Innovation Product Owner | Circa £47,200 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid

At Thatcham Research the data products we deliver really make a difference. From providing our insurer members with research intelligence into how an emerging piece of new vehicle technology may reduce accidents, to providing our repair customers with training and information enabling, safe, sustainable, repair to return vehicles back to pre-accident condition.

We’re now looking for an Innovation Product Owner to join our Product & Data team and help turn insight, technology and customer needs into high‑value products that deliver real benefit. If you enjoy owning a product vision, working in agile teams and being the link between customers, stakeholders and technical experts, this could be a great fit for you.

As an Innovation Product Owner, you’ll take ownership of a designated set of products, managing the end‑to‑end product roadmap and ensuring developments deliver meaningful value.

As the Innovation Product Owner, you’ll be responsible for:

• Creating, prioritising and maintaining product backlogs, including features and user stories

• Working closely with Product Managers, developers, data analysts and stakeholders to ensure sprints are planned and delivered effectively

• Acting as the product expert and decision‑maker, championing customer needs across the organisation

• Identifying new opportunities to enhance products through data, analytics and technology

• Balancing innovation with long‑term sustainability by monitoring technical debt

• Supporting go‑to‑market activity and clear communication around product developments

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

• We’re looking for someone who combines strong product thinking with excellent stakeholder engagement skills and a passion for building customer‑focused solutions.

• Proven experience as a Product Owner or Business Analyst in a similar environment

• A solid understanding of Agile delivery, including sprint mechanics, backlogs and roadmaps

• Experience writing clear, customer‑centric artifacts (epics, features, user stories and acceptance criteria)

• The ability to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical audiences

• Strong organisation, prioritisation and stakeholder management skills

• Experience working across the full software development lifecycle

Why join Thatcham Research?

• Play a key role in innovation and product development that supports a safer future

• Collaborate with knowledgeable, passionate teams across data, analytics and technology

• Work in an organisation that values learning, collaboration and continuous improvement

• Enjoy a supportive, inclusive culture where your ideas and expertise genuinely matter

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 £47,200 negotiable dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension

• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays

• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)

• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• 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 Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver 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 partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), 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 a Talent Acquisition 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

Check out our post on using AI during your application and interview!

We’re committed to removing 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 ⁠