At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the product backlog and collaborate to deliver impactful digital changes.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to transforming lives through learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in product development while enhancing user experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in Agile product development and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Learning changes lives – and we’re here to drive that change. We support people wherever and however they want to learn, so they can achieve their learning goals and uncover new possibilities. Today, we reach more learners than ever, in more ways than ever.
About the Role
We’re looking for an Assistant Product Owner who is passionate about delivering meaningful digital product change and maximising product value. In this role, you’ll take ownership of a product backlog, working closely with Product Managers, Senior Product Owners, delivery teams and business stakeholders to shape, prioritise and deliver work that meets clear business goals. You’ll break down high‑level requirements into epics, features and user stories, ensuring priorities are driven by value and that sprint goals and plans are clear and achievable. You’ll play a hands‑on role in delivering change from concept to launch. Acting as the voice of the customer, you’ll work with development and design teams to turn requirements into well‑defined user stories with clear acceptance criteria. You’ll collaborate on UX/UI, contribute to prototypes and wireframes, support stakeholder sign‑off, and be on hand throughout delivery to clarify requirements, review demos, and accept completed work in line with agreed ways of working. Beyond delivery, you’ll help embed change and support products through their lifecycle. This includes rolling out new processes, producing training materials and documentation, and enabling teams through knowledge transfer and training. You’ll work with customer‑facing and operational teams to support queries, manage issues, and communicate planned changes or downtime.
To succeed, you’ll be an organised, delivery‑focused communicator with a positive, flexible mindset - someone who can influence, adapt, and stay committed to delivering great outcomes for users and the business alike. This is a 12-month fixed term contract. We operate a hybrid working policy that requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Oxford office.
About You
We’re seeking a well‑rounded digital product professional who understands modern product development and delivery, with experience of Agile approaches and supporting tools. You’ll be an effective communicator, confident in engaging and influencing stakeholders, and highly focused on quality delivery and problem‑solving, even when working with distributed teams. With a solid technical understanding and a strong user‑centric mindset, you’ll prioritise customer experience and use feedback to shape product outcomes. You’ll be comfortable dealing with ambiguity and change, adaptable in your approach, and self‑aware - actively seeking feedback, learning from experience, and continuously improving how you work.
We care about work/life balance here at OUP. With this in mind we offer 25 days’ holiday that rises with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (3‑days) and a 35‑hour working week. We are open to discussing flexibility in respect to working patterns, dependent on role. We also have a great variety of active employee networks and societies. We help make your money go further by contributing to your pension up to 12%, offering loans and savings schemes through our partnership with Salary Finance, in addition to travel to work schemes and access to a wide range of local discounts. This role comes with the added benefit of a discretionary annual payment.
Assistant Product Owner employer: Oxford University Press
At OUP, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of learning and growth, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about digital product development. Our hybrid working policy, generous holiday allowance, and commitment to work/life balance ensure that our employees thrive both personally and professionally. With robust employee networks, competitive pension contributions, and opportunities for continuous improvement, we empower our team members to drive meaningful change in the educational landscape from our vibrant Oxford office.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Product Owner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to product ownership. Think about how you’d handle specific challenges and be ready to share your thought process. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for learning and digital products during interviews. Share examples of how you've contributed to product development or improved user experiences. Let us see that user-centric mindset shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Product Owner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for digital product change shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about learning and helping others achieve their goals!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience with Agile methodologies and product development. We’re looking for someone who can clearly demonstrate how their skills align with the role of Assistant Product Owner.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford University Press
✨Know Your Product Backlog
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with the concept of a product backlog. Be ready to discuss how you would prioritise tasks based on value and user needs. This shows that you understand the role's core responsibilities and can contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Agile Experience
Prepare examples of your experience with Agile methodologies. Talk about specific projects where you’ve worked in sprints, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and delivered user stories. This will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
As an Assistant Product Owner, communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you would engage with stakeholders and team members, and be prepared to share examples of how you've influenced decisions in the past.
✨Embrace Feedback and Adaptability
Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and ambiguity. Share instances where you’ve adapted your approach based on user feedback or changing requirements. This will highlight your self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement, which are crucial for this role.
