Lead the launch of the UK's first Refugee Employment Marketplace and help transform how displaced people connect with jobs, employers and employment support. This is a remote, home-based role for candidates currently based in Wales.
The Refugee Employment Network (REN) is the UK's national network dedicated exclusively to refugee employment. We bring together employers, charities, local authorities, government and refugee-led organisations to improve employment outcomes and create a more inclusive labour market.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Digital Product Lead to lead the implementation, rollout and continuous improvement of the Refugee Employment Marketplace and wider digital systems across the Refugee Employment Network.
The Refugee Employment Marketplace is a digital platform connecting displaced people in the UK with jobs, employers and employment support.
Working closely with developers, partners and users, you will help ensure the Marketplace is successfully implemented, accessible, adopted and scaled across Wales and the wider REN network. We're looking for someone who enjoys turning ideas into practical solutions, building partnerships and using digital to create social impact.
Purpose of the Role and Key Responsibilities
1. Digital Product Development & Delivery
· Lead the implementation, customisation and continuous improvement of the Refugee Employment Marketplace to meet REN’s organisational goals and user needs.
· Work with external platform providers and developers to coordinate product delivery, customisation, timelines and ongoing improvements.
· Build and maintain project plans, documentation and delivery processes to support successful implementation and rollout.
· Coordinate platform testing, user feedback and troubleshooting to improve functionality, accessibility and user experience.
· Support the integration of REN’s wider digital systems, including website and CRM.
2. Co-design & Partnerships
· Convene and coordinate REN’s Digital Advisory Group to inform the design and continuous improvement of the Refugee Employment Marketplace.
· Facilitate focus groups, user testing and feedback sessions with refugees, employers, charities, local authorities and employment advisers to improve platform design, accessibility and user experience.
· Ensure experts by experience are meaningfully involved in shaping and testing the platform.
3. Platform Rollout, Training & User Support
· Lead the rollout and adoption of the Refugee Employment Marketplace across Wales and the wider REN network.
· Develop onboarding processes, training and guidance materials to support effective use of the platform.
· Act as the first point of contact for user support, including account setup, login support, troubleshooting and user journey guidance.
4. CRM, Website & Digital Infrastructure Management
· Lead the scoping, procurement and implementation of a new CRM system
· Oversee the integration and continuous improvement of REN’s website and wider digital systems to ensure they are integrated and accessible.
5. Data, Reporting & Digital Compliance
· Lead on data protection, GDPR compliance and digital security across REN’s digital platforms and systems.
· Maintain accurate, secure and effective data management practices, including user records, permissions and data quality.
6. Marketplace Growth, Sustainability & Impact
· Build relationships with employers, industry bodies and strategic partners to grow platform adoption, secure opportunities and strengthen the value proposition of the Marketplace.
· Support the matching of displaced talent to jobs, opportunities and employment support, including manual interventions where needed to improve outcomes and user experience.
· Track and report on employment outcomes, employer engagement and platform impact to inform growth, improvement and sustainability.
Person Specification
We recognise that no candidate is likely to meet every criteria listed below. We encourage applications from people who can demonstrate the skills, knowledge and potential to succeed in this role, even if they have gained their experience in different sectors, countries or through voluntary, community or lived experience.
We welcome transferable skills and experience gained through paid work, voluntary roles, community leadership or lived experience, in the UK or internationally.
Essential
Digital Product & Project Management
· Experience managing or supporting the development, implementation, rollout and continuous improvement of digital products, platforms or technology-enabled projects.
· Experience managing external developers, contractors or digital suppliers to deliver digital products or systems.
· Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to work independently, use initiative and manage competing priorities.
·Ability to support the implementation and adoption of new digital products, platforms or systems.
Partnerships & Training
·Currently based in Wales, with the ability to build relationships and engage with employers, partners and stakeholders across the country.
· Strong relationship-building skills, with experience developing partnerships and growing engagement with employers, charities, government or sector organisations to support the adoption and growth of a digital product, platform, project or service.
·Ability to facilitate workshops, focus groups or training sessions to support the adoption of digital tools or systems, or equivalent transferable experience.
·Ability to communicate digital information clearly to non-technical audiences through training, onboarding and user support.
Digital Systems & User Support
· Experience developing, managing or supporting digital platforms, CRM systems, websites or other online tools.
· Ability to provide day-to-day user support, including onboarding, troubleshooting and helping users engage confidently with digital platforms.
· Understanding of user-centred design, accessibility and digital inclusion.
Data and Compliance
· Experience using data, analytics or reporting to inform digital improvements and decision-making.
· Understanding of GDPR, data protection and digital security best practice.
Values & Commitment
· Commitment to REN’s mission and passion for improving refugee employment outcomes, equity and inclusion.=
Desirable
· Lived experience as a refugee, asylum seeker, displaced person or migrant, or direct experience of the UK immigration or asylum system.
· Experience of CRM procurement, implementation or data migration.
· Knowledge of refugee employment barriers and the wider migration or asylum landscape in the UK.
Equity and inclusion at the Refugee Employment Network
The Refugee Employment Network values equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and we encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity status, or socio-economic background.
We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we work with. We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as experts by experience and recognise the valuable insight that lived experience of forced displacement, migration and the UK asylum and immigration system brings to our work. Please note that candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
We respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the application or interview process unless they wish to do so.
How to apply
Application, CV and Cover Letter
To apply, please complete the application Type form by 5pm on Sunday, 9 August. You will be asked to upload your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) when completing the Typeform application. Link in the JD.
In your cover letter, please outline how you meet the criteria listed above and how your experience is relevant to the role. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the requirements listed in the person specification. We value experience from both paid and voluntary roles, in the UK or overseas, and encourage you to demonstrate your passion for the role, as well as the unique perspectives and skills you bring.
Registered Charity 
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The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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Application notes
Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.
To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.
If you need assistance with downloading the pack or any reasonable adjustments to ensure you can engage with the selection process, please contact THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.
Closing date for applications: Midnight Tuesday 21st July
There will be a two-stage interview process:
Stage 1 interviews: 30th July
Stage 2 interviews: 5th August
