Senior Product Manager

Job summary

In the Department of Health and Social Care, we are proud of our purpose – to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier lives for longer. To achieve this, and create a great place to work, we have four values: we are inclusive, we constantly improve, we challenge, and we are agile. If this sounds like an environment you would like to work in, we would love to hear from you.

Adult Social Care (ASC) is at the heart of the Government’s ambitions for public service reform. The ASC Group works across government, local authorities, the NHS and the care sector to support a care system that enables people to live independently, access the right care and support, and experience high-quality, sustainable services. This is an important period for adult social care, with the Prime Minister’s focus on reform and the longer-term ambition for a National Care Service.

Data and digital have a critical role to play in delivering that transformation. Better use of technology and data can help make adult social care easier for people to understand and navigate, reduce unnecessary administrative burden for frontline staff, improve how information is shared and used, and give leaders better evidence to support planning and decision-making. Digital transformation is therefore not simply about introducing new technology. It is about redesigning services around people’s needs and ensuring that national policy and reform are supported by effective, accessible and user-centred digital services.

Within ASC Group, the Digitising Social Care team is helping to drive this agenda, working to create the conditions for local authorities and care providers to make better use of digital and data while also developing nationally significant products and services. This includes tackling some of the structural challenges that make digital transformation difficult, improving the experience of people interacting with adult social care, and identifying where national action can enable innovation and improvement.

As part of this work, the team is recruiting an exceptional Senior Product Manager to lead delivery of the Adult Social Care Front Door. The Front Door represents an opportunity to improve how people first find, understand and access information and support relating to adult social care. The successful candidate will play a leading role in turning an ambitious policy vision into a service that works for users, bringing together policy, digital and delivery expertise and helping shape a significant part of the government’s wider programme of reform.

Job description

The Front Door project will see the development of a national citizen-facing adult social care (ASC) information and advice offer. The aim is to help people understand adult social care, what they should be able to expect, and the steps they may need to take next. Improving access to care and support is a departmental priority and this role offers a unique opportunity to shape a high-profile product that could improve how millions of people access information, advice and support.

The postholder will work as part of a wider project team across DHSC and NHSE and will lead product development and management, working with a digital agency to launch an initial online offer by Summer 2027 and then expand it through new products, integrations and personalised journeys. They will set product priorities and roadmaps, translate policy and user needs into a deliverable proposition, and make evidence-based decisions on scope and trade-offs. Working across government, local authorities, the NHS and people with lived experience, they will champion user-centred design and continuous improvement.

Please note that, due to business requirements, the minimum part-time working pattern available for this role is 0.8 FTE.

DHSC is implementing the Government Digital and Data (GDaD) Pay Framework. Following appointment, successful candidates may be eligible to undertake a GDaD capability assessment. Subject to the outcome of that assessment, an additional non-pensionable, non-consolidated capability allowance may be payable.

Person specification

Role responsibilities

As the Senior Product Manager you will:

• Lead product management within a multidisciplinary team, creating clarity of purpose, fostering an agile and user-centred approach, and maintaining a strong focus on outcomes, user value and continuous improvement
• Build a deep understanding of users and their needs, drawing on user research, stakeholder feedback, analytics and other evidence to identify problems, test assumptions and inform product decisions
• Develop, own and communicate the product vision, strategy and iterative roadmap, translating strategic and policy objectives into clear outcomes, priorities and delivery plans, and ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and wider government digital and data strategies
• Lead the product through its development lifecycle, including testing and public beta, adapting the roadmap, backlog and priorities in response to evidence, changing circumstances, delivery constraints and emerging user needs
• Commission and work effectively with digital suppliers and delivery partners, setting clear outcomes and expectations and actively managing delivery, dependencies, risks, performance and value for money to ensure work is delivered to agreed timescales and budget
• Define clear measures of success and use performance data, analytics and user research to evaluate impact, identify opportunities for improvement and make evidence-based decisions about product priorities, investment and future development
• Build strong and productive relationships with senior stakeholders, policy teams, digital and data specialists, delivery partners and external organisations, communicating complex issues clearly, influencing decisions and securing support for the product vision and approach
• Make and communicate effective prioritisation and trade-off decisions, balancing user needs, policy objectives, technical requirements, delivery constraints, risk and value for money, including where evidence is incomplete or priorities compete
• Lead the team in meeting relevant government digital standards and requirements, including the Government Service Standard and requirements relating to accessibility, security, privacy, data governance and technology
• Develop compelling business cases and investment propositions, using evidence to articulate benefits, costs, risks and options, and represent the product confidently in senior governance, assurance and external forums.

