Principal Product Manager
Job description
South Cambridgeshire District Council has created a new Digital Delivery Service to lead the delivery of our Technology Strategy, improve the customer journey, and ensure residents and businesses can access simpler, faster and more human digital services.
We are looking for a Principal Product Manager to join this new team at an exciting time of change. This is a key leadership role, shaping the design and continuous improvement of our digital products and services.
About the role
As Principal Product Manager, you will:
* Lead on the vision, strategy, and delivery of digital products that support service transformation, efficiency and improved customer outcomes.
* Work with senior stakeholders, service leads and ICT colleagues to define product roadmaps and ensure alignment with the Council's Technology Strategy and Digital Roadmap.
* Champion user-centred design, ensuring our products are accessible, inclusive and meet resident needs.
* Prioritise work based on evidence, data, and impact, balancing resident experience with efficiency and value for money.
* Provide direction, coaching and support to colleagues in the Digital Delivery Service and wider council.
* Act as an advocate for digital ways of working, building strong partnerships across services and with external suppliers.
About you
We are looking for someone who can bring:
* Substantial experience in digital product management or a related role, ideally within complex organisations.
* A track record of delivering successful digital products or platforms, from discovery through to live service management.
* Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and collaborate across boundaries.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, using evidence and data to drive decisions.
* A passion for improving local government services and the lives of residents through digital innovation.
Relevant qualifications in digital, technology, or project management (e.g. ITIL, Agile, Prince2, or equivalent experience) are desirable.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of local government digital services at a pivotal moment, as we prepare for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and respond to the opportunities offered by emerging technologies such as AI.
You will be part of a collaborative and forward-looking council that is ambitious about digital, committed to continuous improvement, and focused on delivering better outcomes for residents and businesses.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the online application form via our recruitment portal. Please ensure your supporting statement demonstrates how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Sonia Constant.
South Cambridgeshire District Council is a four-day week employer. We expect our colleagues to get 100% of their work done, in around 85% of their contracted hours, for 100% of their pay. All Council staff will be able to opt-in to this way of working under a Productivity Policy. We are a four-day week employer as it helps us attract and keep talented colleagues and improves services by reducing our reliance on costly agency workers. It also supports improved health and wellbeing.
Closing date: 9am 6 October 2025
Interview date: Week commencing 20 October 2025