Alby Atkinson
Buxton,United Kingdom
Summary
Experienced Product Manager with over 8 years in product, technology, and business transformation, and 20+ years in digital delivery across public and private sectors. Proven success in leading cloud-based product development, defining digital strategies, and managing full product lifecycles from concept to sunset. Completed a Level 3 Software Developer Apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience in the SDLC from both product and engineering perspectives.
Skilled in agile methodologies, stakeholder engagement, UX and service design, and cross-functional team leadership. Adept at delivering scalable, secure, and user-centric cloud software solutions. Recognised for high performance and impact, with multiple awards and leadership roles across multidisciplinary teams.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Product Manager II
IRIS Software Group
Manchester
05.2024 - 08.2025
- Own product strategy and delivery for IRIS Elements Core/Client Management and the technical platform
- Lead agile teams to deliver scalable cloud-native solutions for accountancy firms
- Prioritise features that enhance developer experience, system interoperability, and customer value
- Ensure platform services meet security, compliance, and reliability standards
- Collaborate across our customer base, engineering, UX, content, and commercial teams to align product vision with business goals
- Hybrid
Lead Product Owner
IRIS Software Group
Manchester
09.2019 - 05.2024
- Led product ownership across multiple teams in the IRIS Elements Programme, including Anti-Money Laundering, Practice Management, Company Secretarial, user onboarding, and greenfield platform development
- Delivered enhancements to IRIS Elements, a cloud-native accountancy platform supporting regulatory change and client demands
- Managed backlog grooming, sprint planning, and release coordination across distributed teams
- Advocated for customer-centric design and continuous feedback loops
Product Owner
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Stockport
01.2016 - 09.2019
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver new Content Management System pipelines and corporate websites
- Defined product visions, roadmaps, and MVPs using agile and human-centred design principles
- Managed stakeholder workshops, backlog prioritisation, and end-to-end delivery
- Oversaw service design, UX, and content teams, fostering a collaborative agile culture
Digital Content Manager
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Stockport
06.2014 - 01.2019
- Managed open data projects, SharePoint, and document management systems
- Led procurement and upgrade of secure digital platforms handling sensitive data
- Delivered scalable digital solutions across multiple services
Online Communications Manager
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Stockport
10.2002 - 06.2014
- Directed strategy for web, intranet, social media, and digital TV platforms
- Implemented CMS architecture and responsive design, improving mobile engagement
- Introduced analytics-driven strategies and dynamic content services
Commonwealth Games Coordinator
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Stockport
04.2001 - 03.2003
- Delivered integrated marketing campaigns for Manchester 2002 Games
- Achieved national recognition for community engagement and support
Physical Fitness Instructor
Royal New Zealand Air Force
11.1989 - 01.2001
- Delivered physical training and adventure education for military personnel
- Managed team operations and budgets in later years of service
Education
GCSEs (NZ equivalent) - Economics, History, English, Maths, Science
Hornby High School
Christchurch, New Zealand 01.1985 - 03.1988
Skills
- Jira and Confluence
- Aha! and Whimsical
- Miro and MURAL
- Figma expertise
- Microsoft Office Suite
- GitHub and Bitbucket
- TeamCity proficiency
- Google Tag Manager skills
- Video recording tools knowledge
- AWS basics
- Project management certification
- Technical proficiency
- Feedback evaluation skills
- User experience design insight
- Software development understanding
- Product lifecycle mastery
- User interface design skills
- CRM software usage knowledge
- Prioritization expertise
- Product launch execution skills
- Agile methodology familiarity
- Stakeholder prioritisation skills
- Customer empathy understanding
- Google Analytics knowledge
- Customer engagement strategies
- Product lifecycle management skills
- Outstanding communication abilities
- Market research techniques knowledge
- Customer journey mapping skills
- Metrics monitoring expertise
- Initiative taking ability
- Resilience under pressure skills
Certification
- Level 3 Software Development Technician – Institute of Apprentices and Technical Education
- BCS Level 3 Certificate in Programming
- BCS Level 3 Certificate in Software Development Context and Methodologies
- Product Management Principles – Chartered Institute of Marketing
- AgilePM Practitioner & Foundation – APMG International
Additional information
- Notice Period: 1 month
- Driving Licence and Car: Yes
- Eligibility: Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
Timeline
Product Manager II
IRIS Software Group
05.2024 - 08.2025
Lead Product Owner
IRIS Software Group
09.2019 - 05.2024
Product Owner
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
01.2016 - 09.2019
Digital Content Manager
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
06.2014 - 01.2019
Online Communications Manager
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
10.2002 - 06.2014
Commonwealth Games Coordinator
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
04.2001 - 03.2003
Physical Fitness Instructor
Royal New Zealand Air Force
11.1989 - 01.2001
GCSEs (NZ equivalent) - Economics, History, English, Maths, Science
Hornby High School
01.1985 - 03.1988
Similar Profiles
Jack LamymanJack Lamyman
Software engineer at IRIS Software groupSoftware engineer at IRIS Software group
James Rose SebrightJames Rose Sebright
Communications Business Partner at IRIS Software GroupCommunications Business Partner at IRIS Software Group
Mrinal SinhaMrinal Sinha
Senior Software Engineer at IRIS Software GroupSenior Software Engineer at IRIS Software Group
IDAYAT YETUNDE ADESINAIDAYAT YETUNDE ADESINA
Support worker at Fitzroy SupportSupport worker at Fitzroy Support
Janice GuyJanice Guy
Principal Teacher ASN at South Lanarkshire CouncilPrincipal Teacher ASN at South Lanarkshire Council