At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of digital products to enhance user experiences and drive institutional strategy.
- Company: Canterbury Christ Church University, a dynamic institution with a strong civic mission.
- Benefits: Inclusive environment, opportunity for impact, and a chance to shape digital transformation.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team committed to inclusivity and excellence.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital innovation in education and make a lasting difference.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in product leadership and transformation within complex organisations.
Canterbury Christ Church University is seeking a high-calibre Director of Digital Products to lead the development and evolution of its enterprise digital product portfolio, playing a central role in delivering the University's digital ambitions and wider institutional strategy.
Home to over 30,000 students and 1,500 staff, Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) is a dynamic and values-led institution located in the historic city of Canterbury. With a strong civic mission and commitment to inclusive education, the University is investing significantly in its digital capability to enhance the student and staff experience, strengthen operational efficiency, and support long-term sustainability.
Reporting to the Director of Digital, Technology and Products, the Director of Digital Products will be responsible for shaping and delivering the vision, strategy and operating model for the University's digital product estate. This is a critical leadership role at the heart of the University's transformation agenda, ensuring that digital products are aligned to institutional priorities, technically coherent, and deliver measurable value to users and the organisation.
As Director of Digital Products, you will lead the end-to-end product lifecycle, from discovery and prioritisation through to delivery, optimisation and retirement; embedding a product-led approach that drives continuous improvement and value realisation. Working across a complex digital landscape, you will establish clear product ownership, outcome-based roadmaps and robust governance frameworks to ensure investment decisions are informed, transparent and strategically aligned.
Operating at the intersection of product management, technology, architecture and business change, you will work in close partnership with academic and professional service leaders to ensure digital products enable excellent user experiences, support data-driven decision-making and deliver long-term organisational impact. You will also play a key role in strengthening commercial oversight, ensuring effective vendor management, cost control and return on investment across the product portfolio.
We are seeking an experienced digital or product leader with a strong track record of delivering product-led transformation within complex organisations. You will bring expertise in modern product operating models, including multidisciplinary teams, agile delivery and evidence-led prioritisation, alongside a strong understanding of enterprise systems, integration and architecture principles.
With strong leadership and influencing skills, you will be confident operating at senior levels, able to align diverse stakeholders around shared priorities and translate complex technical concepts into clear, meaningful outcomes. You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape a modern, user-centred digital environment and to deliver lasting value within a mission-driven organisation.
Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter. Closing date for applications is Sunday 14th June 2026. Interviews will take place at the University on Thursday 16th July 2026. Canterbury Christ Church University welcomes fresh perspectives and new voices. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and feel a true sense of belonging. If this resonates with you, we look forward to hearing from you.
Director of Product - Digital in Canterbury employer: The Management Recruitment Group
Canterbury Christ Church University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and professional growth. Located in the historic city of Canterbury, the University invests significantly in digital capabilities, providing employees with the opportunity to lead transformative projects that enhance both student and staff experiences. With a strong civic mission and a commitment to continuous improvement, CCCU fosters an environment where innovative ideas are welcomed, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
The Management Recruitment Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Product - Digital in Canterbury
✨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 Management Recruitment 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 Management Recruitment 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 Management Recruitment Group through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Product - Digital in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Director of Product - Digital, 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 Director of Product - Digital position at The Management Recruitment 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 Management Recruitment 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.
