Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid
Department: Office of the CDIO
Closing Date: 29th November 2024
Weekly Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Fixed Term Contract: End Date: Not Applicable
Welsh Language Standard: Not Applicable
About the RoleThe Open University (OU) is the largest university in the United Kingdom and reaches across all four nations. It is a global leader in higher education and research, using a model of open supported learning to deliver world-renowned teaching and learning content to over 200,000 students every year.
The Director of Product is the Head of Profession for Product and as such the most senior product professional within the Open University, providing product strategy and leadership, coaching and support to product teams working across our systems and services.
Reporting to the Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO), the role is critical to developing an iterative and adaptive product roadmap that supports the Open University's Learn and Live strategy and develops new capabilities that improve our ability to offer adaptive, resilient, secure and cost-effective product and services which radically simplify our existing landscape.
As a key member of the CDIO leadership team, you will be responsible for leading, supporting and developing a product strategy across the full lifecycle of the student experience, from student administration support (enrolment and registration) through to teaching, learning and alumni.
Key ResponsibilitiesTo define and lead a product portfolio, vision and strategy that aligns with the overall organisational ambitions, strategy and goals.To establish our product profession by developing career frameworks; coaching, learning and development pathways; coaching product managers to develop their roadmaps, working with colleagues from across Digital Services to become more outcomes led, mature our ability to iterate at pace and learn together.Ensure that the Unit's resources and budget are managed effectively, in accordance with institutional policy and procedures, and provide best value for money to the OU's students and staff.Guide the team in value focused product roadmaps and release strategies.Lead the evolution of our product culture by coaching and mentoring cross-functional product and service teams to embrace agile, user-centred, and continuous delivery practices.Take a leading role in our Digital Services unit, collaborating with peers in design, engineering, data, and IT, and influencing wider stakeholders.Partner with senior stakeholders and industry experts to identify market trends, emerging technologies (such as generative AI), and innovative approaches to radically simplify our services.Develop and communicate compelling business cases, product roadmaps, and outcomes that demonstrate value creation and drive strategic goals.Skills and ExperienceEssential: A proven track record over multiple years as a Product Manager and leader, responsible for value and delivering new product ideas and solutions.Demonstrable experience of partnering with design, engineering, data and IT professions and leaders, to realise the collective expertise in effective products and services.A proven ability to go deep and quickly learn new domains, excellence business acumen and a material of technical concepts and the modern Product Life Cycle.As a leader and a mentor, experience of coaching and mentoring other Product Managers.A clear understanding of the difference between being the primary coach of Product Managers versus managing Products directly.A rock-solid ability to influence and foster collaborative relationships with individual contributors and leaders at all levels.The ability to go high and low; to think strategically and to get into the detail with a team in order to support improved delivery.Evidence of strong financial and commercial acumen.Curiosity of new market spaces and cultivation of innovative ways of working by adopting multi-sector approaches, and by effective partnering.Demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity and to work without bias and in an inclusive manner.Essential RequirementsAs part of the application process, you will be expected to submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (maximum of 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria listed above. Flexible working patterns will be considered.
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We anticipate this being on a weekly/fortnightly basis.
Intended Shortlisting Date: W/C 9th December. Intended Interview Dates: First stage interviews 8 - 13th January with final stage interviews in Milton Keynes on 21st January. *Early Close: We may choose to close the application date early if we reach a high number of applications. However, if you would still like to apply before the deadline originally advertised do not hesitate to contact us and we can discuss this with the Chair of the panel. If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application, please contact: ******.
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