At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product management strategy and ensure delivery excellence across complex digital portfolios.
- Company: Join a global defence and aerospace leader shaping next-gen digital capabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible hybrid working, and impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in national security through innovative digital transformation.
- Qualifications: Active SC Clearance and proven leadership in product ownership required.
The predicted salary is between 95 - 104 € per hour.
Reading (Hybrid / Custom working options available) £95 - £104.46 per hour Active SC Clearance Required UK Nationals Only (SC eligibility required for sensitive MOD/aerospace programmes)
Join a global defence and aerospace environment, shaping next-generation digital capabilities across critical MOD and regulated programmes. This is a senior leadership role where you will define product ownership standards, drive delivery excellence, and influence how complex digital products are designed and delivered at scale.
The Role
As Lead Product Owner, you will take ownership of product management strategy, governance, and delivery assurance across complex digital portfolios. You will lead multiple product streams, set delivery standards, and ensure alignment between business outcomes, technical execution, and long-term value realisation. This role is highly strategic, focusing not only on delivery but on shaping how product ownership is embedded across large-scale digital transformation programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and evolve product ownership frameworks, governance models, and delivery standards
- Lead end-to-end delivery of complex, data-driven digital products across multiple teams
- Own backlog strategy, prioritisation, and value-driven delivery across programmes
- Align product direction with organisational, portfolio, and MOD objectives
- Establish strong collaboration between Product Owners, Business Analysts, architects, and engineering teams
- Oversee supplier and third-party performance, ensuring quality, compliance, and strategic alignment
- Drive continuous improvement in Agile and Lean product delivery practices
- Mentor and influence product teams, embedding best practice across the organisation
- Ensure clear communication between senior stakeholders and delivery teams
- Translate complex technical and security considerations into clear product strategy
Essential Experience
- Active SC Clearance
- Proven leadership of product ownership across multiple major programmes
- Strong background within MOD, Defence Digital, or UK aerospace environments
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and external suppliers
- Deep understanding of Agile and Lean product delivery frameworks
- Strong technical awareness across:
- Digital platforms and infrastructure
- Security protocols
- Modern enterprise architectures
- Proven expertise in backlog management, prioritisation, and value-based delivery
- Excellent stakeholder engagement with senior leadership
- Ability to define and operate scalable product governance frameworks
Desirable Experience
- Experience operating at strategic or portfolio product level
- Strong mentoring or coaching experience within product teams
- Familiarity with complex defence or regulated digital ecosystems
- Experience influencing organisational product transformation
Why Apply?
- Senior leadership role shaping defence digital transformation
- High-impact programmes with national and global significance
- Opportunity to define product operating models and standards
- Collaborative, multi-national working environment
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements
- Work that directly contributes to critical defence capability
Lead Product Owner - SC Cleared in Reading employer: CBSbutler Ltd.
As a Lead Product Owner in Reading, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment within the global defence and aerospace sector, where your expertise will directly influence critical digital transformation programmes. The company offers flexible hybrid working options, competitive pay, and a strong focus on employee growth through mentorship and leadership opportunities, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful work in a high-stakes industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Product Owner - SC Cleared in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the defence and aerospace sectors, especially those who have experience with MOD programmes. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on Agile and Lean methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in past roles. We want to see your strategic thinking in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you’ve influenced product teams or improved delivery standards. We love to see candidates who can mentor and drive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to shape the future of digital capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Product Owner - SC Cleared in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in product ownership, especially within the MOD or aerospace sectors. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Lead Product Owner, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This is a senior role, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and influenced product strategies in previous roles. We love seeing real-world impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CBSbutler Ltd.
✨Know Your Product Ownership Frameworks
Make sure you’re well-versed in product ownership frameworks and governance models. Be ready to discuss how you've defined and evolved these in your previous roles, especially in complex digital environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience across major programmes. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and how you’ve influenced product delivery standards.
✨Align with Organisational Objectives
Understand the organisation's goals and how they align with MOD objectives. Be prepared to articulate how you can ensure product direction supports these aims, demonstrating your strategic thinking.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Practice translating complex technical concepts into clear strategies for senior stakeholders. This will show your ability to bridge the gap between technical execution and business outcomes, which is crucial for this role.
