At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product design and delivery for a vital compensation service.
- Company: Join the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape impactful services while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in product management and user-centred design.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a focus on innovation and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Based in Benton Park View, moving to Newcastle City Centre in Summer 2026. This is a hybrid role with the expectation of 60% office attendance.
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Digital Directorate
The Digital Directorate leads on service ownership, service design and the development of technical services for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority. The team is accountable for designing, developing and maintaining an effective service for the payment of compensation to enable IBCA to achieve our mission. Our work encompasses all elements of design from processes and guidance to the technical architecture which underpins the digital elements of our service and the infrastructure for the authority to work from. We work across all areas of IBCA and directly with users to design a service which has users at the heart, is legislatively compliant and technically robust.
Reporting to the Director of Digital, the Head of Product is pivotal in the design and delivery of IBCA’s strategy and service development. The role will be responsible for ensuring the effective design and delivery of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme working alongside the Head of Delivery and Chief Technical Officer. The Head of Product will be leading multiple teams with product, design and technical expertise working alongside operational and data specialists to deliver this incredibly important service in a user centred way, at pace. The Head of Product will engage with all areas across the organisation and beyond to collaboratively define our service strategy and develop the service level roadmap ensuring that value is delivered incrementally at every stage, advocating for users and ensuring quality and pace.
Key Responsibilities
- Vision and Roadmap Development: Developing and owning the service vision and working with others to translate this into a roadmap which achieves this vision, delivering iterative value underpinned by a compelling service design which considers technical and operational areas.
- Digital Product Leadership: Direct leading of the product and user centred design areas of the Digital teams, building an inclusive and high performance culture, and wider direction setting and leadership across the whole digital team.
- Keeping a Focus on Outcome Delivery: Working with Head of Delivery and Chief Technical Officer to jointly assure digital development plans to ensure these are aligned to the roadmap, achievable and clearly communicated. Ensuring that all elements of service delivery, including operational readiness and supporting guidance, are included and tracking progress to manage risks to delivery.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Working in close collaboration with teams across IBCA and wider stakeholders to ensure shared vision and clarity of plans and build a culture of collective prioritisation.
- Embedding a Product Mindset across the organisation: Supporting the development of a product and service mindset across the whole organisation. Highlighting strategic questions and championing user centre approaches to address these. Embedding and ensuring adherence to government service standards across digital teams.
Person specification
It is important that, through your CV and supporting statement, you provide evidence of the professional skills, breadth of experience and personal qualities for this post. You will have the following skills, knowledge, and experience:
- An exceptional and authentic leader, with the ability to build, inspire and engage their teams to deliver results even in times of ambiguity.
- Deep understanding and experience of using product management techniques in agile environments, including defining a product strategy and roadmap and shaping, communicating and delivering a product vision based on user needs to achieve outcomes.
- Experience of designing and delivering major customer-facing Government digital services, using agile methodologies.
- Excellent communicator who is highly articulate and experience in influencing at senior levels.
- Successful track record of working with user centred design and data specialists to articulate the value proposition and delivering this incrementally.
Application process
To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process via the CS Jobs website, outlined below. This should be completed no later than 23:55, Tuesday 2nd September 2025.
A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
A Statement of Suitability (no longer than 1250 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria in the person specification.
Head of Product in North East employer: Infected Blood Compensation Authority
Contact Detail:
Infected Blood Compensation Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at the Infected Blood Compensation Authority. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the organisation's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show them you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you refine your answers and boost your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at IBCA.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your career history, key responsibilities, and achievements that align with the Head of Product role. Don’t forget to explain any gaps in your employment over the last two years.
Nail Your Statement of Suitability: This is your chance to shine! In no more than 1250 words, showcase how your skills and experiences match the essential criteria. Be specific and give examples that demonstrate your leadership and product management expertise.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! When writing your application, let your personality shine through. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application via the CS Jobs website before the deadline. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Infected Blood Compensation Authority
✨Know Your Product Vision
Before the interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of the product vision for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and own this vision, and how it aligns with user needs and legislative requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Product, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that demonstrate how you've built and inspired teams in the past, especially in ambiguous situations. Highlight your ability to foster a high-performance culture and engage with diverse teams.
✨Emphasise User-Centred Design
Be prepared to discuss your experience with user-centred design and how it has influenced your product strategies. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with design and data specialists to deliver value incrementally, ensuring that user needs are always at the forefront.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex ideas. Be ready to explain how you've influenced stakeholders at senior levels and how you plan to build a shared vision across the organisation.