Lead Product Manager
Government Digital Services -
What you'll do
The Government Digital Service is looking for a lead product manager who wants to make a difference by delivering simpler, clearer and faster public services that meet user needs.
The mission of Digital Service Platforms is to scale, accelerate and level up digital transformation across government. Our platforms are used across the public sector to support critical infrastructure and to deliver essential services to millions of users. They enable users to rapidly create services that are usable, accessible, effective and have a consistent experience for users.
As Lead Product Manager you’ll:
- own and be responsible for developing and articulating a clear vision, proposition and roadmap
- provide direction and leadership for multidisciplinary product teams in running, supporting and continuously improving products so that they meet user needs
- manage the prioritisation of product development, ensuring a balance of support work so that the products remain reliable, robust and secure, whilst also continuously improving
- lead teams in assessing new information about the needs of potential users of the platform, and making decisions about which to meet
- build our relationships with other organisations involved in the payments strategy for government, and with key suppliers
- promote the platform across the public sector
- coordinate product development with other programmes, discipline leads and teams across the GDS and the government
- maintain knowledge of the changing digital, technology and payments landscapes and the opportunities they provide to improve the delivery of public services in the UK
- coach and mentor other members of the product community, identifying learning and development opportunities for individuals and teams
- support the Head Of Product with development and implementation of the wider Digital Service Platforms strategy
Learn more about what Lead Product Managers do in government.
Who you'll be
We’re interested in people who have experience of:
- product managing high-volume digital products in a fast-paced environment, working with multidisciplinary, agile teams, – from discovery to delivery, and continuous, data-led improvement and iteration of a mature, live product, ensuring a consistent approach to user and technical operational support - ideally in digital payments but not essential
- developing and improving a product’s operational maturity as well as ensuring a consistent approach to user and technical operational support
- strong communication skills that enable you to manage stakeholders, senior leaders and engage with people through a range of channels to identify a common set of needs and priorities, or to explain what you are doing and how you are doing it in clear and compelling ways
- understanding of modern technologies used in delivery of cloud-based software products - and able to explain the high level purpose and constraints of these technologies with non-technical people
- developing and selling a product and commercial strategy to secure funding and support for the product
- working in or with public sector organisations, including cross-organisational working and navigating spend control processes and procurement
- hands-on delivery and iteration of products, working with multiple teams in an agile delivery setting – from discovery to continuous, data-led improvement in a live setting
- recruiting, coaching and line management of product managers, identifying learning and development opportunities for individuals and teams
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The standard selection process for roles at GDS consists of:
- An application screening process - Simply, hit apply. We only ask for a CV and Cover Letter. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “who you’ll be” section above.
- An interview - We will asses you against the behaviours listed above and your experience
Depending on the volume of applications we may also include an additional stage, which you will be invited to should you pass the application screening stage.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status.
GDS offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home/remote working and also spends some time in their local office. You will agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs.
A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.
Candidates that do not pass the interview, however, have demonstrated an acceptable standard will be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.
Security Clearance: The level of clearance required for this role is CTC. Further details are outlined in Security vetting for employees.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. For further information see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prison-leavers-project-improving-outcomes-for-prison-leavers
