Product Owner

Job Summary Do you work in research planning, approvals, set‑up, or management and believe digital services can make these processes simpler, faster, and more connected? Are you excited by the idea of shaping tools that help researchers collaborate and deliver studies people can trust? If so, we want to hear from you. About The Role As a Product Owner, you'll lead agile teams to design and build digital products that support research regulation and approval systems across the UK. This role sits within our Research System Programme – a fast‑paced, iterative digital transformation programme developing services that will replace legacy systems. Programme Aims Connect processes for health and social care research in the UK Make the UK a great place to do research that people can trust Enable collaboration to plan, approve, set‑up, manage, and complete research Main Duties Leading agile delivery teams Translating user needs and business goals into deliverable outcomes Driving continuous improvement and innovation across products Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the research ecosystem What You’ll Bring We’re looking for someone with: Extensive knowledge of UK research regulation and health/social care research systems Strong analytical, strategic planning, and communication skills A collaborative mindset and ability to lead and coach others Resilience and adaptability in a fast‑paced agile environment A commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and continuous learning Why Join Us Be part of a transformative programme shaping the future of UK health and social care research Work in a supportive, collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth About Us Working at the HRA, we are reminded daily of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community. When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement – if it works for us, we will do our best to make it work for you. Job Details Date posted: 18 November 2025 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 8a Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year Contract: Fixed term Duration: 19 months Working pattern: Full‑time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours Reference number: 980-HRA7560276-A Job locations: HRA, Holland drive, Newcastle, NE2 4NQ Responsibilities Delivering HRA Approval, Supporting the Confidentiality Advisory Group and advising on the use of confidential patient information without consent, Working to refine the systems and processes researchers need to follow to ensure a swift, robust and simple experience, Providing guidance to applicants, Providing training, Working collaboratively with external partners to improve the research environment. Person Specification Essential Qualifications An appropriate recognised management qualification equivalent to a degree qualification and/or significant relevant equivalent experience. Evidence of agile and/or product management training or certification. Desirable Qualifications Evidence of continuous professional development / Post‑graduate qualification in relevant discipline. Product Owner Certification from a recognised provider / CDDO service assessor training / Agile Certification from a recognised provider / Professional/ Accredited qualification in Change Management Certification. Essential Knowledge, skills and expertise An extensive specialist knowledge of research regulation and approval systems in the UK, including a working knowledge of key legislation. Current, expert knowledge of UK ecosystem for health and social care research including NHS R&D, and NIHR structures and delivery processes. The product lifecycle and how products in different stages of it benefit from different design and development approaches. Professional standards and practices relevant to digital public health services (e.g. NHS Service Manual, Government Service Standard & Manual, Technology Code of Practice). Desirable Knowledge, skills and expertise Leading and coaching staff in ways of working, professional development and standards / Common technology standards – including software, security, privacy and accessibility standards / Contemporary organisational management practices / The wider private/public/third sector digital landscape – including public sector procurement and contracting frameworks or supplier management. Essential Experience Significant demonstrable experience and understanding of user‑centered design, technology and data perspectives. Significant experience of working within digital products and projects / Experience of developing and maintaining a product roadmap which is fit for purpose and meets organisational requirement. Desirable Experience User‑centred service design practices and methodologies for public‑facing, business‑facing or internal services and applications / Able to identify areas for improvement in ways of working and product management practices across a service areas and suggest and implement appropriate solutions. Essential Analytical and judgemental skills High level ability to understand and identify problems, analysing and helping to identify the appropriate solution. You can classify and prioritise problems, document their causes and implement remedies. Employment Details Employer: Health Research Authority. Address: HRA, Holland drive, Newcastle, NE2 4NQ. Website: https://www.hra.nhs.uk/ #J-18808-Ljbffr