At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of user-centred products in a dynamic debt management team.
- Company: Join a supportive government organisation focused on social security.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, hybrid model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in debt management while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Agile delivery and user-centred design is essential.
We're looking for an ambitious individual to step into a Product Lead role within our Debt team on a 12-month temporary basis, helping to drive the delivery of key products and services that support debt management and recovery activities.
Working within a small, collaborative team, you will play a key role in a busy and high-profile area, supporting the delivery and continuous improvement of products and services that underpin debt management and recovery activities. You will support a varied portfolio of work, which includes the Debt Case Management System, Civil Recoveries, Enforced Deductions, and a range of business-as-usual activities. Working closely with Operational Finance (Recoveries), Policy colleagues and external stakeholders, you will help ensure products and services deliver value, meet user needs and support organisational objectives.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with a diverse range of stakeholders and is passionate about delivering user-centred products and services. While there are no line management responsibilities, you will provide leadership across product delivery, influencing decisions and driving successful outcomes across a varied portfolio of work. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a critical service area while developing your experience across a diverse portfolio of strategic and operational projects.
Product Leads manage multiple products or a single product that is especially complex, high risk or sensitive.
At this role level, you will:
- Have expert product management skills.
- Potentially be involved in elements of programme management activity.
- Be involved in hiring associates, product managers and contractors.
Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of user-centred products and services across the full product lifecycle.
- Recommend and implement effective delivery approaches, informed by data, research, and business needs.
- Develop business cases and ensure delivery is aligned to strategic objectives and expected benefits.
- Design and improve operational processes to support sustainable service delivery.
- Manage risks, resolve complex challenges, and act as a key escalation point for operational issues.
- Collaborate with stakeholders, Agile delivery teams, and digital professionals to drive successful outcomes.
- Champion user research and evidence-based decision making to ensure products meet genuine user needs.
- Influence and engage senior stakeholders, securing buy-in and support for delivery decisions.
- Adapt approaches to manage constraints, maximise value, and deliver continuous improvement.
Qualifications
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. For this opportunity, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed:
- Proven experience in Agile and Lean delivery practices, selecting and adapting the most effective approaches, evaluating outcomes, and delivering successfully within complex or constrained environments.
- Product and service delivery experience, including integrating products with other services, managing delivery across the project lifecycle, and engaging and collaborating with stakeholders at all stages.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to define and articulate complex problems, support others in developing solutions, and drive informed decision-making across teams.
- Demonstrable expertise in user-centred design and service delivery, applying user research and insight to understand evolving user needs to shape services across multiple channels.
How to apply
Please apply online, providing a Supporting Statement (of no more than 500 words) providing evidence of how you demonstrate the Success Profiles noted above. Please note that a CV is not required for this opportunity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If you are interested in this opportunity, you should seek permission from your manager and C-band manager before applying on a level transfer (TLT) basis. If applying on Temporary Promotion you should inform your manager and C-band manager from the outset of your intention to apply. If successful in your application, your release must be agreed by your line manager and C-band manager or relevant unit head. Please note that the post is only open to individuals who have satisfactorily completed their probationary period.
This is a Government Digital and Data (GDD) role within the Product and Delivery job family. Candidates who are not currently members of the GDD Profession, or who belong to a different GDD job family, will be required to complete a GDD technical assessment before an appointment can be confirmed.
If you are successful following the informal discussion and a technical assessment is required, further details will be provided in advance to allow you sufficient time to prepare.
Dates to Remember
Statement submitted by: Tuesday 25th August 2026 at 12pm
Informal chats: Week commencing 7th September 2026
Duration of Temporary Opportunity
This opportunity is for up to 12 months.
Hybrid Working
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location.
Further Information
This role is only available to existing permanent civil servants who have successfully completed their probation period within Social Security Scotland, Scottish Government Main or Common Citizenship organisations. Please note that applicants from Common Citizenship organisations may apply only on a promotion basis and not via a level transfer. Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post.
If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot. If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot. If you have any questions about the role please contact Pamela Forsyth at Pamela.Forsyth@socialsecurity.gov.scot.
B3 Product Lead on Temporary Promotion / Temporary Level Transfer in Glasgow 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 B3 Product Lead on Temporary Promotion / Temporary Level Transfer in Glasgow
✨Connect with Product Management Communities
Dive into online communities like Product School or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and ask questions. This can help you build relationships and visibility in the product management scene, plus you might hear about temp roles before they even get posted!
✨Attend Industry Meetups and Workshops
Check out local meetups or workshops specifically targeted at product management. These gatherings are prime spots to meet hiring managers and fellow practitioners. Plus, they often lead to connections that can help you land temporary roles.
✨Showcase Your Work with a Portfolio
Even if you're after a temporary gig, having a solid portfolio is key! Include case studies of past projects, highlighting your role and how you drove product success. Use platforms like Behance to display your work visually.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you spot a temp role like B3 Product Lead on Temporary Promotion / Temporary Level Transfer at Scottish Government, go straight to their website to apply. Direct applications often have a better chance of standing out since they show commitment. It's worth the extra effort, trust us!
We think you need these skills to ace B3 Product Lead on Temporary Promotion / Temporary Level Transfer in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Sense:In product management, we want to see your understanding of user needs and business value. When you're crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight specific products you've worked on, the methodologies you used, and how those experiences shaped your product sense. If you have insights into user journey mapping, competitive analysis, or product lifecycle, make sure to feature them!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, employers often look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Make sure your written application showcases not just your past roles, but also specific outcomes you've driven. Don't shy away from using metrics—how did your contributions impact the product or team? We love when you quantify your achievements!
Be Ready to Adapt:Temporary positions can often lead to quick changes in direction. In your cover letter, convey your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Mention any experiences where you’ve had to pivot or adjust your approach to meet project goals. Talk about how you thrive in dynamic environments—it'll really resonate with us at Scottish Government!
Link to Your Portfolio:If you've worked on product roadmaps, user stories, or any visualisations, link to your portfolio in your application. Even a personal project that demonstrates your skills as a product manager can show your proactive approach. It's a great way for us to see your work in action and understand your style. And remember, apply through our website to make it easier for us to find you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Show Off Your Product Knowledge
Make sure we can discuss the product lifecycle with confidence! Be ready to showcase your understanding of key concepts in product management, such as roadmap planning and user research. We want to hear about any tools you're familiar with, like JIRA or Trello, as they’re popular in this space!
✨Agile Mindset is Key
As a temporary role, they'll want us to hit the ground running. Brush up on Agile methodologies and be prepared for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle shifting priorities or tight deadlines. Show that you can think on your feet and adapt quickly!
✨Bring Your Portfolio of Projects
If you've got any product projects up your sleeve—be it case studies or live examples—bring them along! For a temporary position, they’re going to want to see tangible results from your previous work, so don't hold back on demonstrating how you've made an impact in past roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
They’ll be looking to see how you articulate your ideas, so practice your pitch! Make sure we can summarise complex product requirements into clear, understandable language. Being able to express yourself well is vital in product management, especially in a temporary role where quick collaboration is essential!
