Overview

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government. We lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government. We’re part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people across the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London and Bristol.

We’re looking for a dynamic, passionate and experienced Head of Products and Services to lead the design, development, and delivery of user-centric data products and services within the National Data Library.

The National Data Library is a high profile, ambitious manifesto commitment which intends to realise the potential of public sector data by responsibly unlocking high-value data for use by businesses, academia and the public sector. This role is a key leadership position to deliver a high-priority initiative with national impact.

Current Pay and Location

This range is provided by Government Digital Service. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

This role is available across London, Manchester and Bristol locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide a clear product vision with an emphasis on iterative development that meets user needs and delivers incremental value, with data-driven outcomes and measurable objectives.
• Provide direction and leadership for multidisciplinary product teams working across different stakeholder groups to design, develop, and deliver user-centric data products and services.
• Develop and drive a culture of experimentation across product teams, balancing innovative experiences with operational efficiency.
• Lead engagement with key stakeholders by running demos, blogging, speaking at conferences and facilitating workshops.
• Be a visible leader who takes responsibility and supports the wellbeing and professional development of the team and the wider product community within the department.
• Support the NDL Deputy Directors in implementing strategic initiatives and delivering operational challenges.
• Maintain knowledge of the changing digital, data and technology landscape and the opportunities it provides to improve public service delivery.

Person specification / Qualifications

• Strong product management experience with a track record of shipping and evolving great digital products within an agile delivery setting.
• Experience creating and developing product strategy to secure support for products and direct the work of delivery teams through all phases from discovery to continuous improvement.
• Ability to assess products and services and provide constructive feedback on priorities and improvements.
• Excellent working relationships with disciplines involved in digital delivery (engineering, service design, performance analysis, delivery management).
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and coordinating activity across organisations toward common objectives.
• Ability to set, monitor and report measurable performance targets for teams and products.
• Strong communication skills to explain actions and outcomes clearly across channels.
• Experience recruiting, coaching and line managing product managers, with a focus on learning and development.
• Familiarity with end-to-end procurement processes and working with suppliers.
• Experience developing, launching, and iterating data products and services.

Recruitment Event

In order to assist candidates with this role, we will be holding a virtual recruitment event on Monday 22nd September at 12:00 - 13:00. To attend the virtual recruitment event please join using the provided link and details.

Application Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Product Management
• Industries: Government Administration

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