field work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Feasibility Assessments: Examples of how you've analyzed technical survey data to determine the feasibility of installations, detailing the criteria and decision-making process.
• DNO Submission Management: Documentation showcasing your experience in preparing and submitting technical documentation to regulatory bodies (e.g., DNOs), highlighting accuracy and compliance.
• Customer Communication Examples: Demonstrations of how you've communicated complex technical information to customers in a clear and understandable manner, resolving queries and managing expectations.
• Problem Resolution Case Studies: Instances where you've identified and resolved technical challenges in installation projects, detailing the steps taken and the positive outcomes achieved.
• Process Improvement Contributions: Any examples of how you've contributed to optimizing installation workflows, improving efficiency, or enhancing customer satisfaction through process adjustments.

Process Documentation:

• Exhibit a methodical approach to documenting technical surveys, ensuring all critical information for feasibility assessments and DNO submissions is captured accurately.
• Demonstrate a structured process for managing customer interactions, from initial query to final installation handover, ensuring consistent communication and support.
• Showcase an ability to create clear, concise, and comprehensive handover packs for customers, detailing installation specifics, operational guidance, and warranty information.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role doesn't explicitly ask for a formal "operations portfolio" in the typical sense (like process maps or CRM configurations), candidates are expected to demonstrate their process-oriented thinking and technical execution through examples. This means being prepared to discuss specific projects, challenges, and how they were resolved, effectively showcasing their operational capabilities in technical design and customer support.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £30,720 - £36,863 per annum (Level 7)

Benefits:

• On-Target Bonus: Eligibility for a 15% on-target bonus, tied to collective performance in achieving OVO's Plan Zero goals.
• Flex Pay: An additional 9% of core salary, which can be taken as cash, added to pension contributions, or used for a wide range of flex benefits.
• Holiday Entitlement: Generous 34 days of holiday per year, inclusive of bank holidays.
• Health & Wellbeing:
  • Healthcare cash plan or private medical insurance (depending on career level).
  • Critical illness cover, life assurance, and health assessments.
  • Subsidized gym membership.
  • Gadget, travel, and cyber insurance.
  • Workplace ISA and will writing services.
  • DNA testing and dental insurance.
• Lifestyle & Home:
  • Options for extra holiday buying, discount dining, and culture cards.
  • Tech loans and support for charitable giving.
  • Discounts on OVO Energy plans (up to £300 off), personal carbon offsetting, and smart home devices.
• Commute:
  • Attractive deals on ultra-low emission car leasing.
  • Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loans for public transport.

Working Hours:

• Full-Time. Based on the salary banding and industry standards, this typically equates to approximately 40 hours per week. The "Hub Based - Hybrid" model suggests a structured work week with a balance of office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of £30,720 - £36,863 GBP aligns with mid-level technical support and design roles in the UK's clean energy sector, particularly in regions like Bristol. The comprehensive benefits package, including the "Flex Pay" option and extensive wellness programs, reflects OVO Energy's focus on employee well-being and flexible compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (specifically focusing on renewable energy, smart home technology, and Electric Vehicle services). OVO Energy is a prominent player in the UK's energy market, committed to transitioning to zero carbon living through its "Plan Zero" initiative. Company Size: OVO Energy is a large, established company, often categorized as enterprise-level, with thousands of employees globally. This size offers stability, resources, and opportunities for structured career growth. Founded: OVO Energy was founded in 2009. Its relatively young age compared to legacy energy providers signifies a modern, agile, and technology-forward approach to business.

Team Structure:

• OVO Drive Team: The role sits within the "OVO Drive" team, which is dedicated to supporting customers in their transition to electric vehicle ownership. This implies a specialized, customer-centric unit focused on a key growth area for OVO.
• Reporting Structure: The Technical Design Consultant reports directly to the EV Technical Manager, indicating a clear line of management and technical oversight within the EV operations.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with EV engineers, customer service teams, and potentially sales or project management departments to ensure end-to-end customer journey success.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: OVO's commitment to "Plan Zero" suggests an operations methodology rooted in data analysis to track progress, identify inefficiencies, and inform strategic decisions related to EV adoption and installation processes.
• Customer-Centric Processes: The role's focus on customer experience highlights a process design philosophy that prioritizes customer satisfaction, ease of use, and clear communication throughout the EV charger installation lifecycle.
• Agile & Iterative Improvements: As a modern energy company, OVO likely employs agile principles for process optimization, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving EV technology and customer needs.

