At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy for critical digital platforms in government.
- Company: Join a leading Central Government organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor teams and influence senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of national digital services and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in product leadership within large organisations.
Contract Rate: Up to £825 per day
IR35: Inside
Location: Hybrid - London preferred (Manchester or Bristol also considered). Attendance typically 1-2 days per week, with occasional travel required.
Clearance: BPSS required, SC eligible as a minimum.
The Role: A leading Central Government organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Product (G6) to join its Senior Management Team on an interim basis. You will provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of nationally critical digital platforms (GOV.UK Pay, GOV.UK Notify, GOV.UK Forms and GOV.UK Emergency Alerts). Working closely with Heads of Engineering, Delivery and Design, you will help shape departmental strategy, drive product excellence, and ensure the successful delivery of services used across Government and the wider public sector. This is a high-profile leadership role overseeing product professionals, supporting services that operate at national scale and form part of the UK's critical digital infrastructure.
Experience & Requirements:
- Proven experience operating at Head of Product, Director of Product, Product Lead, Principal Product Manager or Group Product Manager level within large, complex organisations.
- Strong track record leading large product functions, departments and multidisciplinary teams, including line management of senior product professionals.
- Experience defining and delivering product strategy, vision and roadmaps for large-scale digital platforms used by millions of users.
- Significant experience with platform products (B2B or B2B2C), ideally within complex technology environments.
- Payments experience is highly desirable, particularly within large-scale platform or transaction-based services.
- Exceptional senior stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging executives, ministers, directors or equivalent senior leadership groups.
- Demonstrable experience operating within large-scale organisations and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
- Strong coaching and mentoring capability, with a passion for developing product teams and raising product management standards.
- Collaborative leadership style with the ability to thrive within a flat, highly supportive senior management team.
- Government, public sector or GDS experience is advantageous, although candidates from large-scale commercial organisations will also be considered.
- Experience applying AI within product environments would be beneficial but is not essential.
Key Attributes:
- Large-scale digital platform leadership.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Collaborative leadership and people management experience.
If you are an experienced product leader with a background in large-scale platforms, payments, or nationally significant digital services, please apply and we will be in touch to discuss the opportunity further.
Head of Product - Government/Payments - £825 per day employer: Involved Solutions
Join a leading Central Government organisation that prioritises innovation and excellence in public service delivery. With a hybrid working model based in London, Manchester, or Bristol, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape critical digital platforms that impact millions, while enjoying competitive remuneration and the chance to work alongside senior leaders in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product - Government/Payments - £825 per day
✨Dive into Public Sector Freelance Platforms
Check out dedicated platforms for public sector freelancing like 'PeoplePerHour' and 'GovFreelance'. These sites often have listings for short-term projects with government agencies, which can be a goldmine for us as freelancers in this space.
✨Network with Public Sector Professionals
Join forums and communities specific to government and public sector work. LinkedIn groups or local meetups for public sector professionals can help us connect with decision-makers who might just need our skills for a freelance project.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
When pursuing freelance gigs, make sure to showcase any previous work with government projects or community initiatives on your portfolio. This kind of experience adds credibility and can catch the eye of hiring managers looking at your profile.
✨Freelance in Your Niche
Identify a specific niche within the public sector where your skills shine—be it project management, policy analysis, or community engagement. Tailor your pitches accordingly, and don't hesitate to reach out directly to local councils or government offices. Remember, applying through our website can help streamline your freelance applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product - Government/Payments - £825 per day
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Expertise:When you're applying for a freelance role in the government-public sector, it’s essential to highlight your expertise and experience related to public policies or community projects. Make sure your CV outlines relevant projects and showcases your understanding of governmental processes or frameworks.
Tailor Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is key in a freelance application, particularly in this sector. Include case studies or documented work that demonstrate your contributions to past projects. Highlight any experience working on public sector initiatives, as this will show potential clients that you understand their unique challenges.
Use Clear, Concise Language:Government work often requires precise communication. When drafting your application, use clear and straightforward language that demonstrates your ability to convey complex information succinctly. Avoid jargon unless it's standard in the public sector; clarity is our best friend here.
Demonstrate Reliability:In the freelance world, clients value reliability. In your written application, mention any relevant certificates or training that reinforce your professionalism in the public sector. This could include project management certifications or any specific courses related to governmental practices. Let’s make sure they see you as a trustworthy partner!
How to prepare for a job interview at Involved Solutions
✨Showcase Your Public Sector Savvy
In the government and public sector, understanding policies and regulations is key. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your knowledge of public sector frameworks, as this will show that you're not just in it for the money but genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Flex Your Collaboration Skills
Freelancing in this space often means collaborating with various stakeholders, from government officials to community groups. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively navigated different interests in previous roles, showcasing your ability to build relationships and produce results.
✨Present Your Portfolio with Purpose
As a freelancer, your portfolio is your best friend. Tailor it to highlight relevant projects that align with the role at Involved Solutions. Presenting a well-organised portfolio not only shows your skills but also your understanding of the unique needs in the public sector, making you stand out.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to tackle scenario-based questions during the interview, as these are common in the public sector. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in context—think about challenges you've faced and how you've resolved them while keeping public interest at heart.
