At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital products from concept to launch, making impactful decisions based on user needs.
- Company: Join a vibrant organisation dedicated to improving public services in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32.5 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a supportive employee assistance programme.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping services that put people first.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management and leading diverse teams is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About us
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is a modern, vibrant organisation full of passionate, committed people. We make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England. We work closely with people to understand where, how and why public services sometimes fall short and fail to put people first. And we find ways to put it right. Based in the centre of Manchester and Westminster, we employ over 600 individuals, collaboratively working together to make voices heard. We have created a diverse and inclusive culture, whilst offering flexibility to give you the autonomy to work in the best way suited to you.
The role
As a Product Manager, you will be responsible for a digital product or service from idea through to live use and improvement. You will decide what gets built, when and why, based on evidence, user needs and organisational priorities. You will work closely with people across the organisation, building strong relationships with colleagues in delivery, design, engineering, operations and policy. You will get to know a wide range of stakeholders, understand different perspectives and bring these together to shape the right approach. This role suits someone who enjoys working with others, is comfortable making decisions and can work through uncertainty. You will need to be confident explaining your thinking and helping others understand the direction of the product.
What we are looking for
- Experience owning and prioritising a product backlog or service roadmap over time
- Experience applying defined product delivery processes, standards and governance frameworks
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment
- Strong prioritisation and trade-off management skills, including balancing user needs, organisational value, delivery constraints, risk and cost.
We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Benefits
- Civil Service Pension scheme
- 32.5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top)
- Hybrid working, 40 percent office based
- Access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors
- Comprehensive learning and development programme
- Employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
- Bicycle loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Paid for professional memberships
How to apply (and how to do well)
You will answer four scored questions at application stage. We use these to shortlist, so your answers matter.
- Choose real examples (from professional settings)
- Focus on what you did, not what “we” did as a group
- Explain your thinking: what you looked at, what you decided, and why
- Keep it clear and specific, avoid generic statements
Please do not use AI to write your answers. We need to assess your skills, and applications may be rejected if answers appear AI-generated. If your examples are very short, mostly opinion-based, or don’t describe a specific situation and outcome, you are unlikely to score well.
Equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing are vital to the way we work and our culture. We want our colleagues to feel included, valued, and supported at work. It is essential that we are representative and accessible for the people who work here and those who use our service. Actions we take to embed this include:
- An anonymised shortlisting process to make sure it is fair and unbiased
- Monitoring the demographic trends in our workforce and making measured, sustained efforts to improve our diversity at all levels
- Providing wellbeing support and opportunities for personal and professional development for all colleagues
- Creating spaces for connection and engagement through our employee network groups and social clubs
- Part of the disability confident scheme providing reasonable adjustments
- Engaging in regular inclusion learning to enhance the cultural competency of our organisation.
We know the value of having diverse, representative teams across our organisation. Which is why we particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented within the team. These include people who are:
- Asian
- Black
- Mixed Ethnicity or another ethnic background
- Disabled
- LGBTQ
Contact and important information
If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact Mark Muirhead, Assistant Director of Digital, Mark.Muirhead@ombudsman.org.uk
Interviews: held onsite
Feedback: we do not offer feedback at application stage
Right to work: we can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK.
Sponsorship: we are unable to offer sponsorship (we do not have a licence).
Applications: we do not accept CVs—please apply via the application form (‘apply now’).
Agencies: no agencies; applications from individuals only.
Early closure: we may close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Important notice: fraudulent job postings
We have been made aware that some websites are falsely advertising job vacancies for the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). We only advertise job vacancies through these official channels: our website, LinkedIn, GOV.uk, Indeed, Ombudsman association, BMEjobs.co.uk, LGBTjobs.co.uk. Do not share personal details with any other websites claiming to represent PHSO. Contact our recruitment team to report any concerns at recruitment@ombudsman.org.uk.
We are changing our name. Later this year we will become the Public Service Ombudsman. This will make it easier for people to find us and understand what we do. The service we provide will remain the same. Visit our website to find out more. If you have any questions, please contact us at recruitment@ombudsman.org.uk.
Product Manager in Manchester employer: Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of Manchester. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits such as 32.5 days of annual leave, hybrid working options, and comprehensive learning and development programmes, ensuring that our staff have the support and opportunities they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact on public services while enjoying a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
Contact Details:
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research the PHSO's mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! When discussing your experiences, focus on specific examples that highlight your product management skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep it structured and impactful.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the company culture and the role. Plus, it might just give you an edge when it comes to getting noticed during the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at PHSO. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Choose Real Examples:When answering the scored questions, make sure to pull from your own experiences. We want to hear about what you did in professional settings, not just what the team accomplished together.
Explain Your Thinking:Don’t just state what happened; dive into your thought process. Share what you considered, the decisions you made, and why you made them. This helps us understand your approach and decision-making skills.
Be Clear and Specific:Avoid vague statements and keep your answers focused. Specific examples with clear outcomes will score better than generic responses. We’re looking for details that showcase your skills and impact.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our official website. So, make sure to submit your application there to ensure it gets seen by us. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
As a Product Manager, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the product or service you'll be managing. Research the PHSO's digital offerings and think about how you would improve them. Be ready to discuss specific user needs and organisational priorities that could influence your decisions.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships and how you’ve navigated different perspectives to achieve a common goal.
✨Be Ready to Explain Your Decision-Making Process
The interviewers will want to know how you make decisions regarding product backlogs and roadmaps. Practice articulating your thought process clearly. Discuss what factors you consider, such as user needs, delivery constraints, and organisational value, and provide concrete examples from your experience.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Working through uncertainty is key in this role. Prepare to share instances where you've had to adapt your approach based on changing circumstances or feedback. Show that you can remain flexible while still driving towards your goals, which is crucial for a Product Manager at PHSO.
