Director of Product, Publishing & Journalism

GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media organization seeks a Director of Product, Publishing & Journalism to shape the future of news through innovative product strategies. This role involves collaborating with senior newsroom leaders and developing core platforms that engage audiences globally. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in product management within news media, a strong understanding of user-centered design, and the ability to lead diverse teams effectively.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Generous pension scheme

Volunteering days

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Extensive senior product management experience in news media.
• Strong technical acumen and understanding of generative AI.
• Experience in evidence-based product development.

Responsibilities

• Develop product strategies that drive reader engagement.
• Collaborate with senior editors on product development.
• Hire and coach talented teams for product innovation.

Skills

Product Management

User-Centered Design

Analytical Skills

Communication

Job description

Director of Product, Publishing & Journalism

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth, and fostering an inclusive culture.

This is a critical moment for news media. The acceleration of AI and machine learning, shifts in content formats, changes in how people consume information, and a global appetite for trusted, purposeful journalism mean that the Guardian has to constantly evolve the way it tells stories and serves its audiences.

As Director of Product, Publishing and Journalism, you will enjoy the rare opportunity to shape this future. You’ll be responsible for the core platforms, products, and experiences that empower our journalists and engage our readers, viewers, and listeners globally – working in close partnership with senior newsroom leaders.

Reporting to the Chief Product Officer in this new role, you will partner with colleagues in our newsroom and across the Guardian to develop strategies that prize editorial distinctiveness and innovation. You will lead a set of diverse, talented teams responsible for our core products: theguardian.com, one of the world’s most visited news websites, and our app, which currently has the best app store rating in the market.

About the Role

• You’ll develop product strategies that prize editorial distinctiveness and innovation and drive increased reach and reader engagement.
• Collaborate with senior editors to align product development with editorial priorities.
• Establish processes that see ideas through from tooling to the front end and ensure the application of effective product methodologies that maximize team impact.
• Ensure your teams have a deep understanding of our audiences’ needs and of how Guardian products can play a meaningful role in our audience’s lives.
• Demonstrate your expertise in new technologies, especially the role that AI can play in improving workflows and transforming user experiences.
• Define and monitor transparent metrics to track progress and impact.
• Hire and coach the best talent and lead in their professional development, including the use of new technologies.
• Collaborate with the CPO and other product directors to refine and execute the overarching product strategy, aligning it with the company’s long-term vision and business goals.

About You

• You have extensive senior product management experience in news media.
• You see the bigger picture: your knowledge of trends in journalism, evolving consumer behaviors, and the broader technology landscape means you are uniquely equipped to define and communicate a compelling product vision that aligns with the Guardian’s strategy.
• You live and breathe evidence-based product development: you have a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies, as well as strong analytical skills and experience using data to inform product decisions.
• You display strong technical acumen: you understand technical concepts, including the risks and opportunities associated with generative AI, and work effectively with software engineers.
• You can show how you set targets and track progress against them in transparent, measurable ways and can demonstrate experience of accelerating product development cycle times.
• You have proven experience of successfully coaching and developing your team members.
• You are an outstanding communicator with exemplary soft skills, with a track record of building trusted relationships with editors and other stakeholders across functions and stakeholder groups.

We actively encourage applications from candidates who are Black, Asian, minority ethnic, or from other groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard, and they can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Many of our staff work flexibly, and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

How to Apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter outlining why you’d love to take on this role and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for.

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 13th May 2025.

All roles at the Guardian are open to everyone. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process. Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to support your application, including accessible document formats or personalized support. Contact Anna Vipers at [e-mail] to discuss further.

Benefits and Policies at the Guardian

You’ll have 30 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5%, we contribute 8-12% depending on your age. Employees are given 2 volunteering days annually, and options like payroll giving and season ticket loans are available.

You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. Dental insurance options are also available.

We have enhanced policies for maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave. Support services include IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policies.

Culture and Wellbeing

We aim for everyone to feel they belong at the Guardian. Our employee forums foster an inclusive environment. We are the first major media organization to achieve B Corp status.

Tools for wellbeing include access to tailored health and wellbeing support, free yoga and pilates classes, corporate gym memberships, and a cycle-to-work scheme.

Most employees work in a hybrid model. Our canteen offers views of the Regents Canal and serves meals throughout the day.

Learning and Development

We support personal and professional growth through various tools, courses, and apprenticeships, encouraging pursuit of qualifications.