- Company Name
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- Job Title
- Head of Product and Design
- Job Description
-
Job Title: Head of Product and Design
Role Summary: Lead the design, delivery, and continual improvement of UKRI’s digital services, ensuring they meet user needs and comply with Government Digital Service standards. Oversee a multidisciplinary team of product managers and user‑centred designers, align technology initiatives with strategic roadmaps, and drive adoption of AI, automation, and agile practices across the organisation.
Expectations:
- Deliver end‑to‑end user‑centred design for complex digital platforms, both in‑house and off‑the‑shelf.
- Champion UK Government digital, accessibility, and security standards, providing oversight of digital spend.
- Build and maintain a high‑performance, inclusive culture and community of practice.
- Provide clear, evidence‑based business cases for technology investment.
- Manage multi‑disciplinary teams, external resources, and budgets within tight guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead product and design strategy, ensuring alignment with UKRI’s strategic roadmap and the Head of Funding Platforms.
2. Oversee the full lifecycle of digital services, from concept to launch, applying user‑centred design principles.
3. Ensure all services meet UK Government Telecommunication Cybersecurity & Digital Office (CDD) assurance and Cabinet Office digital standards.
4. Drive the integration of AI and automation to reduce manual processes and enhance user experience.
5. Manage complex interdependencies across projects, prioritise incoming requests, and coordinate with other Heads of Function.
6. Recruit, develop, retain, and manage a multidisciplinary product and design team.
7. Lead procurement and resource allocation for tools, services, and external suppliers.
8. Produce and present business cases, manage budgets, and monitor spend against guidelines.
9. Communicate effectively with stakeholders, both virtually and face‑to‑face, ensuring transparency and alignment with organisational objectives.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience implementing digital services to UK Cabinet Office Digital Service standards.
- Deep technical expertise in digital platforms, service design, or funding systems.
- Demonstrable knowledge of generative AI tools and automation of business tasks.
- Strong leadership and people‑management skills; experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Expertise in user‑centred design, design‑thinking, and service design methodologies.
- Ability to create and manage digital policies, standards, and community of practice.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and presentation abilities.
- Strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and risk‑management capabilities.
Required Education & Certifications:
- Level 4 or above in Product Management, Design, or Digital Finance (or equivalent).
- Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Scrum Product Owner, UX Design, PM certifications) preferred.