The standard selection process for roles at GDS consists of:
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a simple application screening process - We only ask for a CV, cover letter of up to 750 words and answer 1 application question. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the person specification section above
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a 60 minute video interview which will include a presentation. Details of the presentation will be shared with invited candidates prior to the interview.
Depending on how many applications we get, there might also be an extra stage before the video interview, for example a phone interview or a technical exercise.
In the event we receive a high volume of applications, we will conduct the initial sift against the lead criteria which is: Please describe a time when you led product management within a multidisciplinary team, using agile and iterative delivery methods.
In the Civil Service, we use Success Profiles to evaluate your skills and ability. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, increases performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. Well be assessing your technical abilities, skills, experience and behaviours that are relevant to this role.
For this role well be assessing you against the following Civil Service Behaviours:
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making effective decisions
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working together
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seeing the bigger picture
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communicating and influencing
Well also be assessing your experience and specialist technical skills against the following skills defined in the Government Digital and Data Capability Framework for the Associate Product Manager role:
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Agile and Lean practices
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Product management
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Product leadership
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Stakeholder relationship management
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Applying user-centred insights
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Creating value for money
Want to know more about who Government Digital and Data are? Click Here
Recruitment Timeline
Virtual recruitment event: Friday 19th June at 12pm - 1pm
Sift completion: 2/7/26
Panel interviews: Starting from 9/7/26
Candidates that do not pass the interview but have demonstrated an acceptable standard may be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.
A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
Open Recruitment Session
To provide more information and context about GDS Local, we are holding an open recruitment session on the 19th June 2026, from 12:00 - 13:00. There will be a presentation followed by a Q&A Session. If you would like to be invited to the session, please email [email protected]
Sponsorship
DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.