Head of Product & Engineering - AI Lab

b Overview /b p In this role you will lead The Economist AI Lab’s product and technical work, guiding the 0-1 journey from ideas to production. You will shape the roadmap, make architectural decisions, and ensure shipped work is valuable, reliable, and aligned with The Economist’s heritage. You’ll manage a small, cross-functional team spanning product, design and engineering, collaborating with editorial colleagues. You will connect lab output to Group platforms and priorities, measuring success and driving impactful, customer-centered AI products. This is an opportunity to influence how AI augments journalism while safeguarding quality and independence. /p b Pay / Benefits /b ul li pension or 401(k) plan /li li private health insurance /li li 24/7 wellbeing resources /li li Work From Anywhere program (up to 25 days/year) /li li generous annual and parental leave /li li volunteering days and moving home leave /li /ul b Responsibilities /b ul li Set the AI Lab direction by translating editorial mission and company objectives into an innovation roadmap /li li Lead and grow a multidisciplinary team and foster a culture of quality and rapid innovation /li li Champion the voice of the future customer to identify high-potential, value-driving opportunities /li li Own the 0-1 process from idea to beta to production using evidence and judgment /li li Collaborate with editorial colleagues to create products that amplify journalism while protecting its integrity /li li Define technical direction, architecture, and engineering practices for high-quality AI product development /li li Align lab work with platforms, data, and priorities across The Economist Group and measure success /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li Experience leading development of B2C digital products with accountability for product outcomes and engineering delivery /li li Background in consumer subscription, media, e-commerce or marketplace environments is strongly preferred /li li Proven track record of taking products from 0-1: identifying problems, testing, shipping, learning /li li Experience building and operating AI-powered products with knowledge of LLM patterns and evaluation /li li Strong engineering background with ability to guide architecture and influence senior engineers /li li Experience hiring senior engineering talent and raising technical standards /li li Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-changing environments without excessive process /li li Clear communication with technical, editorial, and commercial audiences /li li Deep appreciation of The Economists journalistic values—rigour, global outlook, editorial independence /li /ul ul li Clear communication /li li Collaborative mindset /li li Strategic thinking /li li AI product development /li li LLM application patterns /li li Architecture and build-vs-buy decisions /li /ul