We are looking for an experienced contract Product Manager to join a government digital programme at a critical delivery phase.
You will own the product vision and roadmap, working within a multidisciplinary agile team to deliver services that meet user needs and comply with the Government Digital Service (GDS) Service Standard.
A key part of this role is leading the team through GDS service assessments — both internal readiness reviews and formal alpha, beta, and live assessments.
You'll be comfortable presenting to an assessment panel, responding to findings, and embedding the Standard into day-to-day ways of working.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and communicate the product roadmap, backlog, and delivery priorities across stakeholders at all levels
- Lead the team's preparation for and participation in GDS service assessments at alpha, beta, and live phases
- Translate complex policy and operational requirements into clear user stories and acceptance criteria
- Work with user researchers and designers to ensure continuous discovery informs delivery decisions
- Manage dependencies and risks across teams, escalating appropriately to programme leadership
- Engage senior civil servant stakeholders, providing clear written and verbal updates on progress
- Contribute to and champion the GDS Service Standard across the programme
- Proven track record as a Product Manager delivering digital services within UK central or local government
- Direct, hands-on experience of GDS service assessments — ideally as the PM presenting to or coordinating with an assessment panel
- Strong working knowledge of the GDS Service Standard and Government Design Principles
- Experience working in agile multidisciplinary teams alongside designers, researchers, engineers, and delivery managers
- Ability to manage and prioritise complex backlogs under competing stakeholder demands
- Excellent written communication — comfortable producing service assessment reports, business cases, and board updates
- Active SC clearance (essential — must be current and valid at point of application)
- Experience working within a regulated or sensitive government domain (e.g. Home Office, HMRC, MOJ, MOD, or similar)
- Familiarity with the Technology Code of Practice and Spend Controls process
- Previous experience managing a product through a live GDS assessment panel and addressing assessment recommendations
- Understanding of common government platforms such as GOV.UK Notify, Pay, or Forms
