Head of Product

Are you an experienced IT Programme Delivery Manager / Head of Product with a background in Retail, looking for a role where it's not just about the opportunity to develop, but one where you’ll also be valued, rewarded and supported? One where your work will also have a real impact? We help people build things. Make things better. How good would it be to know that you’re part of that?

In this Head of Product role, you will report into the Director of Tech Delivery and be part of the Tech Delivery team within our newly restructured, product-led environment. At Wickes, the primary responsibility of a Head of Product is to lead the Tech Product Families and Tech Product Delivery Managers to facilitate the building & ongoing development and optimisation of products and may also facilitate the execution of programmes and projects in collaboration with the Senior Business Owner, multiple product owners, project partners/suppliers, and other stakeholders. The Head of Product will assume overall domain expertise for their respective product family, for this role its within our Stores estate.

We offer flexible hybrid working, with two - three days a week in our Head Office of Watford. With ambitious plans, time together will create a winning culture. Time in the business will unlock opportunities for impact. Time at home gives you a career that doesn’t put your life on hold. It’s the best of both worlds really.

The Role:

• Work with the Senior Business Owner, Product Owner and Product Delivery Manager to review and approve the Product Roadmap, ensuring it is realistic and achievable.
• Develop a clear understanding of, and contribute to, the overarching technology strategy in order to drive the tech roadmap, ensuring alignment with the overall Wickes business need.
• Work with the Product Delivery Manager and Product Owner to put in place clear communication plans to provide clear updates on progress and issues across the Product Family.
• Represent technical requirements within the broader business strategy, influencing business plans to accommodate the technology needs of the business.
• Establish clear relationships with Wickes preferred strategic vendors. Building strategic partnerships to influence vendor roadmaps.
• Collaboration is key with our engineering teams to ensure timely product delivery and resolve any issues during the development process, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• You will work with senior stakeholders and third parties to coordinate the delivery of innovative and effective technological solutions.

Does this sound like you?

• As an experienced IT Programme Manager / Head of Product, you will be delivering in a Retail environment or similar faced-packed customer focused organisation.
• You’ll demonstrate a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the Retail landscape, including its core systems and operational processes.
• Previous experience in a Engineering Head or similar role in product engineering role would be advantageous and also any UCP experience.
• You'll have good judgement, a sense of urgency and will have demonstrated commitment to high standards of ethics, regulatory compliance, customer service and business integrity.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate critical thinking abilities, possess strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, exhibit self-motivation, and maintain a high sense of urgency and professional integrity.
• You’ll have great interpersonal skills, demonstrating a capacity to cultivate and maintain robust professional relationships across all levels, as well as exhibiting strong persuasive and influencing skills.

What's in it for you?

Our strong family values and 'cornerstones' lie at the heart of the success of our journey. If matching your ambition to our culture is an exciting prospect, there's never been a better time to join us.

We’re a team. And teams work best together when they know and respect one another. Listen and learn from one another. So we offer a hybrid working model. Giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you.

We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:

• Competitive package including an annual bonus and car allowance
• 25 Days holiday plus bank holidays
• Contributory Pension and Life Assurance
• Flexible Hybrid working (2-3 days in Watford)
• Save-as-you-earn scheme
• Colleague discount
• Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme

Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause, and fertility support.

About Us:

We are a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 40 years in industry, we now generate revenue in excess of £1.5Bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.

We care for our people – and we look out for one another. Everyone has a voice. We’re ambitious, but we’re inclusive, supportive and down-to-earth with it. Anyone can build on their talent and expect our support to get on.

Please contact us here if you require any adjustments within the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage you will have an opportunity to inform us when we invite you to interview. Please note, this link is only for reasonable adjustments required - general enquiries, or direct CV applications cannot be accepted via this form.

Closing date for applications 6/7/2025