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 growth.
- Other info: Active SC Clearance required; dynamic role with strong leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape product strategy and make a real impact in high-security environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in product ownership within MOD, Defence, or Aerospace is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
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.
- 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 – Defence/Aerospace, SC Cleared in Reading employer: LHH
As a leading employer in the Defence and Aerospace sector, we offer a dynamic work environment in Reading that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within complex digital initiatives. Join us to be part of a culture that values excellence, teamwork, and the continuous improvement of product ownership practices in high-security environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Product Owner – Defence/Aerospace, SC Cleared in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the Defence and Aerospace sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in MOD and Defence environments. Share specific examples of how you've led product ownership and delivered value-driven outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on Agile and Lean methodologies, as well as your backlog management skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented governance frameworks and driven continuous improvement in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role and showcasing your SC clearance.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Product Owner – Defence/Aerospace, SC Cleared 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 any relevant projects that demonstrate your product ownership skills.
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 responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've coached teams, managed stakeholders, and driven successful outcomes in complex digital programmes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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.
✨Showcase Your Agile Expertise
Brush up on Agile and Lean methodologies, as they are key to this position. Be prepared to share specific instances where you’ve successfully implemented agile practices and managed backlogs effectively.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
Think about your past experiences leading multidisciplinary teams. Share stories that illustrate your coaching and mentoring capabilities, as well as how you’ve driven continuous improvement in product management.
