Associate Product Owner

TRL Software is part of TRL, a global centre for innovation in transport and mobility. We design and deliver cutting-edge software solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability across transport networks worldwide.

We are looking for an Associate Product Owner to join our team. This role is suited to a recent graduate or postgraduate (MSc or PhD) from a civil engineering, transport, or related academic background who is keen to apply their skills in a commercial software environment. You will be an enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual ready to grow your career in product management. In this role, you will work closely with an experienced Senior Product Owner and cross-functional teams to help shape product requirements, prioritise the backlog, and represent the voice of the customer. You should be comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams, including product, design, engineering, and business stakeholders to ensure we build the right things - and build them well. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong academic foundation to build their interest in software product management. The role will suit an individual who is eager to learn, collaborate, and make a difference in a dynamic, agile environment.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Senior Product Owner to refine product strategies and roadmap initiatives

Define, prioritise, and maintain a clear and actionable product backlog

Write detailed user stories and acceptance criteria that translate customer needs into development-ready features

Participate in Agile ceremonies such as stand-ups, sprint planning, demos, and retrospectives

Support delivery by ensuring the team has a well-groomed backlog and proactively remove blockers

Contribute to market and user research, bringing insights into product planning and decisions

Assist in the creation of product-related content (user group material, blog posts, website content)

Engage with users to gather feedback and validate product improvements

Essential Requirements

Postgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering, or a related field

Exposure to the highways, transport, or other infrastructure domains (rail, utilities, energy).

Proven experience as a Product Owner, Business Analyst, or in a similar role within a commercial software product company, delivering solutions to external customers or clients.

Working knowledge of Agile software development and understanding of Agile methodologies and the software development lifecycle.

Ability to understand and represent user needs, supported by research and data.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Highly organised with strong attention to detail.

Analytical mindset with a willingness to learn technical concepts.

Desirable Experience

Experience using tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, Confluence, or similar

Familiarity with UX principles and data analysis

Hold a formal certification in Agile Product Ownership or Product Management (e.g., CSPO, SAFe POPM, or equivalent).

Why TRL?

This role can be based anywhere in the UK, with some travel expected. We support flexible working arrangements, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days' annual leave
• Matched pension
• Life assurance and income protection
• Healthcare cashback scheme
• Professional development and structured learning support

Join a mission-driven team delivering real-world innovation in mobility and transport.