At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and development for Finance and Shared Services at Co-op.
- Company: Join Co-op, a member-owned organisation focused on community and purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, generous holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Shape impactful products that enhance efficiency and decision-making across the business.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 73000 £ per year.
In this role you’ll work in a hybrid way splitting your time between home and the office up to two days per week. We’re open to applications from people who may require flexible working arrangements. There’ll be an opportunity to discuss your flexible working requirements during the interview process, and at offer stage.
We're looking for a Lead Product Manager to join our Product team and help us shape the products, platforms and capabilities that underpin Co-op Wholesale's Finance, Shared Services and Continuous Improvement functions. You'll set the vision, strategy and direction for your products, leading the development of solutions that improve efficiency, enable better decision making and support continuous improvement across the business. Working closely with colleagues across technology, design, delivery and the wider business, you'll take products from discovery through to delivery, balancing colleague needs, commercial priorities and technical considerations to deliver meaningful value.
Why this role matters
As a Lead Product Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping the technology and services that support how Co-op Wholesale operates behind the scenes. Working across Finance, Shared Services and Continuous Improvement, you'll help create products and capabilities that make processes simpler, more efficient and more effective for colleagues and customers alike. You'll have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, shape product direction and lead meaningful change across the business, combining big-picture thinking with hands-on product leadership to deliver measurable outcomes.
As part of our wider product community, you'll have opportunities to apply your skills across different products and business areas as priorities evolve, building broad experience and helping us deliver the greatest value for Co-op. This may include moving between product teams over time, giving you the chance to develop new expertise while supporting changing business needs.
What you’ll do
- Define and communicate a clear vision, strategy and roadmap for your products across the Finance, Shared Services and Continuous Improvement domains.
- Work closely with stakeholders to balance customer needs, business priorities and technical considerations when making product decisions.
- Lead the product lifecycle from discovery through to delivery, ensuring your product delivers meaningful outcomes.
- Use customer insight, feedback and data to identify opportunities and prioritise product improvements.
- Manage and maintain a well-prioritised product backlog, helping teams focus on the highest-value work.
- Measure product performance and use evidence and insights to inform future decisions and investments.
- Build strong relationships across product, engineering, design and business teams to drive collaboration and alignment.
What you’ll bring
- Significant product management experience, including defining product strategies and leading complex products or initiatives.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across a range of teams and seniority levels.
- Experience using customer insights, research and data to inform decisions and prioritise work.
- The ability to translate business goals into clear product outcomes, roadmaps and measurable objectives.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to different audiences.
- An understanding of agile ways of working and experience working in cross-functional product teams.
We know some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every requirement. At Co-op, we’re committed to building diverse and inclusive teams, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply.
Why Co-op?
At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:
- An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance).
- 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays.
- A pension with up to 10% employer contributions.
- Private healthcare.
- Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ).
- 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands.
- Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it.
- Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice.
- 24/7 colleague support service.
- Training and support for your development and career progression.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
A place you’ll belong
We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.
We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.
Please note that we may close applications for this role early.
Lead Product Manager - Finance, Shared Services and Continuous Improvement employer: The Co-Operative Group
Co-op Legal Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the communities it serves. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have access to coaching and training opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package including private healthcare and a generous pension scheme. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and belonging, making it a rewarding place to build your career in Manchester, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bristol, or Sheffield.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Product Manager - Finance, Shared Services and Continuous Improvement
✨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 The Co-Operative Group!
✨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 The Co-Operative Group 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 The Co-Operative Group through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Product Manager - Finance, Shared Services and Continuous Improvement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Lead Product Manager - Finance, Shared Services and Continuous Improvement, 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 Lead Product Manager - Finance, Shared Services and Continuous Improvement position at The Co-Operative Group. 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 The Co-Operative Group
✨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.