At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and drive innovative projects in a fast-growing automotive tech company.
- Company: Market leader in car buying with a strong culture and ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, professional development, and wellness support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for equity and career growth as the company expands.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in product management with a focus on high-impact digital products.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 110000 £ per year.
About Us
We are the clear market leader in our sector and one of the fastest-growing car buying companies in the world. In the UK, we generate over 100,000 customer enquiries each month and book in tens of thousands of vehicles over the same period through our high-traffic websites and nationwide operations. We have now launched across the United States, with multiple states already live and an ambitious plan to expand nationwide. Our rapid expansion and success have been driven by outstanding people, a strong culture, and our ability to lean into the advantages of cutting-edge technology. We have been established for over 15 years, are highly profitable, and have achieved this scale without external funding. That gives us both security and momentum – and yet, despite our size, we have kept the excitement, energy and ambition of a start-up. Our team is collaborative, ambitious and relentlessly driven to be the best and most exciting place to work in our sector. Our aim is bold: to build a billion-dollar valuation within the next five years. Along the way, we want our growth to make a positive difference to others. We have already donated over £1 million to various charities, and as we scale, so too will our donations.
We offer a great base salary but the real game changer is what comes over the longer term. Because of the huge opportunity for growth in the US, we intend to explore opportunities to provide equity in the business for those who make an exceptional impact in driving this expansion. We want the people who help us achieve our most ambitious goals to share directly in the value they create. This can result in genuinely life-changing benefits as the company continues its growth journey.
Overview
We are looking for a highly capable, commercially minded and operationally focused Lead Product Manager to take ownership of the overall product ecosystem including product discovery across multiple interconnected systems within a fast growing automotive technology business operating in both the UK and US. This is not a traditional corporate product management role. We are not looking for someone process heavy who sits above teams running meetings and creating blockers. We are looking for a highly proactive operator who can get into the details, take ownership of complex initiatives, flesh ideas out fully, coordinate departments, help scope implementation and work closely alongside developers, directors, CRO and operational teams to push projects forward quickly and effectively. The right person will thrive on solving problems, identifying opportunities, improving workflows and turning ideas into real world implementation.
Our current software ecosystem includes:
- B2C websites
- Proprietary software used to manage leads, pricing, vehicle workflows and sales processes
- Collector network management systems
- Upcoming auction flipping and automated bidding systems
In total, we currently operate around 10 interconnected software platforms and process approximately 150,000 leads per month across the UK and US.
The Role
This role will involve collaborating closely with directors and department heads to help shape and drive product strategy, operational workflows, automation opportunities and new initiatives across the wider software ecosystem.
Team Structure
As the only dedicated product professional in the business, you will have sole focus on the business software ecosystem. Rather than managing an internal product team, you will work directly alongside our existing directors and department heads, who will continue to manage their respective operational areas. This is a standalone leadership role where you will be the central bridge connecting business strategy, operations, and development.
A major part of the role will involve:
- Identifying inefficiencies and missed opportunities
- Coordinating implementation between teams
- Reducing friction across systems
- Helping prioritise development work
- Researching competitors and adjacent industries for ideas and opportunities
- Driving projects from concept through to implementation
- Assisting teams with execution rather than simply delegating tasks
One of the key upcoming initiatives will involve helping lead and coordinate the development of automated auction buying and selling systems using ML pricing models to identify profitable opportunities between auctions. The role will also involve developing additional value within our collector network ecosystem, helping create stronger collector retention, improved data insights and additional commercial opportunities through software driven efficiencies and tooling.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with directors, head of engineering, CRO and operational teams to improve and evolve all core systems
- Identify opportunities for automation, efficiency gains and workflow improvements
- Scope out and help drive implementation of new / novel initiatives and product features
- Help coordinate large scale software projects across departments
- Research competitors, adjacent industries and international markets for ideas and innovation
- Translate business ideas into clear product requirements and implementation plans
- Help the head of engineering by properly thinking through workflows, edge cases and implementation logic before development begins
- Push projects forward proactively and remove bottlenecks
- Assist with implementation and rollout of ML driven pricing and automation systems
- Develop and improve collector facing systems and tooling
- Analyse operational pain points and identify commercially valuable solutions
Minimum Requirements
- A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience managing and scaling digital products.
- A proven track record of working on high-value, high-impact products where performance directly impacts business revenue.
- Commercial experience with lead-generation platforms or products optimized for high-volume lead capture and conversion is highly desirable.
What We Are Looking For
- Extremely proactive and high energy
- Strong commercial awareness and business understanding
- Naturally operational and hands on
- Able to independently take ownership of complex tasks and drive them through to completion
- Strong systems thinker with excellent problem solving ability
- Comfortable working closely with technical teams and understanding software workflows
- Highly organised and detail orientated
- Strong communication skills across both technical and non technical teams
- Comfortable working in fast moving environments with shifting priorities
- Able to balance strategic thinking with practical execution
- Curious mindset with a genuine interest in optimisation, automation and innovation
- Someone who enjoys improving systems and making things work better
Important
This is not a role for someone who simply manages from above. We are specifically looking for someone who is willing to get into the details, understand how the business operates, properly think through implementation and work alongside the wider team to help execute ideas efficiently and effectively.
Benefits and Perks
- Comprehensive pension package
- Wellbeing and employee support programme
- Access to discounted gym memberships and an on-demand GP service
- Retail and leisure discounts across leading brands
- Opportunities for professional development and funded training
- Regular team meet-ups and company events throughout the year
- Annual summer and Christmas celebrations
- Free food Fridays and fresh fruit available for staff working on site
- Free on-site parking
- Discounted garage services for vehicle owners
- Counselling and financial assistance helplines
Lead Product Manager employer: Scrap Car Comparison
As a market leader in the automotive technology sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers our employees to drive innovation and growth. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive salaries, and the potential for equity participation, we offer a unique opportunity for individuals to make a significant impact while enjoying a range of benefits including wellness programmes, team events, and flexible working arrangements. Join us in our ambitious journey to revolutionise car buying and contribute to meaningful charitable initiatives as we expand across the US.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Product Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and recent developments. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company’s mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the Lead Product Manager role. Focus on your problem-solving abilities and how you can drive projects forward, just like they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our exciting growth journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Product Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead product management in our fast-paced environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Focus on your hands-on product management experience and how it aligns with our needs. We love seeing specific examples of how you've driven projects forward!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and fluff. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the Lead Product Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scrap Car Comparison
✨Know the Product Ecosystem
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding the company's product ecosystem. Familiarise yourself with their B2C websites and proprietary software. Being able to discuss how you can improve workflows or identify inefficiencies will show that you're proactive and ready to take ownership.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully solved complex problems or improved processes. Highlight specific initiatives you've led that resulted in measurable outcomes. This aligns perfectly with the role's focus on operational efficiency and innovation.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical concepts. Since you'll be working closely with both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, being able to bridge that gap is crucial. Use simple language to explain complex ideas during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
Express your genuine interest in optimisation and automation. Research competitors and adjacent industries to bring fresh ideas to the table. Showing that you're not just focused on the role but also on the broader market landscape will set you apart as a candidate who thinks strategically.