Company Website: https://www.ovoenergy.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding OVO's "Plan Zero" mission is critical. This role directly contributes to that mission by enabling customers to adopt EVs. The company's scale means processes are likely well-defined, but also that there's room for optimizing customer journey touchpoints within those established frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as "Mid-level," typically requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience. It serves as a foundational role within the EV technical operations or customer deployment functions.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the EV Technical Manager. This suggests exposure to management-level decision-making and the opportunity to learn about strategic planning within the EV sector. The manager, Dave Harris, is responsible for the technical direction of EV initiatives.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the operational efficiency and customer satisfaction of OVO's EV charger installation services. By ensuring technical feasibility and accurate quotations, the Technical Design Consultant prevents installation failures, reduces rework, and enhances the customer's initial experience, directly contributing to revenue realization and customer retention for the OVO Drive offering.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in EV charging hardware, electrical regulations, and DNO interactions, becoming a subject matter expert within OVO Drive.
• Project Management: Development of project management skills through handling the end-to-end customer installation process, potentially leading to roles in project coordination or management.
• Process Improvement: Opportunities to contribute to refining installation processes, survey methodologies, and customer communication protocols, paving the way for roles in operations analysis or continuous improvement.
• Team Leadership: With significant experience and demonstrated success, potential progression into lead consultant roles or management positions within the OVO Drive team or broader operations department.
• Cross-functional Moves: Experience gained here could be transferable to other customer-facing technical roles, operations support, or even business development within the renewable energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mid-level" designation and reporting to a Manager indicate a solid career path. Growth is likely to be focused on deepening technical expertise in the EV space, improving process execution, and potentially moving into more senior or specialized technical roles, or even people management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hub Based - Hybrid. This indicates a physical office presence is required, likely in Bristol, with flexibility for remote work. This model aims to balance in-person collaboration and team cohesion with individual flexibility.

