Senior Lead Product Manager

Who we are and what we do

At Hachette Learning (formerly Hodder Education), there’s one thing we’re certain about. No two students learn the same way. That’s why our approach to teaching begins by recognising the needs of individuals first. Our mission is to enable every learner to fulfil their unique potential by empowering those who teach them. From our expert teaching and learning resources to our digital educational tools that make learning easier and more accessible for all, we provide solutions designed to maximise the impact of learning for every teacher, parent and student.

Aligned with our parent company, Hachette Livre, founded in 1826, we’re proud to deliver high-quality learning solutions on a global scale. We make it easier for everyone to unlock a new world of learning.

Hachette Learning is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 10 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.

What you'll be doing

The successful candidate will lead the growth plans, development and commercial performance for a global portfolio of Primary educational products for schools (print and digital). Working at the intersection of customer insight, pedagogy and market opportunity, they will shape the future product roadmap, identifying new opportunities for growth while ensuring products continue to meet the evolving needs of educators and learners. Using research, data and market intelligence, they will make evidence-based decisions that maximise both educational impact and commercial success.

Working collaboratively across product, platform, editorial, technology, data, sales and marketing teams, they will oversee the full product lifecycle, from concept and business case development through to launch, optimisation and ongoing portfolio management. They will champion the voice of the customer, build strong relationships with authors and external partners, and drive innovation through inclusive, accessible and high-quality learning experiences that deliver value for customers and help to position the organisation as a trusted leader in Primary education.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced product professional with a strong track record of conceptualising, developing and launching commercially successful Primary educational products and resources for schools. You will combine commercial awareness with a genuine passion for Primary products, bringing a deep understanding of how effective teaching and learning happens in the classroom and how students learn. You will be skilled at translating customer insight, educational best practice and market opportunities into high-quality products that deliver meaningful outcomes for both educators and learners.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the challenges faced by teachers and students in schools, and a proven ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to identify and respond to their needs. You will be an excellent collaborator and communicator, comfortable working across cross-functional teams and building relationships with authors, educators and external partners. Connections within Primary education networks, subject associations or professional organisations would be highly advantageous, helping you to stay close to curriculum developments, emerging trends and the evolving needs of the Primary education community.

What we offer

Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:

• 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Generous pension schemes
• Rent deposit loans
• 2 community days per year
• Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
• Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Wide-ranging training library
• Development programmes (including mentoring)
• Up to 70% off book purchases

The role will be based at our London, Sheffield, or Edinburgh office, with a blend of 3 in-office days (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays) and homeworking for the remaining 2 days per week.

Our commitment

Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, you can let us know at the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application. We’ll make sure you’re supported throughout the process.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org