At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tech transformation for Finance and Procurement, managing product teams and driving operational improvements.
- Company: Dynamic organisation in Stratford, London, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Join a high-performance culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape technology strategy and make a real impact in corporate operations.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in tech leadership and transformation in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 59000 - 69000 £ per year.
£59,000 - £69,000 (+ Benefits). Grade: P3. Reports to: Director of Technology Operations. Permanent full‑time role (35 hours per week) located in Stratford, London with high flexibility (1‑2 days in office per week).
Role Overview
As Product Lead, you will own the Chief Finance Office’s technology estate and partner with Finance, Procurement and General Counsel & Company Secretariat functions. You will lead product teams, influence stakeholders and senior leaders, shape product strategy and drive technology‑enabled transformation and operational improvements.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, delivery and transformation of technology products and services for Finance, Procurement and General Counsel & Company Secretariat functions, including Legal and Risk.
- Manage two established product teams, providing line management for product managers and matrix managing project teams.
- Lead in‑flight programmes and projects such as migrating the Group finance system Unit4 Business World to the cloud, process digitisation and automation, and finance system integrations.
- Partner with senior business leaders across the Chief Finance Office to shape strategy, deliver a portfolio of change, drive operational efficiency, resilience and optimisation of corporate systems.
- Develop and maintain a product roadmap that is strategically aligned, technically viable and widely understood.
- Set and forecast budgets and manage resources.
- Build and nurture a high‑performance culture, acting as a role model and promoting high professional standards.
- Define and ensure high‑quality, fast‑paced delivery of product outcomes across your teams, including coaching and skills development.
- Manage supplier relationships, ensuring partners deliver value and meet internal users’ needs.
- Collaborate with others to support products, minimise performance risks, and adhere to SLAs and operational requirements.
Qualifications
- Experienced technology leader with a proven track record of transformation and technology‑enabled operational improvements in complex enterprise environments.
- Background as Product Lead, Delivery Lead, Transformation Lead, Change Manager, Programme Manager, ERP Manager or similar roles.
- Strong record of balancing user needs, strategic and technical requirements, and operational demand in large, complex organisations with constrained resources.
- Knowledge of corporate operations and systems, including ERP and finance systems.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, influencing and negotiating skills, including senior leadership engagement.
- Commercial mindset with experience managing supplier relationships and deriving value from technology partnerships.
- Resilient and adaptable leader capable of driving change, motivating teams, and navigating ambiguity and evolving business needs.
- Proactive, solutions‑focused approach to problem‑solving, encouraging innovation, promoting best practices and challenging conventional approaches.
Benefits & Inclusive Culture
We offer a supportive, inclusive culture that values diversity and belonging. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly those under‑represented in senior roles. No visa sponsorship available; candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Product Lead (Corporate Operations) in London employer: Cancer Research UK
As a Product Lead in Corporate Operations, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive environment located in Stratford, London, where flexibility is embraced with 1-2 days in the office per week. The company prioritises employee growth through a high-performance culture, offering opportunities for coaching and skills development while fostering collaboration across teams to drive meaningful technology transformations. With a commitment to diversity and belonging, this role not only allows you to influence strategic change but also positions you within a supportive community that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Lead (Corporate Operations) in London
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Cancer Research UK!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Cancer Research UK would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Cancer Research UK through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Lead (Corporate Operations) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Lead (Corporate Operations), let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Lead (Corporate Operations) position at Cancer Research UK. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
