Job summary
The Government Digital Service (GDS) exists to make the user experience of the government simple, consistent and welcoming for everyone. To do this, GDS builds, iterates and maintains digital tools and platforms that are part of everyday life in the UK; platforms like - the online home of government information and services. We also work with departments to identify patterns, share learning and create change to make government more efficient.
is now the established digital interface between government and the public. It�s well used - with over 28 billion page views since go-live - and is consistently among the most-visited websites in the country. It's extremely well known according to YouGov, and the signature design and logo is instantly recognisable as the trusted source of government information and services. has become truly essential to living, working and studying in the UK.�
Our teams are organised around delivering on our priorities, which are to:
1. grow to reach people when and where they need government information
2. make more proactive in helping people
3. evolve to match user expectations for new technologies
We are looking for a Head of Product to lead the continued development of web proposition, publishing tooling and platform, while supporting the programme�s ambitious strategy for growth.
Job description
As the Head of Product for Web, Publishing & Platform, you�ll be responsible for growing and leading the high performing Web, Publishing and Platform product teams in the directorate. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering critical government products and services to key stakeholders: citizens and government departments. These products operate at significant scale, are impactful through supporting citizens across every interaction with government, and are built collaboratively with government department partners to ensure these interactions are as simple and efficient as possible.�
Reporting to the Deputy Director - Web, Publishing & Platform, you will develop a sustainable and engaged product community, who work together towards a common goal through strategic objectives and shared community goals, sharing learning and ideas openly. You�ll also be a key member of the Senior Management Team, leading on initiatives taking place across the directorate.
You�ll thrive using agile methods and enjoy working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. Above all, you�ll want to make government better, which may sometimes involve challenging the status quo.
As a Head of Product for Web, Publishing & Platform, you will:
4. contribute to a clear product vision, with key focus on balancing operational and iterative product development with innovation that meets or exceeds our growth strategy
5. develop and drive an everyday culture of experimentation across all product teams, balancing experimentation of innovative experiences with operational efficiencies.
6. provide ongoing direction and leadership for multi-disciplinary product teams in running, supporting and continuously improving products, so that they meet user needs while working toward measurable objectives and data driven outcomes.
7. lead on OKR development and product roadmaps that support both strategic development and operational delivery
8. be a visible leader who takes responsibility, while supporting the wellbeing and professional development of the product community in
9. support �s Deputy Directors in the implementation of strategic initiatives and delivery of operational challenges
Person specification
We are looking for a person who thrives on challenges and is passionate about making a difference. If you are pragmatic and keen to deliver great products that have a big impact, then this could be the place for you.�
The Head of Product is a key leadership role that offers the opportunity to shape and evolve our product strategy, supporting teams to make good decisions and deliver a service that �simply works� and is inclusive by default.
To do this, you will have:
10. strong product management experience with a track-record for launching and evolving great digital products with multiple teams in multi-disciplinary agile environments
11. created and developed product strategy for your products and direct the work of delivery teams through all phases of delivery, from discovery to continuous improvement in a live setting
12. assessed products and services and given constructive feedback and guidance on priorities and improvements
13. engaged with senior stakeholders, including suppliers, coordinating activity across a number of organisations toward common objectives
14. set, monitored and reported measurable performance targets for teams and products
15. experience recruiting, coaching and line managing product managers, identifying learning and development opportunities for individuals and teams
16. possess familiarity with working with suppliers through the end-to-end procurement process
17. have been in a role with a focus on operational maturity and ensuring a consistent approach to user and technical operational support
We�re interested in people who have experience of developing, launching and iterating products in the following areas:
18. web and mobile user experiences, at scale
19. publishing platforms, content lifecycle and metadata
20. proactive and / or personalised products that support complex digital interactions�
21. resilient, secure platforms
If you meet a few of those criteria but think that you might not meet every last one then don�t let that stop you from submitting an application.
Benefits
The benefits of working at GDS
There are many benefits of working at GDS, including:
22. flexible hybrid working with flexi-time and the option to work part-time or condensed hours
23. a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
24. 25 days of annual leave, increasing by a day each year up to a maximum of 30 days
25. an extra day off for The King�s birthday
26. an in-year bonus scheme to recognise high performance
27. career progression and coaching, including a training budget for personal development
28. paid volunteering leave
29. a focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
30. job satisfaction from making government services easier to use and more inclusive for people across the UK
31. advances on pay, including for travel season tickets
32. death in service benefits
33. cycle to work scheme and facilities
34. access to children's holiday play schemes across different locations in central London
35. access to an employee discounts scheme
36. 10 learning days per year
37. volunteering opportunities (5 special leave days per year)
38. access to a suite of learning activities through Civil Service learning
GDS offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home and also spends some time in their local office. You�ll agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs.
Any move to Government Digital Service from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at