Animal and Plant Health Agency
Product Owner
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Job Summary
Do you enjoy shaping digital products and services that support international trade and deliver lasting impact across government and industry?
Can you build strong partnerships with policy, technical, and external stakeholders to drive innovative solutions and improve ways of working?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice, and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.
We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
Job Description
We have an exciting opportunity for a Product Owner to join our Project Delivery and Portfolio Management team.
You will be working with a number of internal and external stakeholders, including industry bodies, non-government organizations, and other key delivery bodies. Your involvement today will contribute to policy, projects, and initiatives that will continue for years to come!
The role involves a wide range of work including, but not limited to, the following:
- Maintaining and building effective relationships with policy customer groups with an involvement in the EU-NI Borders and Trade programme
- Working closely with the Digital Programme Manager and Senior Product Manager and Subject Matter Experts within the programme and sharing responsibilities in the development of new ways of working
- Helping safeguard GB's reputation by supporting activity across work areas impacted by the Animals and Plants International Trade Platforms
- Supporting the design, development, and implementation of policy initiatives and reforms by undertaking an active role on project teams and working groups
- Working with the established team to support the development of new and fit-for-purpose Animal and Plants IT systems and processes that facilitate trade and satisfy the needs of importing countries and traders based in the UK
- Directly supporting the Digital Programme Manager and Senior Product Manager through managing their own responsibilities and workload efficiently to help facilitate and deliver changing priorities and demands
- Deputising for the Senior Product Manager in a holistic and effective capacity, where applicable
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Person Specification
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Experience of leading the development of operational change, project, or IT programmes
- Experience of gathering, analysing, and translating business requirements into clear product priorities and deliverable outcomes
- Ability to provide a quality service to customers and respond to changing demands and priorities
- Ability to manage performance targets and results across multiple work areas
- Experience of working with stakeholders and delivery partners
- Experience of delivering results across multiple work areas
- Experience of working within agile or digital delivery environments, managing priorities, and supporting continuous improvement
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Leadership
Salary and Benefits
Alongside your salary of £44,052, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £12,761 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Further Benefits Offered Also Include
- A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30
- An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role
- Access to a range of retail, travel, and lifestyle employee discounts
- Staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme
- Making it work for you - With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances
Learning and Development
Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work, and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning, and development plan tailored to you and your role.
In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support, and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA.
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Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, and Experience.
Stage 1
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:
- A CV submitted through an online tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobsite; there is no requirement to upload your personal CV
- A 750-word Personal Statement
- A Behaviour statement of 250-words for the lead Behaviour, Leadership, following the Behaviour criteria outlined in the Success Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UK framework for the grade of the role
Stage 2
Preparing for the interview
During the interview, you will be assessed on:
- Your previous experience relevant to the role requirements outlined in the advert
- The Behaviours specified in the Job Advert, following the Behaviour criteria outlined in the Success Profiles: Civil Service Behaviours - GOV.UK framework for SEO positions
- A selection of Strength-based questions related to the role requirements. Following the Success Profiles: Strengths - GOV.UK framework
The interview will follow a blended approach and will last approximately 60 minutes.
Eligibility
Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form.
Location
The post holder must work from one of the locations listed in the Location section of the advert.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Contact Point for Applicants
Job Contact
- Name: Recruitment Hub Team
- Email: recruitment.sdd@apha.gov.uk
Recruitment team
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 Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here
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