At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product ownership for complex digital programmes in Defence and Aerospace.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the Defence and Aerospace sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and agile practices.
- Why this job: Shape product strategy and make a real impact in high-security environments.
- Qualifications: Active SC Clearance and proven experience in product leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Location: Reading
Sector: Defence / Aerospace / MOD Programmes
Clearance: Active SC Clearance (Mandatory)
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Lead Product Owner with a strong background in MOD, Defence, or Aerospace environments to lead the evolution of product ownership practices across complex digital programmes. This role is critical in shaping product strategy, governance, and delivery standards across sensitive Defence and Aerospace initiatives. You will ensure strong alignment between Product Owners, Business Analysts, and delivery teams, enabling clear prioritisation, effective decision-making, and consistently high-quality, value-driven outcomes. You will provide hands-on leadership to embed best practice product management across large-scale programmes, strengthening cross-functional delivery and driving continuous improvement across digital products and services.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead product ownership across complex, high-value digital programmes within Defence, Aerospace, or other regulated environments
- Define and evolve product ownership frameworks, governance models, and delivery standards at scale
- Ensure clear prioritisation and alignment across Product Owners, Business Analysts, and engineering/delivery teams
- Drive value-based decision making, ensuring product roadmaps align with strategic and operational objectives
- Provide leadership across multidisciplinary teams and suppliers, ensuring accountability, performance, and delivery excellence
- Coach and develop Product Owners and wider delivery teams, embedding strong product culture and continuous improvement
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders to shape product strategy and influence digital direction across programmes
- Support agile delivery practices and ensure effective backlog management and prioritisation discipline
Essential Requirements
- Active SC Clearance (mandatory)
- Proven experience as a Lead Product Owner or senior product leadership role in MOD, Defence, or Aerospace environments
- Demonstrable experience delivering complex digital products in regulated, high-security environments
- Strong background leading product ownership across multiple large-scale programmes
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and third-party suppliers with strong delivery outcomes
- Deep understanding of Agile and Lean product management methodologies
- Strong backlog management and prioritisation skills with a value-driven approach
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior leadership
- Ability to translate technical concepts across infrastructure, platforms, security, and architecture into clear product decisions
- Proven ability to define and implement product governance frameworks and standards
Desirable Experience
- Experience working across international or multi-programme environments
- Background in Defence Digital, MOD transformation programmes, or complex aerospace engineering environments
- Experience building and scaling product operating models within organisations
- Strong coaching and mentoring capability across product teams
- Experience operating in highly regulated, secure-by-design digital environment
Lead Product Owner in Reading employer: LHH
As a Lead Product Owner in Reading, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and excellence within the Defence and Aerospace sectors. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous improvement and professional growth, offering you the opportunity to lead high-value digital programmes while working alongside multidisciplinary teams. With a commitment to embedding best practices in product management, we provide a supportive environment where your expertise will directly influence strategic outcomes and drive meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Product Owner in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the Defence and Aerospace sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your Agile and Lean methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've led product ownership in complex environments. Use real examples to showcase your experience and how you’ve driven value-based decision-making.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When chatting with potential employers, highlight how you’ve coached and developed teams in the past. They’ll want to see that you can not only lead but also inspire others to achieve excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that Lead Product Owner role!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Product Owner in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Lead Product Owner role. Highlight your experience in Defence, Aerospace, or MOD environments and showcase how you've led product ownership in complex digital programmes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your active SC Clearance and how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've provided hands-on leadership in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've coached teams, driven continuous improvement, and ensured delivery excellence across multidisciplinary teams.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at LHH
✨Know Your Product Ownership Frameworks
Make sure you’re well-versed in product ownership frameworks, especially those relevant to Defence and Aerospace. Be ready to discuss how you've defined and evolved these frameworks in your previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the complexities involved.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in engaging with senior stakeholders. Discuss how you’ve influenced product strategy and ensured alignment across teams, as this is crucial for the role. Remember, clear communication is key!
✨Showcase Your Agile Expertise
Brush up on Agile and Lean methodologies, as they are essential for this position. Be prepared to share specific instances where you’ve successfully implemented agile practices and managed backlogs effectively, demonstrating your value-driven approach.
✨Highlight Leadership and Coaching Experience
Think about your past experiences leading multidisciplinary teams and coaching Product Owners. Share stories that illustrate how you’ve embedded a strong product culture and driven continuous improvement, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
