At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of innovative digital products and improve user experiences.
- Company: Join Food Standards Scotland, a forward-thinking government organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety through cutting-edge digital solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management and Agile methodologies is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Business Area / Directorate: Food Standards Scotland
Location: Pilgrim House, Aberdeen
Working Arrangement: Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.
Overview: The Senior Product Manager is responsible for the oversight, quality and delivery of the SAFER digital product/s and transition from legacy systems. This role requires developing and using knowledge of user needs and business goals to translate into set priorities and clearly defined deliverables for the SAFER programme. You will work as part of a dedicated programme team across the four strategic pillars of food law delivery model, sustainable funding & dynamic regulation, assurance and digital and data enablement for the SAFER programme. A key element of this role will be working with the SG Component Based Service Delivery to provide the necessary technical and digital expertise to convert business needs into robust, sustainable and reliant digital solutions. Collaboration with FSS colleagues, the Scottish Government Legal Directorate (SGLD), and other parts of Scottish and UK government as required is essential. You will support stakeholder engagement activities, including working with external stakeholders via the SAFER Technical Advisory Groups as and when required.
Responsibilities: The postholder will work on a group of products that share a value proposition, or a single product that is complex, high risk or sensitive. They are responsible for product quality and value, working with teams to identify, implement and improve strategies and tactics for their products. They will play a lead role in the delivery of programme management activity and hold line management responsibilities for the delivery support roles.
- Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of digital products and services.
- Define product strategy, priorities and roadmaps aligned to business and user needs.
- Champion user-centred design and evidence-based decision-making.
- Engage, influence and manage stakeholders to secure successful outcomes.
- Manage risks, constraints and complex operational issues.
- Drive Agile delivery, collaboration and continuous improvement across teams.
- Ensure products deliver measurable business value and benefits.
- Work within a multi-disciplinary SAFER programme team including a PMO, delivery managers, project managers, lawyers, economic advisors, social scientists, data scientists, operational researchers and statisticians to ensure workstream and programme objectives are met.
- Provide assurance to the SAFER Programme Board, Head of SAFER Programme and senior officials regarding programme proposals and recommendations.
- Support stakeholder engagement activities, including consultation with food businesses, local authorities, and industry bodies, ensuring programme considerations are clearly communicated.
Qualifications: Success Profile
Technical / Professional Skills:
- Government Digital and Data Profession
- Agile and Lean Practices - Practitioner
- Applying user-centred insights - Practitioner
- Creating value for money - Practitioner
- Lifecycle management - Practitioner
- Managing product outcomes - Practitioner
- Product Leadership - Practitioner
- Product management - Expert
- Stakeholder relationship management - Practitioner
- Strategic ownership - Practitioner
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 experience in integrating products with other services and planning and engaging with the appropriate stakeholders at various stages in the project. You should demonstrate experience in user centred design to meet needs across a variety of channels, bringing insight and expertise in how user needs have changed over time to ensure they're met by the business.
Behaviours: Changing and Improving - Level 4, Making Effective Decisions - Level 4, Delivering at Pace - Level 4.
Working Pattern: This post is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.
Further Information: Further information about this opportunity is available from Ronnie Simpson, Head of Data and Digital (ronnie.simpson@fss.scot).
How to Apply: Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 1000 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Please align this to how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above.
Vacancies close at 23:59 on Wednesday 5 August.
Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post.
Recruitment Principles: As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
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: Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Apply before: 05/08/2026 (23:59)
SAFER Senior Product Manager 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 SAFER Senior Product Manager
✨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 SAFER Senior Product Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like SAFER Senior Product Manager, 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 SAFER Senior Product Manager 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.
