The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health. UKHSA’s remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation’s expert national health security agency UKHSA will: Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities. Job overview As a Senior Product Manager – HPC & AI within the Digital Development & Operations team (part of the Chief Data Officer Group), you will own the vision, strategy and delivery of UKHSA’s high-performance computing (HPC), research-computing and artificial-intelligence capabilities. Partnering with scientists, modellers, engineers, AWS/NVIDIA specialists and cross-government stakeholders, you will translate complex analytical, and compute needs into a clear product roadmap that accelerates public-health insight while meeting the Government Digital Service (GDS) standards. You will lead discovery, alpha and live phases, build robust business cases and prioritise epics, stories and technical debt to maximise value, speed and security. Owning the product backlog, you will balance short-term operational requirements with longer-term innovation, ensuring efficient use of cloud and on-premise HPC resources, sustainable licensing and resilient support models. Acting as the single point of accountability for HPC & AI services across their full lifecycle, you will secure stakeholder buy-in, track benefits realisation, manage supplier relationships and champion data-protection and cyber-safety considerations. Your leadership will enable UKHSA to run advanced simulations, genomic pipelines and AI-driven surveillance at scale, helping the Agency protect the nation’s health through faster, more accurate evidence. Advert The Digital and Directorate has primary responsibility for scientific computing and research computing services and support. The key functions of the Digital Development and Operations unit are to provide and support such platforms required by the staff of The UK Health Security Agency, and to provide the technical capabilities to enable public health services, both within the Organisation and between the Organisation and its customers and stakeholders. The role will be responsible to the Head of HPC and is part of the HPC/SRE/AI & research computing unit whose remit is to: Architect, develop & manage multi-cloud HPC platforms and on-premise infrastructure Ensure services are highly available, scalable and resilient. Managing performance, capability and capacity planning. Support UKHSA's AI requirements Working for our organisation We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Detailed job description and main responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities Own the end-to-end product lifecycle for HPC, research computing, and AI services, from strategy to delivery Develop and manage roadmaps, delivery plans, and prioritised backlogs aligned with agency objectives Lead multidisciplinary agile teams to deliver new and iterated services that meet user and scientific needs Collaborate with service owners, stakeholders, engineers, analysts, and vendors to define and deliver effective, secure solutions Use your technical understanding (e.g. HPC, AI, research computing) to translate complex requirements and support risk-based decisions Conduct and interpret user research to shape product direction and ensure solutions are user centred Coordinate the HPC and AI Community of Practice and align recurring initiatives to member needs Track sector developments in HPC, predictive/ML and generative AI to inform strategic planning Develop stakeholder relationships across UKHSA to build support, influence prioritisation, and ensure shared ownership of delivery Promote agile, digital ways of working and contribute to UKHSA’s corporate objectives, governance processes, and best practice sharing Role Purpose The Senior Product Manager – HPC & AI owns the vision, strategy and continual improvement of UKHSA’s high-performance computing (HPC), research-computing and artificial-intelligence capabilities. Working within the Digital Development & Operations (DDO) team and reporting to the Head of Product & Delivery, you will translate complex scientific and analytical needs into a clear product roadmap, secure stakeholder commitment, and lead multi-disciplinary agile teams through discovery, alpha, beta and live phases. Your leadership ensures that scalable, secure and cost-effective compute services accelerate modelling, genomic analysis and AI-driven surveillance that protect the nation’s health. Key Responsibilities Own the product lifecycle for HPC, research-computing and AI services, from strategy and business-case creation to live operation and retirement Develop and maintain the product roadmap, prioritising epics, stories and technical debt to maximise user and organisational value Lead multi-disciplinary agile teams (engineering, data science, UX, security, commercial) to deliver new capabilities and iterate existing ones Conduct and interpret user research with scientists, modellers and operational staff to shape product direction and service design Translate complex technical requirements into user-centred features, balancing cloud, on-premise and hybrid HPC architectures Manage commercial relationships (e.g. AWS, NVIDIA, colocation providers), licensing models and contract performance, ensuring value for money Coordinate the HPC & AI Community of Practice, aligning initiatives and knowledge-sharing to member priorities Monitor sector innovations in GenAI, ML, accelerator hardware and orchestration technologies; feed insights into strategic planning Establish and track KPIs/OKRs, using qualitative and quantitative data to evidence performance, benefits realisation and continuous improvement Champion GDS Digital Service Standards and agile, product-led ways of working across UKHSA, providing coaching where required Lead risk-based decision-making on security, resilience and data-protection aspects of HPC and AI solutions Report progress, risks and financials to senior governance boards and ensure alignment with the CDO Group’s strategic objectives Additional Clauses The post aligns with the GDaD Product Management profession and the Government Digital Service (GDS) delivery approach Appointment is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks; SC clearance may be required for certain datasets The role holder must adhere to all UKHSA policies, contribute to corporate objectives, and support cross-cutting service-improvement activities as required Essential Role Criteria Proven ability to conduct user research and gather