Office Location(s): Bristol, United Kingdom. Bristol is a hub for innovation and green technology, providing a dynamic environment for professionals in the energy sector.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model suggests opportunities for in-office collaboration with team members, fostering knowledge sharing and team engagement.
• Technology Access: As a tech-focused company, expect access to modern IT infrastructure, necessary software (like Jumptech and Zoho), and communication tools to support both office-based and remote work.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the OVO Drive team, EV engineers, and potentially other departments will be integral to the role, supporting a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely adhering to standard UK business hours (e.g., 9 am to 5 pm), with the flexibility offered by the hybrid working arrangement. This structure allows for focused work on technical analysis and customer interactions during core business periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key factor. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured work week that includes regular office days in Bristol, balancing personal work styles with team collaboration needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a screening call with an HR or recruitment specialist to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.
• Technical Assessment: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager (Dave Harris) or a senior team member, focusing on technical knowledge of EV charging, electrical systems, and problem-solving skills. This may include a technical case study or scenario-based questions.
• Portfolio Review/Discussion: Candidates may be asked to discuss specific examples from their past work that demonstrate their technical review, customer communication, and problem-solving capabilities. While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, being prepared to detail relevant project experiences is crucial.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet other team members to assess collaboration style, alignment with OVO's values, and overall cultural fit.
• Final Interview/Offer: A potential final stage with a more senior leader or a formal offer process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: When discussing past projects, focus on the processes you followed for technical assessments, customer interactions, and DNO submissions. Emphasize your systematic approach.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, quantify the outcomes of your work. For instance, "reduced average survey review time by X%" or "improved DNO submission accuracy, leading to Y fewer rejections."
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be ready to detail a specific challenge you encountered (e.g., a complex installation site, a difficult customer query) and how you used your technical expertise and communication skills to resolve it effectively.
• Contextualize Experience: Clearly explain the context of your experience, especially if it wasn't directly with EV charging but involved similar technical design, project management, or regulatory compliance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical installation scenarios and ask you to identify potential technical issues, required materials, and steps for resolution.
• DNO Submission Knowledge: Brush up on general principles of electrical utility submissions and regulatory compliance, even if specific DNO processes aren't known.
• Customer Handling: Practice articulating technical information clearly and empathetically, especially when explaining feasibility issues or required modifications to customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process likely emphasizes practical application of technical knowledge and problem-solving in a customer-centric context. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and be ready to discuss their understanding of electrical installations and customer support processes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Jumptech: Explicitly mentioned as a preferred platform for EV charger survey management. Proficiency or familiarity with this system is a significant advantage.
• Zoho: Mentioned as another system used. Zoho is a broad suite of business applications, potentially including CRM, project management, or helpdesk functionalities relevant to customer tracking and workflow management.
• General Office Suite: Proficiency with standard productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for documentation, communication, and data analysis is assumed.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly detailed, the role likely involves using data from surveys and DNO submissions to track installation feasibility rates, identify common technical challenges, and report on project progress. Tools for data analysis and reporting could include Excel, or potentially more advanced BI tools if integrated with Zoho or other systems.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (potentially Zoho CRM): Used for managing customer interactions, tracking the installation journey, and storing relevant customer data.
• Automation (potential): The company may use automation for aspects of DNO submissions, customer notifications, or data entry, though specific tools are not listed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with Jumptech and the Zoho suite is a key differentiator. Candidates should highlight any experience with these specific platforms or similar systems used for technical project management, customer relationship management, and field service operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Dedication, Ownership, Fundamental: These are the three words OVO uses to describe the role, suggesting a strong emphasis on commitment, taking responsibility for tasks and outcomes, and understanding the core importance of the work.
• Team Player, Motivation, Organisation: These are the top three qualities, highlighting the importance of collaborative spirit, proactive engagement, and structured work habits in the OVO Drive team.
• Customer Focus: Given the nature of the role, a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service and support is likely a core value.
• Environmental Mission: Alignment with OVO's mission for a zero-carbon future is a key cultural driver, encouraging employees to feel part of a larger purpose.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work closely with EV engineers and potentially other departments, requiring effective communication and coordination to achieve shared goals.
• Process Improvement Mindset: Collaboration likely involves sharing feedback on processes, identifying bottlenecks, and working together to find more efficient or effective ways of working.
• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where technical knowledge about EV installations and customer support best practices is shared openly among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Dedication, Ownership, Fundamental" and "Team Player, Motivation, Organisation" points to a culture that values accountability, proactivity, and strong interpersonal skills within a mission-driven environment. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate these qualities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Staying up-to-date with evolving EV charger technology, electrical standards, and varying DNO requirements can be challenging.
• Customer Expectation Management: Balancing customer desires with technical feasibility and regulatory constraints requires strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Process Standardization: Ensuring consistent application of technical assessment and submission processes across all customer cases, especially in a growing team.
• Dynamic Environment: The clean energy and EV sectors are rapidly evolving, requiring adaptability and continuous learning to keep pace with industry advancements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• EV Technology Expertise: Deepen knowledge of various EV charger models, smart charging capabilities, and home electrical system integration.
• Regulatory Landscape: Gain a thorough understanding of DNO submission processes, grid connection requirements, and relevant UK electrical regulations.
• Process Optimization Skills: Develop skills in workflow analysis, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing improvements to installation processes.
• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to represent OVO at industry events, expanding professional networks and staying abreast of market trends.
• System Proficiency: Mastering specialized tools like Jumptech and leveraging the full capabilities of the Zoho suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for technical development within a high-growth sector. Candidates should view the challenges as learning opportunities and highlight their proactive approach to skill acquisition and adaptation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Feasibility: "Describe a complex EV charger installation scenario you've encountered and how you determined its technical feasibility. What factors did you consider?" (Focus on your process, technical details, and decision rationale).
• DNO Submissions: "Walk me through your experience with submitting technical documentation to utility companies. What are the key pieces of information required, and how do you ensure accuracy?" (Highlight your understanding of compliance and attention to detail).
• Customer Communication: "How would you explain to a customer that their desired EV charger installation location is not technically feasible due to electrical limitations?" (Demonstrate empathy, clarity, and the ability to offer alternative solutions).
• Problem Solving: "Describe a time you had to resolve a technical issue during an installation survey or process. What was the problem, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method).

Company & Culture Questions:

• OVO's Mission: "What do you know about OVO's Plan Zero, and how does this role contribute to it?" (Show your understanding of the company's purpose).
• Teamwork: "How do you approach collaboration with engineers or other technical teams to ensure project success?" (Highlight your team player qualities).
• Adaptability: "Describe a situation where project plans changed unexpectedly. How did you adapt and what was the result?" (Show your flexibility and response to change).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: Even without a formal portfolio, prepare talking points that clearly outline the steps you take for survey analysis, DNO submissions, and customer communication.
• Case Study Approach: Be ready to present 1-2 specific examples of projects that showcase your technical design, problem-solving, and customer support skills. Structure these using the STAR method.
• Tool Proficiency: If you have Jumptech or Zoho experience, be ready to discuss how you used these tools to manage workflows, analyze data, or improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical acumen, process discipline, and strong communication skills. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples of their work and show how they align with OVO's values and mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the OVO Energy careers portal via the provided link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience related to electrical installations, technical surveying, DNO submissions, customer support, and any use of project management or CRM software. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Project Examples: Identify 1-2 specific projects that showcase your technical assessment, problem-solving, and customer communication skills. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.
• Research OVO Energy: Familiarize yourself with OVO's "Plan Zero" mission, their offerings in the EV space, and their company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.
• Practice Technical Scenarios: Review common EV charger installation challenges and DNO submission requirements to prepare for technical questions and potential case studies.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.