About this role
Job Purpose The Head of Product Development is responsible for driving the commercial development and launch of the organisation's portfolio of English language programmes across adult, junior and residential markets. The role is focused on identifying market opportunities, developing commercially successful products, and ensuring the organisation's programme portfolio remains innovative, competitive, and profitable. The role involves substantial stakeholder engagement, working closely with the EFL Sales Director and global team, Principals and Centre Managers, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Agencies, and strategic partners. The Head of Product Development will convert market intelligence into new products and programme enhancements that increase student recruitment, maximise utilisation of the organisation’s year-round schools and residential centres, improve profitability and strengthen the organisation’s competitive position. The role acts as the bridge between the market and programme delivery, ensuring products are customer-led, commercially viable, operationally deliverable and capable of supporting sustainable business growth. Commercial Product Strategy Develop and implement the organisation's programme development strategy across adult English, junior groups and residential programmes. Own the commercial lifecycle of the programme portfolio from concept through to launch and on-going reviews Develop a rolling product roadmap aligned with commercial objectives and international market priorities. Develop business cases for new programmes including revenue, profitability and ROI. Evaluate programme performance and recommend expansion, redevelopment or withdrawal. Work with marketing to ensure accurate and compelling material development and timely launch plans for new products, with a clear and trackable strategy in place. Adult English Portfolio Lead the on-going development and positioning of courses including general English, business English, academic English, exam preparation, Navigator (study tours), pathway preparation and collaborate on bespoke group programmes. Ensure products remain attractive and commercially competitive. Working with the operations team on market requirements around admissions, accommodation and overall service delivery, to ensure successful implementation and ability to deliver. Junior & Residential Portfolio Support the commercial direction of residential summer schools, year-round junior groups, English Plus programmes, including STEM, leadership, business, sports and cultural programmes. Develop differentiated programme concepts combining English, activities and excursions. Maintain and grow partnership-based programmes including school immersion and other year-round initiatives Market Intelligence & Product Development Gather market intelligence from regional sales teams, in-country representatives, international agencies, and strategic partners. Establish regular product feedback forums with overseas sales teams and agencies. Work with admissions and the GRT to monitor enquiry trends and identify potential products to fill gaps in portfolio. Monitor and highlight competitor products, pricing, and market trends. Lead pilot projects and maintain a structured programme review process based on commercial performance. Sales & Agency Collaboration Meet regularly with the UK Sales Director and wider global recruitment team. Engage with, and where necessary visit, key international markets to gather direct feedback from agencies and partners. Understand barriers to conversion and improve programme competitiveness. Support conferences, product launches and sales training. Work with the Business Development team to support tenders/bids. Real Estate & Centre Portfolio Optimisation Develop off-peak and premium products to improve flow of revenue across the financial year. Work with the Operations team to identify specific gaps and potential opportunities to drive capacity usage. Marketing & Product Positioning Develop product positioning, sales collateral and launch materials. Support campaigns, webinars, and recruitment events.