At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the product vision and strategy for digital services supporting students and staff.
- Company: A leading higher education institution with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with strong stakeholder engagement and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student services and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in product leadership and managing cross-functional teams.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 82000 £ per year.
We're recruiting a Head of Product, Student Services on behalf of a leading higher education institution's ICT function. This is a senior leadership role covering a maternity leave, responsible for the strategic direction of a portfolio of digital products supporting students, staff and the wider institution.
About the role
As Head of Product, you'll define and deliver the product vision and strategy for a portfolio of digital services, leading a cross-functional team of product managers and engineers. You'll own the evolution of the organisation's product operating model and ensure digital services are high-quality, accessible and continuously improved through user feedback and data.
Key responsibilities
- Establish and communicate a clear vision and roadmap for the product portfolio, aligned to institutional strategy
- Lead the evolution of the Product Operating Model, governance, standards, lifecycle management and value measurement
- Oversee the full product lifecycle from discovery to delivery and continuous improvement
- Drive outcome-based roadmaps, prioritising based on user needs, organisational impact and data
- Champion service quality and simplification of the technology estate
- Build strong relationships across students, academics, professional services and external partners
- Lead supplier management, including contract performance and value realisation
- Lead, coach and develop multi-disciplinary teams
- Manage budgets and resources against strategic priorities
- Identify and manage risk, ensuring appropriate governance
What we're looking for
- Proven experience leading product at portfolio scale, not just a single product
- People management experience leading product managers and engineers
- Experience operating in large, complex, matrixed organisations
- Strong stakeholder management skills across technical and non-technical audiences
- Background in higher education, public sector or charity is advantageous but not essential
The details
- Salary: £70,000–£82,000
- Contract: Fixed-term, to end of October 2027, Inside IR35 (managerial responsibilities)
- Location: London — Hybrid 2 days
- Start date: Ideally before late September, with some flexibility for the right candidate
- Interviews: Week commencing 31 August
Interested, or know someone who'd be a great fit? Get in touch to find out more or send your CV direct to lauren@pulsegroupsolutions.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product in City of London
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Pulse Group. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Pulse Group.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Pulse Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Pulse Group and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pulse Group
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Pulse Group will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Pulse Group.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Pulse Group.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Pulse Group. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
