Freelance Product Manager

Freelance Product Manager

While we may collect background information as part of the application, we review initial responses on a blind basis. This means we assess each answer independently, without visibility of your CV. Please include enough detail in each response so we can fairly understand your experience and approach.The hiring panel will not know who the responses are from and how they relate to other questions at the initial sifting stage.

We’re only able to consider applicants who already have the right to work in the UK on a self-employed or contract basis.

Scope of Services

You’ll help shape and deliver AI-enabled, evidence-informed products that support teachers and improve learning for pupils across England.

Oak National Academy is looking for an experienced Freelance Product Manager to work with our product team on a contract basis, starting as soon as possible until the end of March 2027.

🔧 What You’ll Be Doing

• Turning product strategy into well-scoped initiatives, shaped by user needs and evidence.
• Supporting the delivery of products using lean and agile ways of working.
• Strengthening feedback loops between users, teams and our products so we can keep learning and improving.
• Working with squads to prioritise activity and support delivery of impactful outcomes, aligned to shared goals (including OKRs and agreed timelines).
• Supporting the planning and delivery of product launches with colleagues across Oak.
• Building a strong understanding of users and their needs to identify opportunities to improve the experience and impact of Oak’s products.
• Helping to build understanding and confidence in Oak’s products across the organisation.
• Collaborating in cross-functional squads with colleagues from across Oak, as needed.
• Providing additional support to the Principal Product Manager where this is helpful and agreed.

🌱 What We’re Looking For

• Experience working in lean and agile environments, with confidence navigating ambiguity.
• A track record of defining initiatives and delivering impactful education technology products.
• Experience working closely with engineering teams.
• A strong technical understanding, with experience in software or web technologies.
• An understanding of web accessibility standards and inclusive design.
• The ability to work through complex problems and develop thoughtful, effective solutions.

Next steps

You’ll be asked to answer a small number of questions, including some based on your previous experience.

After the application deadline, responses will go through our sifting process. All answers are anonymised and reviewed independently by a panel.

If you’re shortlisted, we’ll invite you to a remote interview via Zoom.

We’re seeing a high level of interest in our freelance opportunities, and may close this opportunity early. If you’re considering applying, we’d encourage you to submit your application as soon as you can.