At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead discovery for a major platform transformation in retail.
- Company: Dynamic retail business undergoing significant change.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cross-functional teams and drive innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a critical platform and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in product discovery and stakeholder management required.
Contract: Initial 3 months (strong extension potential)
Location: Hybrid (3 days onsite in central London)
Rate: £350 to £400 per day Outside IR35
I'm working with a retail business delivering a major transformation, and we're looking for an experienced Product Manager to lead the discovery phase of a business-critical platform replacement. This is not a delivery-focused Product Manager role. The initial engagement is centred around understanding the existing platform, defining the future state and producing a delivery-ready requirements package. If the business case is approved and the programme progresses into implementation, there is a strong likelihood of extension.
The first 3 months will focus on:
- Discovery workshops with business and technical stakeholders
- Understanding the current state, processes and integrations
- Defining the future-state vision and operating model
- Producing epics, user stories and a prioritised product backlog
- Defining the MVP
- Creating a comprehensive requirements package for engineering teams
- Supporting the business case for the next phase of the programme
We're looking for someone who has experience with:
- Product discovery and requirements gathering
- Legacy platform replacement or modernisation programmes
- Current state / future state analysis
- Workshop facilitation and stakeholder management
- Producing delivery-ready product artefacts
- Defining MVPs and phased delivery approaches
Highly desirable experience:
- Retail Merchandising
- Supply Chain Planning platforms
- Enterprise business platforms
Experience working closely with architecture, engineering and data teams would also be highly beneficial. If you're a Product Manager who enjoys solving complex business problems and shaping products before delivery begins, I'd love to speak with you.
Product Manager - Contract Role in London employer: IO Associates
Join a leading engineering organisation that values innovation and excellence, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact high-performance solutions in safety-critical environments. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor fellow engineers and shape technical direction while working in an Agile/SAFe environment. Located in the UK, this role provides a unique chance to be part of cutting-edge projects in defence, aerospace, and industrial technology, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager - Contract Role in London
✨Connect with Product Management Communities
Dive into online communities like Product School or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and ask questions. This can help you build relationships and visibility in the product management scene, plus you might hear about temp roles before they even get posted!
✨Attend Industry Meetups and Workshops
Check out local meetups or workshops specifically targeted at product management. These gatherings are prime spots to meet hiring managers and fellow practitioners. Plus, they often lead to connections that can help you land temporary roles.
✨Showcase Your Work with a Portfolio
Even if you're after a temporary gig, having a solid portfolio is key! Include case studies of past projects, highlighting your role and how you drove product success. Use platforms like Behance to display your work visually.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you spot a temp role like Product Manager - Contract Role at IO Associates, go straight to their website to apply. Direct applications often have a better chance of standing out since they show commitment. It's worth the extra effort, trust us!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager - Contract Role in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Sense:In product management, we want to see your understanding of user needs and business value. When you're crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight specific products you've worked on, the methodologies you used, and how those experiences shaped your product sense. If you have insights into user journey mapping, competitive analysis, or product lifecycle, make sure to feature them!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, employers often look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Make sure your written application showcases not just your past roles, but also specific outcomes you've driven. Don't shy away from using metrics—how did your contributions impact the product or team? We love when you quantify your achievements!
Be Ready to Adapt:Temporary positions can often lead to quick changes in direction. In your cover letter, convey your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Mention any experiences where you’ve had to pivot or adjust your approach to meet project goals. Talk about how you thrive in dynamic environments—it'll really resonate with us at IO Associates!
Link to Your Portfolio:If you've worked on product roadmaps, user stories, or any visualisations, link to your portfolio in your application. Even a personal project that demonstrates your skills as a product manager can show your proactive approach. It's a great way for us to see your work in action and understand your style. And remember, apply through our website to make it easier for us to find you!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Show Off Your Product Knowledge
Make sure we can discuss the product lifecycle with confidence! Be ready to showcase your understanding of key concepts in product management, such as roadmap planning and user research. We want to hear about any tools you're familiar with, like JIRA or Trello, as they’re popular in this space!
✨Agile Mindset is Key
As a temporary role, they'll want us to hit the ground running. Brush up on Agile methodologies and be prepared for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle shifting priorities or tight deadlines. Show that you can think on your feet and adapt quickly!
✨Bring Your Portfolio of Projects
If you've got any product projects up your sleeve—be it case studies or live examples—bring them along! For a temporary position, they’re going to want to see tangible results from your previous work, so don't hold back on demonstrating how you've made an impact in past roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
They’ll be looking to see how you articulate your ideas, so practice your pitch! Make sure we can summarise complex product requirements into clear, understandable language. Being able to express yourself well is vital in product management, especially in a temporary role where quick collaboration is essential!
