Product Director - EdTech, Digital Learning

Role Overview

This organisation has progressed beyond proving its model and is now focused on scaling without sacrificing quality. The Product Director role is a leadership position responsible for building operational systems that ensure exceptional product scalability through the use of AI and efficient operational workflows. With direct reporting to senior leadership, you will oversee the Product Development function, shaping scalable operating models that support a growing program portfolio while elevating quality, speed, commercial performance, and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain operational infrastructure for program development, launch, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure product quality improvements enhance standards throughout the customer journey.
• Implement operational systems, tooling, and AI-driven workflows to boost efficiency and scalability.
• Drive launch readiness by minimizing friction and improving repeatability and execution without compromising quality.
• Coordinate cross-functional operating rhythms among Product, Technology, Delivery, Commercial, and Marketing teams.
• Create operational reporting systems, KPIs, and decision frameworks to facilitate ongoing improvement.
• Prioritize and deliver multiple strategic initiatives effectively.
• Establish scalable operating models supporting significant growth.
• Lead and develop the Product Development team fostering a culture of continuous enhancement.

Role Boundaries

• This role doesn't manage strategic business direction, learner delivery, or academic content design; rather, it focuses on operational systems underpinning these areas.

Measures of Success

• In the first 30 days: understand program operations, identify efficiency opportunities, and build strong leadership relationships.
• Within 90 days: spearhead improvements in launch readiness, implement scalable operational practices, and present strategic roadmaps for operations and AI integration.
• Within 180 days: achieve measurable improvements in operational KPIs, more predictable and scalable launches, embed AI in workflows, and reduce senior leadership's time spent on operational issues.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in developing products, operational systems, or platforms in rapidly scaling organisations.
• Forward-thinking mindset focused on building for future scalability.
• Strong combination of strategic insight and operational execution skills.
• Deep commitment to product quality and customer outcomes.
• High proficiency with AI tools integrated daily to support decisions, productivity, and innovation.
• Understanding that operational excellence accelerates commercial growth without unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Clear, confident communication with ability to influence cross-functionally.
• Enjoys high-paced, ambitious environments with minimal bureaucracy.
• Experience in digital learning, SaaS, technology, or marketplaces preferred but not required.

Not Suitable For

• Candidates preferring slow, highly structured, consensus-driven environments.
• Roles focused on academic curriculum design or direct learner delivery.
• Positions requiring large-scale people management—this role emphasizes systems and influence.

Benefits

• Collaborative, people-centered performance culture.
• Chance to shape a high-growth product function during a major growth phase.
• Flexible remote work within UK hours, including international collaboration.
• Professional growth opportunities within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Recruitment Process

• Application review by recruitment team and stakeholders.
• Initial 30-minute conversation to discuss role and fit.
• 60-minute leadership interview covering experience and contribution potential.
• 60-minute cross-functional stakeholder interview focusing on collaboration and problem-solving.
• 2-3 hour practical take-home assessment to simulate role challenges.
• Final discussions with senior leadership followed by offer for the selected candidate.

Additional Information

This role emphasizes operational leadership infused with AI to enable sustainable scaling of digital learning products without undermining quality or agility. It offers an impactful position for candidates passionate about transformational operational problem-solving in a fast-moving environment.