Head of Product – GOV.UK
Job Description
Overview
Join the Government Digital Service (GDS)—a key part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)—and help lead the digital transformation of UK public services. GDS is responsible for GOV.UK, the main platform through which people interact with government online. With over 28 billion page views, it’s one of the UK’s most visited and trusted websites.
We’re seeking a Head of Product to lead the product strategy and delivery of GOV.UK, overseeing web development, publishing tools, and platform evolution to meet user needs and drive innovation.
About the Role
As Head of Product, you will:
Lead and grow a high-performing team of product managers
Define and deliver product strategy aligned with GOV.UK’s goals
Oversee development of web experiences, publishing tools, and the technical platform
Balance innovation with operational delivery
Ensure services are simple, secure, scalable, and meet user needs
Champion a culture of agile, data-driven development and continuous improvement
Represent GOV.UK at senior levels across government and with stakeholders
Report to the Deputy Director, Web, Publishing, Platform & Design System
Key Responsibilities
Shape a clear product vision aligned with GOV.UK’s strategic priorities
Lead multi-disciplinary teams in agile delivery
Develop OKRs and roadmaps to guide product performance and outcomes
Promote user-centered design, testing, and experimentation
Support cross-government collaboration with departments and suppliers
Mentor and manage product managers; support their career development
Contribute to wider directorate initiatives and strategic leadership
Essential Skills and Experience
We’re looking for someone with:
Proven experience in product leadership at scale, ideally in large digital services
Strong background in agile delivery and product lifecycle management
Experience launching and evolving high-traffic web or mobile products
A track record of working across teams, departments, or organizations
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Experience setting and tracking product performance metrics
Ability to lead a community of practice and support professional growth
Understanding of procurement, operations, and resilience planning
Familiarity with publishing platforms, personalisation, and secure service design
Desirable Experience
Experience in any of the following areas is a plus:
Public sector digital services
Metadata and content lifecycle management
AI-enhanced or proactive digital services
High-availability and secure platforms
Benefits
Salary up to £87,521 (depending on experience)
Civil Service Pension with employer contributions of up to 28.97%
25 days annual leave (rising to 30) + bank holidays + King’s birthday off
Paid volunteering leave (5 days/year)
10 learning & development days per year
In-year bonus schemes and pay advances
Cycle to work scheme and employee discount programme
Flexible and hybrid working (40–60% office attendance expected)
Application Process
Submit your CV and a cover letter (max 750 words) addressing the person specification.
Shortlisted candidates will attend a 90-minute interview, including a presentation task.
Interviews will assess experience, technical knowledge, and the following Civil Service behaviours:
Changing and improving
Making effective decisions
Leadership
Communicating and influencing
Delivering at pace
Sift completed by: 12 September 2025
Interviews held: Week of 22 September 2025
Important Notes
Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this role. You must have the right to work in the UK.
Security Clearance: Candidates must pass SC vetting (normally requiring 5 years UK residency).
A 12-month reserve list will be held for similar future vacancies.
GDS welcomes applications from underrepresented groups and is part of the Disability Confident Scheme and the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
