Whitbread
Product Lead
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This is an FTC till August 2027
At Whitbread, we're transforming the technology that powers some of the UK's most recognised hospitality brands. We're looking for an experienced Product Lead to take ownership of Opera, one of the most critical systems within our Hotels & Restaurants business, on a maternity cover basis.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded product professional who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on product ownership, working across technology, operations, finance and commercial teams to deliver meaningful business outcomes.
Role: Product Lead
Contract Type: FTC
Location: Whitbread Court, Dunstable (3 days hybrid)
Salary: £62,000 - £67,000 depending on experience.
Why You’ll Love It Here
- Healthcare: Family BUPA healthcare
- 10% matched pension
- Discounts: Up to 60% discount on Premier Inn stays and 25% discount on our Restaurant brand
- Annual Incentive of up to 20% Bonus
Check out all our benefits here: https://www.whitbreadcareers.com/about-us/benefits/
What You’ll Be Doing
As Product Lead, you'll be the day-to-day owner of Opera, translating business strategy into a clear product backlog, delivery roadmap and prioritised outcomes. You'll work closely with engineering, architecture, service and change teams to ensure products are delivered effectively and continue to evolve in line with business needs. This role requires someone who can balance operational priorities with long-term product thinking while driving value across a complex stakeholder landscape.
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You'll act as the primary point of contact for a broad range of stakeholders across the business, building strong relationships and influencing decisions at all levels. Working alongside Product Leads, Technical Product Managers and technology specialists, you'll help shape future product direction, manage dependencies, oversee prioritisation and ensure successful adoption of new capabilities.
What You’ll Need
- Proven experience in a Product Management or Product Ownership role, with responsibility for managing product backlogs and delivering outcomes within complex technology environments.
- Strong expertise in Opera, with the ability to act as the business owner and subject matter expert for a critical operational platform.
- Ability to translate product strategy into clear roadmaps, prioritised backlogs and practical delivery plans that create business value.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience influencing senior leaders and building relationships across technology, commercial, finance and operational teams.
- Strong understanding of backlog management, prioritisation, agile delivery and working closely with engineering, change and service teams to deliver successful outcomes.
- Hospitality experience is highly desirable, particularly within hotel operations, although candidates from other customer-facing, multi-site environments will also be considered
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We believe that everyone is unique and there should be no barriers to entry and no limits to ambition. We are committed to being an inclusive organisation that values diversity and welcomes your application whatever your background or situation.
Under-represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities & members of the LGBTQIA+ community (those who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans and non-binary or those who use a different LGBTQIA+ term), are strongly encouraged to build a career with us. Speak to us about workplace adjustments, part-time and flexible working. Where possible we will support this.
Job ref: 198713-4492
Advertised: 31 Jul 2026
Application closed: 15 Aug 2026
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