peopleworth · Manchester, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Operational systems · Scalable operating models · Continuous improvement · Operational execution · …
AI tools · Modern AI tools · AI integration · AI fluency · …
Product quality · Customer outcomes · Product Development function · Commercial growth · …
Strategic thinking · Decision making · Prioritised roadmap
Tooling · Build infrastructure · Execution speed
Remote working · UK hours
Line management
Launch readiness
Operational reporting
Scaling
Intro The organisation has reached an important inflection point. It has built a proven product, established strong market traction, and is entering its next phase of growth. The challenge is no longer proving the model. The challenge is scaling it without compromising quality. That is what this role is for. We are looking for a Product Director who thrives on building operational systems that enable exceptional products to scale. This is not a traditional product management role. It is a leadership opportunity for someone who thinks in systems, has exceptionally high standards, moves with pace, and sees AI as fundamental to how modern organisations should operate. Role Overview Reporting directly to senior leadership, the Product Director will lead the Product Development function responsible for the operational product layer supporting a rapidly growing programme portfolio. You will transform strategic vision into scalable operating models, build the infrastructure that enables sustainable growth, and ensure products continue to improve as the organisation expands. Your work will directly influence quality, execution speed, commercial performance, and the overall customer experience. This is a leadership role with line management responsibility for Product Development team members while working closely alongside peers responsible for learner delivery, commercial operations, technology, marketing, and partner success. Why This Opportunity? Few organisations reach the point where the product works, demand is growing rapidly, and the next challenge becomes building the operational engine capable of supporting the next stage of expansion. This organisation is there now. The ambition is significant. Growth is planned and measurable. Success will depend on creating systems that allow more products to launch, more efficiently, while continually raising quality rather than compromising it. This role exists because operational excellence is becoming one of the organisation's greatest competitive advantages. If you enjoy solving difficult operational problems, building for scale rather than today's requirements, and creating systems that enable people to do their best work, this is an opportunity to have genuine organisational impact. What You'll Own The operational infrastructure supporting programme development, launch and continuous improvement Product quality across the customer journey, ensuring every improvement raises standards rather than simply increasing speed Operational systems, tooling and AI enabled workflows that improve efficiency and scalability Launch readiness by reducing friction, increasing repeatability and improving execution without sacrificing quality Cross functional operating rhythms that align Product, Technology, Delivery, Commercial and Marketing teams Operational reporting, KPIs and decision making frameworks that support continuous improvement Prioritisation and execution across multiple initiatives, ensuring strategic objectives are translated into delivery Building scalable operating models capable of supporting significant future growth Developing and leading the Product Development team while coaching individuals and creating a culture of continuous improvement What You Won't Own Strategic business direction, which is established by senior leadership Learner facing delivery operations, which are led by a dedicated Learner Delivery Director Academic content, curriculum design or subject matter expertise Instead, your role is to ensure the operational systems supporting these functions are world class, scalable and continuously improving What Success Looks Like Within your first 30 days Develop a deep understanding of how programmes currently operate and where operational friction exists Build strong working relationships across leadership and key cross functional teams Identify the highest leverage opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and scalability Understand how AI is currently being used and where it can create significantly greater value Develop an informed perspective on what excellent operational product delivery should look like Within your first 90 days Lead operational improvements that measurably improve launch readiness and execution Introduce scalable operating practices that improve consistency across programmes Present a prioritised roadmap for product operations, tooling and AI integration Become the trusted operational leader colleagues turn to when complex challenges arise Within your first 180 days Operational performance is improving across measurable KPIs Launches become faster, more repeatable and more predictable AI is embedded meaningfully into operational workflows rather than used as a standalone tool The Product Development function is enabling the organisation to scale confidently without compromising quality Senior leadership spends significantly less time resolving operational issues and more time focusing on strategic growth Requirements Who We're Looking For You have successfully built products, operational systems or platforms within fast growing organisations You naturally think several stages ahead and build for future scale rather than today's requirements You combine strategic thinking with exceptional operational execution You have a strong product mindset and care deeply about customer outcomes and quality You are highly AI fluent and already use modern AI tools daily to improve decision making, productivity and innovation You understand that operational excellence exists to accelerate commercial growth, not create unnecessary process You communicate clearly, make decisions confidently and influence across functions without relying on hierarchy You enjoy working in ambitious, fast moving environments where expectations are high and bureaucracy is low Experience within digital learning, SaaS, technology, marketplaces or another rapidly scaling environment would be advantageous but is not essential This Role Is Not This role is unlikely to suit someone who prefers highly structured, consensus driven organisations where change happens slowly It is not focused on curriculum design, academic leadership or learner delivery It is not a large people management position. Success comes from influencing across functions, improving systems and enabling others to perform at their best If you are excited by solving operational complexity, challenging conventional approaches, embracing AI, and continuously raising standards, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact Benefits Collaborative, people centred performance culture Opportunity to shape a high growth product function during a pivotal stage of organisational growth Flexible remote working within UK hours with international collaboration Professional development within an ambitious, fast paced environment Our Recruitment Process We run a fast, transparent recruitment process designed to help both you and us determine whether this is the right opportunity. We value your time and aim to keep every stage purposeful, engaging and efficient. Application Review Every application is reviewed by our recruitment team and hiring stakeholders Introductory Conversation A 30 minute conversation to discuss the opportunity, your experience, and mutual fit Leadership Interview A 60 minute interview with senior leadership, exploring your experience, approach, and how you would contribute to the organisation's growth Cross Functional Interview A 60 minute discussion with key stakeholders from across the organisation to explore collaboration, leadership style, and problem solving Practical Assessment A focused take home exercise designed to reflect the challenges of the role. We ask candidates to allow approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete the assessment Final Conversation and Offer A final discussion with senior leadership followed by an offer for the successful candidate Throughout every stage, we believe in clear communication, timely feedback, and a professional candidate experience. 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