technical/business requirements, translating complex computing concepts into accessible language A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, engineering, product management, or another STEM discipline is expected Demonstrated experience managing complex technical backend products and collaborating effectively with engineering teams Strong understanding of HPC, cloud-based and on-premises compute architectures (or closely related research-computing environments) Track record of applying GDS Digital Service Standards (or equivalent) to digital products or services Ability to develop and maintain long-term product visions and roadmaps that evolve platform capability with organisational needs Stakeholder-engagement expertise, securing senior buy-in and sustaining relationships across technical and non-technical domains Hands-on agile delivery experience and the ability to instil agile mind-sets in multi-disciplinary teams User-focused approach, leveraging insights to prioritise needs and shape service design Comprehensive lifecycle perspective, guiding teams through discovery, alpha, beta and live Experience of operational management for live digital services, including support and continuous improvement Skilled in problem ownership—identifying issues, analysing options and leading teams to effective solutions Ability to define, track and act on KPIs/OKRs that evidence product success Demonstrated product-led leadership and active contribution to product-management communities of practice Proven capability to manage uncertainty and validate scope against current and future value Experience setting strategic product visions and focusing teams on desired outcomes, not pre-defined solutions Desirable Role Criteria Willingness to travel to UKHSA hubs for workshops, stakeholder engagement and on-site delivery support Selection Process Details Stage 1: Application & Sift This vacancy is using Success Profiles. At sift stage you will be assessed against the 16 essential skills listed in the job advert. You will be required to complete an: • Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) • (up to 1000 number of words) word supporting statement. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV) Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria We will take piles "Meets all essential criteria" through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large amount of applications, we will sift on: Proven ability to conduct user research and gather technical/business requirements, translating complex computing concepts into accessible language Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a remote interview. Interviews will take place mid to late January. Specific dates will be provided ahead of your interview. This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles. During the interview we will assess you against the below: Behaviours: Managing a Quality Service Working together Changing and improving Delivering at pace Strengths Previous Skills and Experience You will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10 minute presentation. The topic will be about HPC, cloud-based and on-premises compute architectures (or closely related research-computing environments). Further details will be provided prior to the interview. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Additional Information Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement: Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. If based at one of our scientific campuses - the level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check. Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at either one of our core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool or London) or one of our scientific campuses (Colindale or Porton Down). We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) working at one of the above locations. Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Salary Information If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location Grade 7 £56,185- £66,581 (National) £58,340- £68,574 (Outer London) £60,494- £70,566 (Inner London) IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Link below: Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks. 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 For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window) For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment. For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary. For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy. Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment. Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered. 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 equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. 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 UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here. Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list. The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available. Interview expenses will not be reimbursed. UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there. Any move to UKHSA 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. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. Benefits of working at UKHSA include: Generous annual leave: -26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service -28 days after 5 years of continuous service -32 days after 10 years of continuous service -Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions. Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving. Access to a retail discounts and cashback site. We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing. We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package. Hybrid Working UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home. Disability Confident Scheme The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview. If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form. Reasonable Adjustments The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should: Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs. You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/ International Police Check If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and could be time accrued over that period. Internal Fraud check If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service. Security Vetting Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels Future location UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK. The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.