Head of Product Development

Openawards; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Openawards is seeking a Head of Product Development to lead the product lifecycle across various qualifications. This leadership role involves not only strategic management but also participating in day-to-day development tasks. The ideal candidate should have experience managing product teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to innovative product initiatives.

Qualifications

• Dynamic and experienced individual necessary to lead product development.
• Capability to manage a team and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of regulatory policies and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from conception to launch.
• Lead the product development team and ensure compliance with criteria.
• Stay informed on regulatory policies and market needs.

Job description

Status: Full-time (35 hours per week), permanent

Location: Hybrid (Liverpool-based Office) or Remote Working Considered

FUNCTION OF THE POST:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Product Development to lead our product development function at Open Awards for all qualification types, including End-point Assessment and technical qualifications, and non-regulated products. This pivotal role involves overseeing the entire product lifecycle, from conception to launch, ensuring that our portfolio meets market needs and drives business growth.

The role is responsible for leading the team, ensuring all developments are completed to the required standard and in line with agreed timelines/ deadlines (internal and external) and project objectives. Whilst this is a leadership role, there is an expectation that the role also contributes to the day-to-day activities required to meet the ambitious development plan at Open Awards.

• To provide strategic and operational management of product development, validation and revalidation activities, across regulated qualifications, controlled assessments, and non-regulated accreditation products.
• To lead the product development team to implement the product development operational plan, including being responsible for meeting deadlines and key performance indicators.
• To stay up to date with and provide guidance on regulatory policies, conditions and guidance and government policies (including funding) to inform Open Awards’ product development plans and processes.
• To be responsible for ensuring that all product development projects comply with Open Awards criteria, procedures and guidelines and meet regulatory requirements.
• To be responsible for ensuring that internal qualification and controlled assessment development and maintenance processes are fit for purpose.
• To support the planning and resourcing of new product and assessment opportunities.

A full job description and person specification, can be found here. The deadline for applications is 5pmMonday 18th August 2025.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please complete the application form together with a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria for the post (max two sides A4).

Completed forms should be returned to:

Heather Akehurst

Estuary Commerce Park, 17 De Havilland Drive, Speke, Liverpool, L24 8RN

Email application to: [e-mail]

We are truly 'Open' so get in touch if you would like to discuss anything or ask for advice.