At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of GOV.UK and manage high-performing product teams.
- Company: Join the Government Digital Service, shaping a modern digital government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working locations, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Virtual recruitment event on 28th August 2025; apply even if you don't meet all criteria.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how citizens interact with government services.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership in product management and experience in agile environments.
The predicted salary is between 57692 - 70512 £ per year.
Overview of the Head of Product role at Government Digital Service (GDS). The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government. We’re part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people across the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London and Bristol. GOV.UK is the established digital interface between government and the public and handles significant traffic and impact across citizen interactions with government.
Locations: Available across London, Bristol & Manchester locations.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the continued development of GOV.UK web proposition, publishing tooling and platform, and support the programme’s strategy for growth.
- Grow and lead high performing product teams in the GOV.UK directorate to deliver critical government products and services at scale.
- Develop a sustainable and engaged product community, and participate as a key member of the GOV.UK Senior Management Team.
- Work with agile, multidisciplinary teams; balance experimentation with operational efficiency; and promote a culture of learning and improvement.
- Contribute to a clear product vision and drive OKRs and roadmaps that support strategic development and operational delivery.
- Support GOV.UK Deputy Directors in implementing strategic initiatives and addressing operational challenges.
- Ensure products meet user needs and achieve measurable data-driven outcomes.
- Prioritise user experience and security across platforms.
Person specification / Qualifications:
- Strong leadership experience in product management, with a track record of launching and evolving digital products at scale across multiple teams in agile environments.
- Ability to develop product strategy and direct delivery teams through all phases from discovery to continuous improvement.
- Experience assessing products and services and providing guidance on priorities and improvements.
- Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and coordinating activity across organisations.
- Ability to set, monitor and report measurable performance targets for teams and products.
- Experience recruiting, coaching and line managing product managers; identifying learning opportunities.
- Familiarity with working with suppliers through end-to-end procurement processes.
- Focus on operational maturity and ensuring consistent user and technical operational support.
Domain experience:
- Web and mobile user experiences at scale.
- Publishing platforms, content lifecycle and metadata.
- Proactive and/or personalised products supporting complex digital interactions.
- Resilient, secure platforms.
Additional information:
If you meet a few criteria but not every item, you are encouraged to apply.
Security: successful candidates must meet the security requirements before appointment (security check).
Recruitment event: There will be a virtual recruitment event on Thursday 28th August 2025 at 09:00am. To participate, email gdsrecruitment@dsit.gov.uk for an invitation.
Head of Product employer: Government Digital Service
The Government Digital Service is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets public service. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that shape the future of digital services in the UK. Our collaborative culture fosters creativity and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about leveraging AI for societal benefit.
Contact Details:
Government Digital Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product
✨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 Government Digital Service!
✨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 Government Digital Service 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 Government Digital Service through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Head of Product, 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 Head of Product position at Government Digital Service. 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 Government Digital Service
✨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.
