Head of Product, Student Services
📍 London — Hybrid 2 days a week
📄 Fixed-Term Contract to October 2027 | Inside IR35
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
Head of Product employer: Pulse Group
As a leading higher education institution, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and staff. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer unique opportunities for growth within a supportive environment. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the strategic direction of our digital services.
