Product Lead (Data/Telco) - Reading (RG1)

The Opportunity

We're supporting a leading telecommunications organisation on a major data and digital transformation programme and are looking for an experienced Product Lead to join the team on an initial 6-12 month contract.

This role is focused on leading products within the data domain, driving the vision, strategy and delivery of data-driven capabilities that enable better customer experiences, operational efficiency and business decision-making.

Working within a mature Agile environment, you'll collaborate with engineering, architecture, data and business teams to define product roadmaps, prioritise backlogs and deliver scalable solutions.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in a high-profile transformation programme within one of the UK's largest telecoms environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the product vision, strategy and roadmap for data-focused products.
• Lead product discovery and prioritisation, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Own and manage the product backlog, working closely with Scrum teams throughout the delivery lifecycle.
• Partner with Engineering, Data Engineering, Architecture, Analytics and Business stakeholders to deliver high-value products.
• Translate business requirements into epics, features and user stories.
• Drive data-led decision making through customer insight, analytics and product performance metrics.
• Balance customer, commercial and technical priorities to maximise product value.
• Identify and manage delivery risks, dependencies and cross-functional initiatives.
• Champion Agile product management and Scrum best practices.
• Present product strategy, roadmap updates and delivery progress to senior stakeholders.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience as a Product Lead, Lead Product Manager or Senior Product Manager.
• Experience working within the telecommunications industry is essential.
• Strong experience delivering data products or products within a data-centric domain.
• Extensive experience working within Scrum and Agile environments.
• Experience working with Data Engineering, Data Architecture, Analytics and Technology teams.
• Proven track record of owning product strategy, roadmaps and prioritisation.
• Strong understanding of data-driven product development and product lifecycle management.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior business and technology leaders.
• Experience delivering products within large, complex enterprise transformation programmes.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with one or more of the following would be highly advantageous:
• Customer Data Platforms (CDP)
• Data Platforms & Data Lakes
• Business Intelligence & Analytics
• Customer Insights
• CRM
• Billing & Charging
• BSS / OSS
• Digital Channels & Self-Service
• APIs & Systems Integration
• Cloud Data Platforms (AWS, Azure or GCP)
• AI, Machine Learning or Advanced Analytics

Key Skills

• Product Strategy
• Product Roadmaps
• Scrum
• Agile Delivery
• Data Products
• Data Platforms
• Customer Data
• Analytics
• Product Discovery
• Backlog Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Digital Transformation
• Jira
• Confluence

Candidate Profile

We're looking for a Product Lead with a proven track record of delivering data-focused products within the telecommunications sector.

You'll be comfortable working in fast-paced Agile environments, leading Scrum teams and influencing stakeholders across both business and technology.

You'll combine strategic product thinking with a hands-on approach to delivery, using data and customer insight to shape product direction and deliver measurable business value.

If you have experience leading data products within a large telecoms organisation and thrive in collaborative, cross-functional teams, we'd like to hear from you.