At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Census Programme, shaping Scotland's population statistics and services.
- Company: Join the National Records of Scotland, a key player in public service delivery.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to improving lives across Scotland.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's future by managing vital data collection.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management, Agile practices, and user-centred design.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Do you want to shape the delivery of Scotland’s Census, enabling governments and other public bodies to plan the services we all rely on, and telling the story of Scotland's people for generations to come? If so, this post could be for you.
We are the trusted producer of Scotland’s population statistics, including taking the Census of Scotland’s population every 10 years. The next Census is in 2031 and will be delivered in partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA). This is one of the largest digital programmes delivered in Scotland, gathering data from every household across a population of c.5.7m.
You should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role. Staff who are on permanent contracts will remain with NRS after this time whilst a new, suitable role is found.
Responsibilities:
- As a Senior Product Manager in the Census Programme you will work with Lead Product Managers, Business Analysts, User Researchers, Designers and other experts to understand user needs.
- Work with programme stakeholders and delivery partners to put into place new processes, products and services as required to meet those needs.
- Ensure that National Records of Scotland successfully collects the data needed to understand Scotland’s people and plan for the future.
Qualifications:
- Identify and compare the best processes or delivery methods to use, including measuring and evaluating outcomes.
- Help teams to manage and visualise outcomes, prioritise work and adhere to agreed minimum viable product (MVP), priorities and scope.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of design, technology and data principles.
- Identify and implement solutions for assisted digital.
- Realise the benefit of a product and persuade others that it's the right one to use.
- Apply experience in multiple parts of the product life cycle.
- Plan and engage with the appropriate stakeholders at a particular stage in the project.
- Design operational processes for the running and maintenance of products or services throughout their product life cycle.
- Understand how the problem fits into the larger picture.
- Effectively get buy-in from the organisation.
- Collaborate with user researchers and represent users internally.
- Prioritise and mitigate constraints, adapting the approach as required.
Success Profile:
- Technical / Professional Skills:
- Agile and Lean Practices
- Applying User Centred Insights
- Creating Value for Money
- Managing Product outcomes
- Product Leadership
- Product Management
- Stakeholder relationship Management
- Strategic Ownership
Experience:
- You should have expertise in coaching and leading teams in Agile and Lean practices, determining the right approach for the team to take and evaluating this through the life of a project.
- You should have expertise in articulating the problem statement while also helping others to do so.
- You should demonstrate experience in user centred design to meet needs across a variety of channels.
- You should be experienced in adapting the approach depending on the constraint.
Behaviours:
- Making effective decisions (level 3)
- Communicating and influencing (level 3)
How to apply:
- Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 750 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above.
- Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.
- If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
Security checks:
- Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed.
- BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
Equality statement:
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Further information can be found about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Senior Product Manager (Census) in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Manager (Census) in Edinburgh
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Scottish Government!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Scottish Government would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Scottish Government through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Manager (Census) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Senior Product Manager (Census), let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Senior Product Manager (Census) position at Scottish Government. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