Key skills and experience required for the role

Essential:

• Significant experience leading digital products through product management and multiple stages of the product lifecycle, including defining vision, strategy, roadmaps and outcome-focused delivery
• Experience managing complex digital products or services within the public sector involving multiple stakeholders, suppliers or delivery partners
• Experience making evidence-based product decisions, balancing user needs, organisational priorities, technical constraints and delivery considerations
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing senior leaders and building consensus across complex organisational environments
• Experience working effectively across multidisciplinary teams, bringing together technical and non-technical expertise to deliver successful outcomes
• Experience using performance metrics, user research, analytics and insight to inform prioritisation, measure impact and drive continuous improvement.

Desirable:

• Experience of adult social care

Your normal place of work will be your contractual primary workplace, usually either London or Leeds. (delete/add as appropriate) Within DHSC we offer non-contractual hybrid working. The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time spent in the office, enabling in person interaction and collaboration, and enhancing team working, learning, and support.

You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas and some travel may be required across the DHSC estate.

Opportunities for some working from home may be available; other flexible working options may be discussed with the hiring manager in line with individual circumstances and business need.

There are a limited number of DHSC colleagues who have existing agreed homeworking contracts resulting from Our Future Estate Programme 2023-2024. Colleagues covered by these arrangements are eligible to apply for this role whilst continuing their agreed existing home working arrangement. Occasional travel to DHSC offices or other locations may still be required according to business need. Travel and subsistence will be provided in line with the pre-agreed homeworker arrangements.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,462, Department of Health and Social Care contributes £16,936 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Applications will be sifted week commencing: 02/11/2026

Interview date: week commencing 16/11/2026

Interview location: Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.

Further details and interview slots will be released to candidates who are successful at sift.

Applications will be sifted on CV and Personal Statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

An initial sift based on the Personal Statementmay be held if a large number of applications are received. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Please use your CV to set out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. These can be found in the ‘key skills and experience required for the role’ section of the advert.

Please use your personal statement to (in no more than 750 words) outline how you meet the key skills and experience required for the role as set out in the job advert.

At interview candidates will be assessed on Behaviours and Experience.

Candidates will be asked to give a presentation which will assess their experience of leading product development, managing relationships, balancing user needs with strategic priorities and making trade-offs. Details of the presentation question will be issued to candidates with the release of the sift scores.

To find out more about working in the department please visit our page on the Civil Service careers website https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/departments/working-for-the-department-of-health-social-care/ and to find out more information on how to apply visit the Civil Service careers website https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/how-to-apply/

Applicants who are appointable but were not successful in appointment to this vacancy, may be held on a reserve list for up to 12 months, and contacted if similar vacancies become available.

Please be aware that some travel may be required across the DHSC estate.

Candidates must ensure that all information provided in their application is factually accurate. Any examples provided must be taken from personal experience. The Civil Service abides by honesty and integrity as part of its core values, if evidence of plagiarism is found, applications may be withdrawn.

Please note that applicants will require BPSS clearance.

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to DHSC 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; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via DHSCRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

This role is being advertised on a permanent basis. If preferable, Loan or Secondment options will also be available for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited NDPBs or any other employer (Secondment). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

Terms and Conditions

Candidates should note that DHSC’s Terms and Conditions of employment changed from 1 October 2013. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful.

New Entrants to the Civil Service

New entrants appointed in grades AA to G6 will receive DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions:

• Annual Leave: 25 days on entry rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff
• Privilege Leave: 1 day - for the King’s birthday
• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): one month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months’ full pay and five months’ half pay
• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allow staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
• Probation: 6 month probation period

Existing Civil Service staff transferring from another Government department, on either level transfer or promotion

All staff moving to DHSC will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above).

Existing DHSC staff, appointed on promotion

If DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions are already held, the employee will retain those terms and conditions. If DHSC’s pre-modernised terms and conditions are held, the employee will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above).

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Louise Hider-Davies and Chris Elkington
• Email : Louise.HiderDavies@dhsc.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dhscrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the DHSC Central Recruitment Team at DHSCrecruitment@dhsc.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact/

Attachments

General Pay Principles on Recruitment Opens in new window (pdf, 72kB)