Head of Product, AI Lab

Who we are Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight. Across our three businesses - The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world. As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact. We're now looking for a Head of Product to join the Economist AI Lab. This is a full-time position at the centre of our AI research and innovation programme. This is a unique opportunity to work with a small team that is shaping how one of the world's most respected media brands adapts to advances in AI. You'll lead the product development strategy and trajectory within the AI Lab - helping to shape the direction of early-stage product and service concepts. Your role will be to work with the team to create the high-level product visions, and then to design the roadmap to realise that vision, iterating as required. You will coordinate the focus of technology, design and customer research activity to ensure we are building things that will create meaningful benefits for future Economist subscribers. This role will suit someone who thrives in uncertain, formative environments; who can connect new technical capabilities to customer needs; and who relishes the challenge of shaping the future rather than merely refining current practices. This role will be based in our London headquarters. Responsibilities Be the voice of the future customer within the AI Lab, ensuring our work is focused on ambitious, high-potential, customer-centred opportunities Coordinate design, research and technical exploration efforts to turn ideas into testable product and service concepts Turn a vision into reality - creating the appropriate product briefs and user stories Lead early-stage testing and validation efforts - from problem framing, to research, to user testing and beta launches - and help us determine what’s worth scaling Work closely with editorial, technology, business and external stakeholders to ensure Lab initiatives are well-connected to broader strategic goals What sort of person we are looking for A curious and creative thinker who enjoys developing new concepts and trying new approaches Able to work autonomously in an uncertain and fast-changing setting, comfortable with fast-failure Works well in a small team with the freedom to make decisions and communicate clearly with others Combines technical knowledge with business and customer sense to ensure that product development supports broader company objectives Understands The Economist’s core values of classical liberalism, intellectual rigour and editorial independence A brilliant communicator, who is comfortable thinking on their feet as well as expressing themselves in written documentation Specific skills and expertise Experience leading product development involving emerging or experimental technologies, ideally including Generative AI Experience working with product development frameworks and methodologies within an early-stage, 0-1 pro…