At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of innovative digital products and improve public health outcomes.
- Company: Food Standards Scotland, a key player in food safety and public health.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and work with diverse teams.
- Other info: Temporary role with flexible working patterns and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food safety while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Agile practices and user-centred design is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is the public sector food body for Scotland, with a remit covering all aspects of the food chain that impact public health. Our mission is to be Scotland’s leading authority on food safety, standards, and healthy eating, using data and evidence to provide assurance and advice that inspires consumer confidence and improves public health.
SAFER is the FSS strategic response to the risks around the food law delivery model in Scotland and clearly supports Ministerial commitments to wider Public Service Reform. SAFER proposes a programme of reform to secure improved public health outcomes through model redesign, developing and embracing new and more efficient ways of working, better use of data and digital technologies, and ensuring financial sustainability.
The Senior Product Manager is responsible for the oversight, quality and delivery of the SAFER digital product/s and transition from legacy systems and is expected to develop and use their knowledge of user needs and business goals to translate into set priorities and clearly defined deliverables for the SAFER programme. Reporting directly to the C2 Head of Data and Digital, 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. You will also be required to collaborate with FSS colleagues, the Scottish Government Legal Directorate (SGLD), and other parts of Scottish and UK government as required. 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.
- Work as the leader of the Data and Digital Enablement strategic pillar, with a responsibility within the dedicated SAFER programme team for oversight, development and implementation of the relevant digital solutions and transition from legacy systems.
- 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
Essential Criteria
- 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.
- You should have experience of planning and engaging with the appropriate stakeholders at various stages in the 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, bringing insight and expertise in how user needs have changed over time to ensure they're met by the business.
- You should be experienced in adapting the approach depending on the constraint.
SFIA Level 6
- Business process improvement
- Project management
- Change management
- Product management
Working Pattern
This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 23 months. 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.
Important Note: This role does not attract any allowance under the new GDD pay supplement rules.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 grade employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Wednesday 22 July. If you have questions about your application please contact ronnie.simpson@fss.scot.
Selection Process
All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC. Apply before: Wednesday 22 July (23:59).
SAFER Senior Product Manager - C1 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 - C1
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We think you need these skills to ace SAFER Senior Product Manager - C1
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!
