Product Lead (Defence)

About the Role

The role entails working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including business analysts, product consultants, and delivery managers. You will be responsible for prioritizing requirements, managing scope, and ensuring that products meet the needs of stakeholders. Your expertise in agile delivery, software development, and product management will be essential in driving the success of the team.

Kainos is committed to creating a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions make a real difference. As a Product Lead, you will be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

What You Will Do

• Lead agile teams in the delivery of software products, ensuring quality and maturity
• Own the end-to-end product backlog, responsible for story quality and maturity
• Collaborate with delivery managers and solution architects to shape the approach to software delivery
• Work with business stakeholders to gather requirements, prioritize needs, and manage expectations
• Develop and implement product roadmaps, ensuring alignment with business objectives
• Lead the collaborative breakdown of goals into small pieces of value-delivering work
• Coach and mentor team members in agile techniques and best practices
• Manage and prioritize the product backlog, ensuring that it is up-to-date and reflects business needs
• Work with the wider team to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring that products are delivered on time and to budget
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including product and programme-level business stakeholders

What We Are Looking For

• Experience in bespoke software delivery, operating as part of an agile team working for an external customer
• UK Defence Industry experience, with a strong understanding of the industry and its needs
• Active SC clearance, with the ability to work on sensitive projects
• Proven experience in leading agile teams, with a strong understanding of agile principles and practices
• Experience in shaping the approach taken in a range of phases of the software development lifecycle
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience in negotiating with stakeholders and managing scope
• Experience in coaching and mentoring team members, with a focus on developing skills and capability
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders
• Experience in managing and prioritizing the product backlog, with a focus on delivering value to stakeholders

Nice to Have

• Experience in working with Workday solutions, with a strong understanding of the platform and its capabilities
• Knowledge of defence industry standards and regulations, with experience in working with sensitive projects
• Experience in leading teams remotely, with a strong understanding of remote working principles and practices

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package, with a focus on rewarding high performance
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, with a focus on driving innovation and collaboration
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a focus on creating a people-first culture
• Professional development opportunities, with a focus on developing skills and capability
• Flexible working arrangements, with the ability to work remotely and balance work and life commitments
• Access to a range of benefits, including health insurance, pension scheme, and paid time off

• Develop a strong understanding of agile principles and practices, with a focus on delivering value to stakeholders
• Build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your experience in leading agile teams and delivering software products
• Prepare to talk about your experience in shaping the approach taken in a range of phases of the software development lifecycle
• Be ready to discuss your experience in coaching and mentoring team members, with a focus on developing skills and capability
• Research the company culture and values, and be prepared to talk about how you can contribute to creating a people-first culture
• Practice your negotiation skills, with a focus on managing scope and prioritizing the product backlog