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- Tasks: Lead the development of GOV.UK and drive critical government products.
- Company: Join the Government Digital Service, shaping a modern digital government.
- Benefits: Flexible locations, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and enhance user experiences.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership in product management and experience in agile environments.
- Other info: Engage with senior stakeholders and foster a culture of learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
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.
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Head of Product employer: Government Digital Service
Contact Detail:
Government Digital Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at GDS on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the virtual recruitment event! Make sure we’ve got our questions ready and know what we want to highlight about our experience. This is our chance to shine and show them why we’re the perfect fit for Head of Product.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how we’ve led product teams and delivered successful projects. They want to see that we can drive results and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the GDS team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in product management, especially in agile environments. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at GDS!
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this is a Head of Product role, emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams to deliver digital products at scale and how you’ve fostered a culture of learning and improvement.
Focus on User Experience: We’re all about prioritising user needs! In your application, discuss how you've ensured products meet user expectations and how you've used data to drive decisions. This will show us you understand the importance of user-centric design.
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 keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at GDS!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Digital Service
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the GOV.UK platform and its features. Understand the current challenges and opportunities within digital government services. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in product management. Think of specific examples where you've led teams through agile processes, launched successful products, or improved user experiences. Highlight how you foster a culture of learning and improvement within your teams.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience engaging with senior stakeholders. Share examples of how you've coordinated activities across organisations and navigated complex relationships. This will show that you can effectively communicate and collaborate at all levels.
✨Focus on User-Centric Outcomes
Emphasise your commitment to user experience and data-driven outcomes. Prepare to discuss how you've prioritised user needs in past projects and the measurable results achieved. This will resonate well with their focus on delivering critical government products and services.