At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy for Core HR, workforce management, and AI services.
- Company: Join Co-op, a member-owned organisation focused on community and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, generous holiday, and career development.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape technology that enhances colleague experiences and drives meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management and Oracle HCM applications is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Posted: 2026-11-03
Closes: 2026-11-17
In this role you’ll work in a hybrid way splitting your time between home and the office as required for workshops, team meetings and events.
We’re reshaping our Digital, Technology and Data function for the future, creating new opportunities, strengthening our capability, and building clearer, more resilient ways of working so we can deliver even better services for our Co-op, our colleagues, members and customers.
We're looking for Lead Product Managers to join our Product team and help us shape the technology and experiences that support colleagues across Co-op. In this role, you'll set the vision, strategy and direction for products spanning Core HR, workforce management, time and attendance, and AI-enabled colleague services. Working closely with colleagues across technology, design, delivery and the wider business, you'll create solutions that improve how we manage our workforce, support colleagues and deliver value across Co-op.
Why this role matters
As a Lead Product Manager, you'll play a key role in helping us deliver great experiences for our customers, members and colleagues. You'll have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, shape product direction and lead meaningful change across the business. This is a role where you'll combine big-picture thinking with hands-on product leadership, working with talented people from a range of disciplines to solve complex problems and 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 products across Core HR, workforce management, time and attendance, and AI-enabled colleague services.
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of products that support colleague experiences, workforce processes and operational efficiency across Co-op.
- Work closely with stakeholders to balance colleague needs, business priorities and technical considerations when making product decisions.
- Lead the product lifecycle from discovery through to delivery, ensuring your products deliver meaningful outcomes and measurable value.
- Use customer insight, colleague feedback and data to identify opportunities, inform priorities and drive continuous improvement.
- 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, investments and product direction.
- Build strong relationships across product, engineering, design, People teams and business leaders to drive collaboration and alignment.
What you’ll bring
- Significant product management experience, including ownership of complex enterprise technology products and platforms.
- Experience of Oracle HCM Core HR applications, including Core HR, Workforce Structures, Journeys, Position Management, and Document Records, together with a strong understanding of how these products support and interact with end-to-end HR, payroll, talent, workforce management, and wider business processes.
- Experience delivering and developing Time & Attendance or workforce management solutions, including integrations and dependencies across wider HR systems.
- The technical knowledge and confidence to work closely with application engineers, challenge technical approaches, and make informed decisions on product, platform and solution design.
- Experience managing platform change, releases and upgrades, with an understanding of balancing innovation, stability, risk and business impact.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes and priorities.
- An awareness of emerging AI capabilities and opportunities, with the ability to identify where AI can improve colleague experiences, processes and product outcomes.
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 - Oracle Core HR 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 - Oracle Core HR
✨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 - Oracle Core HR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Lead Product Manager - Oracle Core HR, 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 - Oracle Core HR 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.