The Office for National Statistics is the UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics and the recognised national statistical institute of the UK
We’re developing some exciting and interesting digital products at ONS, like ground-breaking data management tools, a market-leading survey data collection service and the 25+M user Census that will become the most heavily used digital service the UK government has ever seen.
ONS recognises the importance of product management in achieving our ambitious delivery goals and we are committed to the use of agile product development techniques. We’re also passionate about doing things right and putting users at the heart of everything we do.
Put simply the ONS is a world of opportunity for talented and passionate product managers.
We have an urgent need for a Senior Product Manager to join the Survey Data Collection team. The successful candidate will own the vision, backlog and quality for one or more of their digital products and in doing so, help shape the way that government collects data.
About You
You will need extensive experience in the field of digital product management and development, agile practices and user-centred design. You’ll also need strong stakeholder management skills and a passion for delivering value to users and the business.
The role
A product manager is responsible for the quality of their products. They use their knowledge of user needs and business goals to frame problems and set priorities for their delivery teams.
Skills and Experience
Product Managers:
• define and own the vision and scope for their product and engage their teams and stakeholders in the development of that vision over time
• are the key contact for stakeholders, keeping people informed about the development of their products (e.g. through roadmaps and show and tells)
• champion their users; reviews research, feedback, data and insights to inform continuous improvement and decide on the priorities for user research and business analysis on their product(s)
• owns the backlog and leads definition, priority and refinement of stories to ensure they are of sufficient quality to easily pass through research design and development (with support from business analysts where appropriate)
• ensures that a successful and sustainable balance of investigation & research, new features and continuous improvement is prioritised for each iteration;
• signs off stories as “done” and is responsible for the quality of their product, ensuring the Digital by Default Service Standard is achieved for product and quality related points
• works, and develops positive relationships with, the entire multidisciplinary team and takes the views of the team into account when making product decisions;
• Works closely with:
• the Delivery Manager, who will ensure plans are realistic, resources are in place and blockers are removed;
• the Tech Lead and Solutions Architect to ensure that the product vision is supported by the technology choices
• work in the open and models transparency internally and externally, e.g. through show and tells and internal blogging
In addition, Senior Product Managers:
• manage multiple products or a single product that is especially complex, high risk or sensitive. They may line manage and/ or mentor associate product managers and product managers. They have expert product management skills.
• may be involved in elements of programme management activity. They are involved in hiring associates, product managers and contractors.
• may provide expert input into critical phases of a product – for example, at discovery, starting Alphas and retirement phases;
• work with stakeholders, performance analysts and others to define KPIs, and to measure, report and take action on the results of the business outcomes outlined in these;
• take active responsibility for supporting the ONS Product community;
• engage more widely across government and beyond.