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- 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Engage in a dynamic role with a focus on user experience and security.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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 are 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: London, Bristol & Manchester.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at GDS. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to product management. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’s all about showcasing your experience effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and delivered products at scale. Use specific examples that highlight your impact and results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Head of Product role. We want to see how you can lead product teams and develop strategies that resonate with our mission at GDS.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for strong leadership experience, so don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've successfully led product teams and delivered digital products at scale. This is your chance to shine!
Focus on User Experience: Since prioritising user experience is key for us, make sure to include any relevant experiences where you’ve improved user interactions or outcomes. We love data-driven results, so if you have metrics to back it up, even better!
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 ensure you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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
Be prepared to discuss your leadership experience in product management. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through the product lifecycle, from discovery to continuous improvement. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of learning and collaboration, which is crucial for the Head of Product role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully coordinated activities across organisations. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised user needs while balancing operational efficiency, as this will resonate well with their expectations.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
The Government Digital Service values measurable outcomes, so come equipped with examples of how you've set and monitored performance targets in previous roles. Discuss how you've used data to inform product strategy and improve user experiences, showcasing your analytical skills.
