At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to design and test innovative solutions for reducing violence against women and girls.
- Company: Join the UK government's Test, Learn and Grow programme driving public service innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and impactful work in the community.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the UK and a focus on inclusivity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society by tackling complex policy challenges and improving public services.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams, product management, and navigating complex policy landscapes.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Test, Learn and Grow programme (TLG) is at the heart of the UK government’s initiative to drive innovation and reform in public service delivery. The programme aims to support collaboration between central and local government, specifically to design, test, and grow innovative solutions to complex challenges and enhance public service outcomes. By employing a "Test & Learn" approach, we focus on creating evidence-based improvements while relieving pressures on public services.
As a product and strategy lead, you’ll manage the day-to-day running of an “Accelerator” project with public sector partners to prototype solutions to complex policy issues. This role is on the programme's VAWG reduction accelerator - in partnership with Islington and 5 other London boroughs - to reduce violence against women and girls. This role is mapped to the Product Manager role in the Government Digital and Data framework. However, the products/solutions we are developing may not be digital. We’re looking for candidates who are confident navigating complex policy challenges and can identify strategic opportunities to leverage change. This role will require travel within the UK to work closely with local partners.
Main responsibilities:
- You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team to design, test and scale ‘products’ or ‘solutions’ to reduce VAWG.
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Is confident applying evidence-based and strategic thinking to develop and grow products that support social impact;
- Will work effectively with stakeholders (in central and local government, VCS etc) to foster interest in the accelerator and TLG ways of working;
- Will apply agile ways of working to help the team build momentum and deliver the right outcomes;
- Will work sensitively and effectively within and outside the team.
On a Day-to-day Basis This Involves:
- Leading a multidisciplinary Accelerator team to define, explain and iterate an evidence-based vision for solutions that are compelling to your team, stakeholders and end-users;
- Delivering solutions through test and learn cycles;
- Making decisions based on evidence and value for money;
- Leading on delivery planning for your team maintaining a roadmap and strategy, and developing and prioritising a backlog;
- Working in the open, by sharing insights with the wider team, partners and senior leaders;
- Line managing, coaching and mentoring associate product managers and supporting a product and strategy community of practice across TLG.
Person specification:
Skills And Experience:
It’s essential that you have experience in:
- Leading multidisciplinary teams;
- Leading a team of experts in user-centred design, analysis, policy, delivery, behavioural insights etc to develop and test solutions to complex challenges;
- Being the escalation point for your team;
- Developing a clear plan and narrative for the work;
- Product management and strategic ownership;
- Navigating complex policy/delivery landscapes to spot opportunities to leverage change;
- Successfully developing and releasing products, strategies, or solutions;
- Identifying, communicating and working within constraints, and challenging the validity of constraints while ensuring the team can still deliver high-quality work;
- Agile and lean practices;
- Having proficiency in agile product management techniques, such as: roadmaps; prioritisation; MVP definition; using research, analytics and insight to inform decisions; planning at different horizons;
- Stakeholder relationship management;
- Successfully managing a range of stakeholder relationships to successfully deliver products, solutions or strategies that meet user needs and deliver government outcomes;
- Reconciling strong differing opinions using evidence or research;
- Evidencing and evaluating;
- Using data and analytics to spot problems with, and evaluate success of, solutions, products, or strategies;
- Using theories of change and setting, monitoring and reporting on measurable objectives;
- Inclusivity;
- Supporting equity and inclusion for our delivery work as well as for our teams and programme;
- Incorporating a wide variety of views from underrepresented groups into product and policy work.
Experience working on reducing VAWG is helpful but not essential.
Cabinet Office policy is that a minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. For some roles, due to their nature and the business need, this may be up to 100%. Requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.
Product Strategy Lead (VAWG Accelerator) - Cabinet Office - G7 in Manchester employer: Manchester Digital
At Manchester Digital, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. As a Chief Software Engineering Leader, you will not only lead a talented team but also enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive pension contributions, and generous annual leave that grows with your tenure, making it an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Strategy Lead (VAWG Accelerator) - Cabinet Office - G7 in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Manchester Digital, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Manchester Digital and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Strategy Lead (VAWG Accelerator) - Cabinet Office - G7 in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Manchester Digital and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Manchester Digital, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Manchester Digital.
