Head of Product

Government Digital Service; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental digital agency in the UK is seeking a Head of Product to lead product strategy and development for digital services. You will manage high-performing teams and contribute to the overall vision for a modern digital government, ensuring products meet user needs. Previous leadership experience in product management is essential. This role offers the chance to work in a dynamic, impactful environment.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience in product management, launching digital products at scale.
• Ability to develop product strategy through all phases from discovery to improvement.
• Experience assessing products and providing guidance on priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the continued development of GOV.UK web proposition and platform.
• Grow and lead high performing product teams to deliver government services.
• Contribute to product vision and drive strategic development initiatives.

Skills

Leadership experience in product management

Ability to develop product strategy

Engagement with senior stakeholders

Coaching and mentoring skills

Operational maturity focus

Job description

Overview

Head of Product role at Government Digital Service (GDS).

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’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. GOV.UK is the established digital interface between government and the public and handles significant traffic and impact across citizen interactions with government.

Locations

Available across London, Bristol & Manchester locations.

Responsibilities

• lead the continued development of GOV.UK web proposition, publishing tooling and platform, and support the programme’s strategy for growth
• grow and lead high performing product teams in the GOV.UK directorate to deliver critical government products and services at scale
• develop a sustainable and engaged product community, and participate as a key member of the GOV.UK Senior Management Team
• work with agile, multidisciplinary teams; balance experimentation with operational efficiency; and promote a culture of learning and improvement
• contribute to a clear product vision and drive OKRs and roadmaps that support strategic development and operational delivery
• support GOV.UK Deputy Directors in implementing strategic initiatives and addressing operational challenges
• ensure products meet user needs and achieve measurable data-driven outcomes
• prioritise user experience and security across platforms

Person specification / Qualifications

• strong leadership experience in product management, with a track record of launching and evolving digital products at scale across multiple teams in agile environments
• ability to develop product strategy and direct delivery teams through all phases from discovery to continuous improvement
• experience assessing products and services and providing guidance on priorities and improvements
• experience engaging with senior stakeholders and coordinating activity across organisations
• ability to set, monitor and report measurable performance targets for teams and products
• experience recruiting, coaching and line managing product managers; identifying learning opportunities
• familiarity with working with suppliers through end-to-end procurement processes
• focus on operational maturity and ensuring consistent user and technical operational support

Domain experience

• web and mobile user experiences at scale
• publishing platforms, content lifecycle and metadata
• proactive and/or personalised products supporting complex digital interactions
• resilient, secure platforms

Additional information

If you meet a few criteria but not every item, you are encouraged to apply.

Security: successful candidates must meet the security requirements before appointment (security check).

Recruitment event

There will be a virtual recruitment event on Thursday 28th August 2025 at 09:00am. To participate, email [e-mail] for an invitation.