WSETs purpose is to empower people through inspiring learning experiences all over the world. We offer a comprehensive suite of globally recognised qualifications covering wines, spirits and sake.
We are the world’s leading provider of qualifications in wines, spirits, beer and sake, delivering over 140,000 exams each year to candidates in over 70 countries via our network of Approved Programme Providers (APPs).
The successful applicant will contribute to a culture of integrity, empowerment, dynamism, and inclusivity within WSET.
The Chief Product Officer (CPO) is a strategic and high-impact role essential to the future of WSET. The CPO will uphold WSET’s commitment to quality and educational excellence, growing WSET’s global impact through our purpose, ‘Empowering people, through inspiring learning experiences, all over the world’. This role is pivotal in shaping product development, driving growth through new products and revenue streams, and championing our products and role across the drinks industry.
The CPO will play a key role in driving our global impact by leading with:
* Strategic product development
* Leveraging technology to enhance the learner experience and create a more agile development process
* Education product thought leadership to deliver inspiring and empowering learning experiences
* Championing and accelerating change
* Creating an inclusive, innovative culture with a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
As a member of the WSET Leadership Team, the CPO shares collective responsibility for realising our Purpose and Strategy.
Executive Leadership
* Collaborate on organisational strategy development, translating this into actionable operational plans
* Serve as WSET’s thought leader on product development, staying current on industry developments and advancements to enhance WSET’s relevance and thought-leadership
* Cultivate a high-performance culture through talent management, succession planning, and fostering an inclusive, coaching-driven environment
* Work cross-functionally to ensure alignment with WSET’s objectives and promote efficient, cohesive operations
* Oversee adherence to Ofqual requirements, ensuring compliance in qualification development and delivery
* Act as an ambassador for WSET’s brand and values
Educational Product Leadership
* Shape and execute the vision for our product strategy, managing creation across formats and languages
* Collaborate with industry thought leaders to continuously advance WSET’s educational product portfolio
* Lead global growth efforts by evolving existing products and introducing new offerings to reinforce WSET’s reputation
* Build a resilient team that embraces change and innovation, especially in product delivery and technology
* Drive a student-centric approach, incorporating feedback to ensure products remain progressive, relevant, and impactful
* Foster a culture open to innovation, development, and constructive feedback
Skills and Competencies
* Extensive experience in education creation, digital transformation and delivery, particularly with technology
* Deep knowledge of education and examining principles, tools, and advancements in teaching
* Strong understanding of governance, legislative, and reporting requirements (Ofqual)
* Data-driven and analytical, with proven project management and commercial acumen
* Effective cross-functional leadership with experience in team-building and leading change initiatives
* Ability to facilitate agile decision-making with an understanding of and experience of implementing product lifecycle models
Personal Attributes
* Passionate and knowledgeable about education with a proven track record of creating value
* Strategic and analytical thinker with a hands-on approach
* High emotional intelligence, resilient, empathetic, and skilled at coaching
* Pragmatic and collaborative, with a willingness to challenge the status quo while understanding our business’ needs
The CPO role at WSET is designed for an inspiring leader who is ready to elevate our global impact, innovate the drinks education landscape, and drive strategic growth while honouring our values.
This role is hybrid/office-based 2-3 days per week, London SE1 (Full-time)
UK Benefits
* Annual Leave - 28 days pa + public holidays, increases with service; ability to buy/sell 5 days
* Pension (generous options available after three months)
* Health insurance (after three months): Vitality scheme - post probation - Access to virtual GP appointments, Rewards include Caffe Nero drinks, Cinema Tickets, Apple Watch, Cash Back on Waitrose shopping, 75% off at Champneys, 6 month subscription with HeadSpace, Discounted Weight Watchers membership and gyms, Smoking Cessation day worth £300 and half price health screens
* Eye voucher scheme
* Food and drink in the office
* Season ticket & gym membership loan scheme
* Group income protection scheme
* EAP - 24/7 confidential help and support from trained counsellors and advisors
* Death in service - 4x annual salary paid to nominees with associated bereavement support for family
* Enhanced family friendly leave and pay
* Celebration vouchers
* Cycle2Work scheme
* Discretionary bonus
* Development - WSETs in-house training and qualifications in Wines, Spirits, Sake and Beer as well as other professional development opportunities
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