Product Strategy Manager Review
at Motability Operations
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Product Design
Thornbury, Gloucestershire
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I look at AI and emerging tech to identify opportunities to implement it for our internal product teams and users/customers. This involves market scanning, attending conferences, and collaborating with internal colleagues to elicit opportunities. I also focus on broader product strategy such as developing value frameworks (such as OKRs).
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I like the programme a lot. It's great to have the opportunity to develop myself, and even better to have ring-fenced time so I can do this in working hours. It has also been great to do this as part of a cohort, including people in other organisations, enabling us to learn from each other.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes - I've upskilled myself across the AI landscape, including learning about emerging and existing technologies (such as machine learning). I've also learned a lot about how to apply them appropriately. The course has served me very well in combining technology and process, all in order to deliver value to our organisation and customers.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It is organised very well with plenty of support available. Expectations (such as deadlines) are clear, and my coach is available whenever help is required. We also have scheduled group coaching sessions which enables us to request clarification (if needed), and to bounce ideas off each other. I rate this highly.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer has been fantastic. I book out time in my calendar to be able to complete module and work on other tasks such as async learning and project work. Our work culture promotes personal/professional development, and I've never felt any guilt about "stepping away from work" as part of the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
As mentioned earlier, the training provider has clearly taken time to put appropriate support mechanisms in place. There are scheduled sessions for support and it can also be requested on an ad-hoc basis. There are also online resources including a chatbot that can be used 24/7 for any questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It has helped a great deal based on the context of my role. I not only look at AI and emerging technologies, but also how to apply them in a responsible way to add maximum value. The qualification is broad and covers a 360 degree view of what's required to land solutions effectively in a business context.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are plenty of extra-curricular activities such as 5-a-side football, cadence based team outings, and professional networking events. My employer has enabled my attendance to multiple conferences (taking place over a number of days). This has allowed me to learn new skills and expand my professional network, ultimately strengthening me and adding more value to the business.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Motability Operations to a friend?
Yes
Why?
A great employer who treats staff with integrity and acts with social responsibility. The company is very customer focused, and staff are very much behind our mission. Staff engagement is high, and this is visible in the passion that people put into their work. Motability Operations is a place where you can grow, and ultimately make a difference to the lives of others.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Motability Operations?
Ensure that you understand why the organisation exists and the value that we add. There is a social responsibility with our organisation that is reflected in our culture and solutions that we deliver. We pride ourselves on putting the customer at the centre of everything, and any new entrants should understand the importance of this.
