Data Product Owner | Circa £45,800 negotiable + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid
We're Hiring!
We’re looking for a Data Product Owner to support the expansion of our Data & Analytics offering. You’ll manage the product backlog, champion customer needs, and collaborate across teams to deliver high-value solutions. This is a strategic and hands-on role where your decisions will directly influence product success and customer satisfaction.
At Thatcham Research, we’re shaping the future of automotive safety, repair, and data innovation. As part of our Data & Analytics team, you’ll be at the heart of driving customer-focused data solutions that make a real impact.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the planning, prioritisation, and delivery of product roadmaps and backlogs.
- Translate customer needs into actionable development plans
- Champion product quality and customer value throughout the development lifecycle.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to define and deliver solutions.
- Identify opportunities for innovation through data, analytics, and systems.
- Be the go-to expert for your product set, supporting informed decision-making.
What You’ll Bring
Essential skills: (These are the essential skills or experience needed to succeed in this role)
- Demonstrated ability to own, prioritise, and clearly communicate a product backlog that transparently highlights the business value it delivers.
- Solid understanding of Agile methodologies, especially Scrum.
- Ability to write and prioritise effective user stories and acceptance criteria.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Proficiency in DevOps, Jira, Aha! or other Product Development toolsets.
- Ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Desirable skills: (We welcome applications from candidates that do not match these skills)
- CSPO certification.
- Skills in user story mapping and agile analysis techniques.
- Interest in the automotive or insurance sector.
About you
You have a strong grasp of Agile practices and a passion for delivering customer-focused data solutions. You understand the journey from Product Vision to a refined backlog. You’re into the details and enjoy anticipating and unblocking issues to empower the team to deliver. You are comfortable translating complex needs into clear user stories and collaborating across teams to drive innovation. Your communication skills are second to none, and you’re happy presenting ideas and solutions to stakeholders at all levels.
Did you know...
Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.
We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!
Perks & Benefits
Salary - Circa £45,800 negotiable dependent on skills & experience.
- 10% non-contributory pension
- 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
- Group Life Assurance (equal to 3 x basic salary)
- Group Income Protection (after 2 years’ service)
- Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
- Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
- Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
- Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)
- Reward & Recognition Programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Sports & Social club
- Payroll charitable giving
- Subsidised on-site restaurant
- Free on-site parking
When we work
Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously!)
How we work
We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration, and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.
What we do
At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.
Our active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and assistance technologies.
Our Values
As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.
Beyond our membership in the Automotive 30% Club, we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.
Recruitment process
We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.
What can you expect from our recruitment process?
- Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application
- An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner
- First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams
- Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)
- Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!
- An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above
We’re committed to removing invisible barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.
All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.
If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org