Product Manager

SmartSearch; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday rising to 30

Private Medical Insurance

Company pension scheme

Life Assurance

1 day paid volunteering

Job summary

SmartSearch in Leeds is seeking a Product Manager to lead strategy and delivery for its flagship products. This role involves defining product roadmaps, managing backlogs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate has proven product management experience, strong analytical skills, and a customer-centric approach. You will work closely with stakeholders and mentor junior team members. The company offers benefits including 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a cycle to work scheme.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in product management, with exposure to both product development and product design.
• Experience building and maintaining product roadmaps aligned with business strategy.
• Strong customer focus and ability to translate customer insights into product improvements.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement product strategies aligned with SmartSearch’s corporate vision.
• Develop and maintain product roadmaps in collaboration with leadership.
• Own the product backlog and ensure prioritization reflects business goals.

Skills

Product management experience

Customer focus

Agile methodologies

Excellent communication skills

UI/UX collaboration

Analytical skills

Job description

SmartSearch’s distinctive Anti-Money Laundering verification software protects our clients by offering the most advanced and comprehensive features available from an AML provider.

SmartSearch has grown rapidly by fostering an incredibly collaborative and supportive culture. As we continue our ambitious growth plans, we will strive to remain a truly exciting, rewarding, and unique place to work.

HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

We are seeking a Product Manager to take ownership of strategy, delivery, and leadership across one of our flagship product areas. You will play a key role in defining direction, managing roadmaps, and ensuring the product delivers measurable outcomes for our customers and the business.

This role requires someone confident in leading cross-functional teams, mentoring less experienced colleagues, and working closely with stakeholders to align on priorities and commercial goals. You’ll balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery—from shaping product vision and guiding design, to managing backlogs and overseeing launches.

Success in this role means creating a product that delivers excellent user experiences, launches on time, and is measured against clear outcomes. It’s an opportunity to grow influence across the organisation while building a high standard of product practice across the team.

VARIED DAY TO DAY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and implement product strategies aligned with SmartSearch’s corporate vision and goals.
• Develop and maintain product roadmaps in collaboration with the Product Director and senior leadership.
• Recommend new product opportunities and enhancements to drive growth and customer value.

Execution & Delivery

• Gather and analyze input from customers, stakeholders, and internal teams to shape requirements and features.
• Own the product backlog, ensuring prioritisation reflects business goals and user needs.
• Partner with UX and Design to deliver experiences consistent with our brand identity and customer experience principles.
• Oversee product and feature launches, ensuring they meet quality standards and timelines.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead cross‑functional product teams and coordinate delivery across internal business teams and technical delivery squads.
• Mentor junior product managers and support their professional development.
• Chair internal and client-facing product forums, presenting progress, plans, and key decisions.
• Act as a senior product authority within SmartSearch, representing product best practices with senior stakeholders and customers.

Measurement & Improvement

• Collaborate with the Product Director and initiative stakeholders to define success metrics and establish governance for product performance, cost, risk, and impact reporting.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN A CANDIDATE?

• Proven experience in product management, with exposure to both product development and product design.
• Experience building and maintaining product roadmaps aligned with business strategy.
• Knowledge of Scrum and/or Kanban methodologies.
• Strong customer focus and ability to translate customer insights into product improvements.
• Strong background working with UI and UX teams to deliver high‑quality user experiences.
• Understanding of the software development lifecycle and deployment processes.
• Skilled in using analytics and engagement metrics to guide product decisions.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and align stakeholders.
• Previous experience in B2B technology.
• Deep experience in Agile environments, including backlog management, user story writing, and prioritisation.
• Strong commercial judgement, analytical skills, and problem‑solving ability.
• Previous experience managing or mentoring product managers or owners.
• Experience preparing and managing business cases.
• Experience running product forums for internal and external audiences.
• Previous experience in RegTech.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE AT SMARTSEARCH?

We are a multi-award winning Tech company with an aspirational mentality.

We have been Great Place To Work Certified since 2022.

There are excellent progression opportunities due to our growth and you will have personal development goals, regular feedback and support.

We are a diverse and inclusive team committed to promoting Diversity & Inclusion and Social Responsibility. Through our DE&I group, charitable initiatives and support for local schools, we actively foster a positive impact on our community.

COMPANY BENEFITS

25 days holiday rising to 30 with each year of service.

Private Medical Insurance covering dental and optical.

Company pension scheme.

Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary.

1 day paid volunteering per year.

Enhanced maternity / paternity offerings.

Employee Assistance Programme.

Cycle to work scheme.