At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate on product strategies and manage the product backlog in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join TRL Software, a leader in innovative transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of leave, life assurance, and professional development support.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; perfect for recent graduates eager to learn.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transport innovation while growing your career in product management.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in Civil Engineering or related field; Agile experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Hybrid / Wokingham, UK
Job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Technology | Software Development
Salary: Negotiable
TRL Software is part of TRL, a global centre for innovation in transport and mobility. We design and deliver cutting‑edge software solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability across transport networks worldwide. We are looking for an Associate Product Owner to join our team. This role is suited to a recent graduate or postgraduate (MSc or PhD) from a civil engineering, transport, or related academic background who is keen to apply their skills in a commercial software environment. You will be an enthusiastic and detail‑oriented individual ready to grow your career in product management.
In this role, you will work closely with an experienced Senior Product Owner and cross‑functional teams to help shape product requirements, prioritise the backlog, and represent the voice of the customer. You should be comfortable collaborating with cross‑functional teams, including product, design, engineering, and business stakeholders to ensure we build the right things – and build them well. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong academic foundation to build their interest in software product management. The role will suit an individual who is eager to learn, collaborate, and make a difference in a dynamic, agile environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Senior Product Owner to refine product strategies and roadmap initiatives
- Define, prioritise, and maintain a clear and actionable product backlog
- Write detailed user stories and acceptance criteria that translate customer needs into development‑ready features
- Participate in Agile ceremonies such as stand‑ups, sprint planning, demos, and retrospectives
- Support delivery by ensuring the team has a well‑groomed backlog and proactively remove blockers
- Contribute to market and user research, bringing insights into product planning and decisions
- Assist in the creation of product‑related content (user group material, blog posts, website content)
- Engage with users to gather feedback and validate product improvements
Qualifications
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering, or a related field
- Exposure to the highways, transport, or other infrastructure domains (rail, utilities, energy)
- Proven experience as a Product Owner, Business Analyst, or in a similar role within a commercial software product company, delivering solutions to external customers or clients
- Working knowledge of Agile software development and understanding of Agile methodologies and the software development lifecycle
- Ability to understand and represent user needs, supported by research and data
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Analytical mindset with a willingness to learn technical concepts
- Experience using tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, Confluence, or similar
- Familiarity with UX principles and data analysis
- Hold a formal certification in Agile Product Ownership or Product Management (e.g., CSPO, SAFe POPM, or equivalent)
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual leave
- Life assurance and income protection
- Professional development and structured learning support
Why TRL?
This role can be based anywhere in the UK, with some travel expected. We support flexible working arrangements, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options. Join a mission‑driven team delivering real‑world innovation in mobility and transport.
Associate Product Owner employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd
Contact Detail:
Hollybank Trustees Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Product Owner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Associate Product Owner role. Highlight your academic background and any relevant experience, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to show how you can contribute to our innovative projects in transport and mobility.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Product Owner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Product Owner role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework from your civil engineering or transport background that showcase your understanding of product management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and how your academic background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention why you’re excited about working with TRL and contributing to innovative software solutions.
Showcase Your Agile Knowledge: Since this role involves Agile methodologies, be sure to mention any experience you have with Agile practices. If you've participated in Agile ceremonies or used tools like Jira or Confluence, let us know – it’ll show you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team at TRL!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trustees Ltd
✨Know Your Product Management Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of product management principles, especially Agile methodologies. Familiarise yourself with how a product backlog works and be ready to discuss how you would prioritise tasks based on user needs.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, prepare examples that highlight your teamwork experience. Think about times when you successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's product strategies and how they gather user feedback. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving and data analysis. You might be asked to provide insights from market research or user feedback, so think about how you can translate data into actionable product improvements.