Head of Product

Company: Pulse Group
Apply for the Head of Product
Location: London
Job Description:

Job Description

Head of Product, Student Services

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London — Hybrid 2 days a week

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Fixed-Term Contract to October 2027 | Inside IR35

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We're recruiting a Head of Product, Student Services on behalf of a leading higher education institution's ICT function. This is a senior leadership role covering a maternity leave, responsible for the strategic direction of a portfolio of digital products supporting students, staff and the wider institution.

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About the role

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As Head of Product, you'll define and deliver the product vision and strategy for a portfolio of digital services, leading a cross-functional team of product managers and engineers. You'll own the evolution of the organisation's product operating model and ensure digital services are high-quality, accessible and continuously improved through user feedback and data.

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Key responsibilities

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  • Establish and communicate a clear vision and roadmap for the product portfolio, aligned to institutional strategy
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  • Lead the evolution of the Product Operating Model, governance, standards, lifecycle management and value measurement
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  • Oversee the full product lifecycle from discovery to delivery and continuous improvement
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  • Drive outcome-based roadmaps, prioritising based on user needs, organisational impact and data
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  • Champion service quality and simplification of the technology estate
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  • Build strong relationships across students, academics, professional services and external partners
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  • Lead supplier management, including contract performance and value realisation
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  • Lead, coach and develop multi-disciplinary teams
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  • Manage budgets and resources against strategic priorities
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  • Identify and manage risk, ensuring appropriate governance
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What we're looking for

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  • Proven experience leading product at portfolio scale, not just a single product
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  • People management experience leading product managers and engineers
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  • Experience operating in large, complex, matrixed organisations
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  • Strong stakeholder management skills across technical and non-technical audiences
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  • Background in higher education, public sector or charity is advantageous but not essential
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The details

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Salary: £70,000–£82,000

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Contract: Fixed-term, to end of October 2027, Inside IR35 (managerial responsibilities)

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️ Location: London — Hybrid 2 days

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Start date: Ideally before late September, with some flexibility for the right candidate

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️ Interviews: Week commencing 31 August

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Interested, or know someone who'd be a great fit? Get in touch to find out more or send your CV direct to lauren@pulsegroupsolutions.com

Posted: August 24th, 2026