At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead agile teams to define and prioritise product features that enhance user experiences.
- Company: Join UCAS, the leading admissions service connecting students to higher education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by delivering innovative digital solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in agile methodologies and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education. UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers. We’re a successful and fast‑growing organisation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people every year. We’re committed to delivering a first‑class service to all of our customers – they’re at the heart of everything we do.
The Digital Services business unit is at the heart of UCAS’ technical innovation, data and infrastructure. It focuses on leveraging data science, technology, and enterprise architecture to enhance UCAS' digital products and services. The unit is dedicated to developing and improving customer‑centric digital solutions, ensuring seamless and secure online experiences for all users. By providing insightful data and analysis – often made available through free‑to‑use intuitive dashboards – Digital Services empowers the Higher Education sector and those interested in the sector with valuable information to make informed decisions. By working in collaborative, expert‑led, multi‑disciplinary teams, Digital Services drives UCAS’ mission to connect students with their next opportunities through advanced technological solutions.
Contractual Hours: 35.00
Salary up to £50,000
The Product Owner (PO) is a key member of the agile delivery team, responsible for defining and prioritising product backlog items (stories) to ensure smooth execution of business and customer priorities. The PO balances both functional and technical integrity of the product features or components, ensuring the team delivers maximum value. In this role, the Product Owner ensures that prioritised backlog items meet user needs and align with the ‘Definition of Done.’ The PO plays a pivotal role in collaboration, working closely with Product Management, development teams, Architecture, Service Owners, customers, and other key stakeholders to deliver high‑quality product outcomes. This role is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract.
Key Accountabilities
- Program Increment (PI) Preparation
- Backlog Ownership and Prioritisation
- User Story & Acceptance Criteria
- Customer Value Ownership
- Team Development & Improvement
- Enabler Work & Technical Decision‑Making
- Stakeholder Collaboration & Demos
- Customer Understanding & Exploration
Skills, Qualifications, And Experience
- Agile Experience
- Product Vision & Communication
- Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Customer Focus & Clarity
- Product & Market Strategy Development
- Risk Management
- Third‑Party Collaboration
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Industry & Technical Knowledge
- Presentation Skills
Package
- Purpose‑driven work in a charity‑led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity
- Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry‑recognised certifications through our development academies
- Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35‑hour week and flexible contracts
- 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave
- Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools
- On‑site facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office
- Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders
- Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex‑gratia bonus for going above and beyond
Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they tick every box. At UCAS we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. So, if you are interested in this vacancy, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please apply.
Working Arrangements: Fully remote working: No
Product Owner in Gloucester employer: UCAS
Contact Detail:
UCAS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Owner in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at UCAS. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding UCAS’ mission and values. Show us how your skills as a Product Owner align with our goal of connecting people to higher education. Tailor your examples to highlight your customer-centric approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on our radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at UCAS.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Owner in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Product Owner role. We want to see how you can bring value to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Agile Experience: Since this role is all about agile delivery, be sure to mention any past experiences you have in agile environments. We love seeing how you've contributed to teams and projects, so share those stories with us!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff. Less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCAS
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
As a Product Owner, it's crucial to understand the products and services UCAS offers. Familiarise yourself with their digital solutions and how they enhance user experiences. This knowledge will help you articulate your vision and demonstrate your alignment with their mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Agile Experience
Since the role requires agile experience, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed product backlogs and prioritised tasks in previous roles. Highlight your ability to balance functional and technical aspects while ensuring maximum value delivery.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so come ready to share instances where you've worked closely with cross-functional teams. Discuss how you’ve engaged stakeholders, gathered feedback, and incorporated it into product development to meet user needs effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you navigated them. This will showcase your critical thinking and customer-focused approach, which are vital for the role.