At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and drive D2C growth in a mission-driven company.
- Company: World of Books, the largest seller of pre-loved books with a sustainability focus.
- Benefits: Autonomy, accountability, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal transformation and shape the future of sustainable reading.
- Qualifications: Senior product leadership experience with a strong D2C eCommerce background.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
We’re the world’s largest seller of pre-loved books — a certified B Corp on a mission to become the Planet’s Bookstore. Since 2002 we’ve rehomed over 100 million books, helped millions of customers read more and waste less, and built a business that proves sustainability and commercial ambition belong together. Now we’re accelerating. We’re shifting from a marketplace-first model to a consumer-focused, product-led business — and we’re looking for a Product Director to lead that transformation.
The role involves reporting to the CPTO and sitting on the Product & Technology Leadership Team. You’ll own product strategy across our three core flywheels — Supply, Operations, and Demand — and lead the teams building the D2C, pricing, marketplace, and data platform products that power everything we do. Your first year has clear, ambitious targets: grow US D2C revenue from ~16% to over 40% of US total, deliver the US phase of our global pricing transformation, and scale the supply products that get more books into our hands and onto our shelves.
This isn’t a role for someone who wants to perfect the PowerPoint. It’s for someone who moves fast, makes clear decisions, and builds teams that ship.
What you’ll be doing:
- Setting and communicating a focused product strategy aligned to WoB’s commercial and operational priorities
- Leading the D2C growth agenda — particularly in the US, where the opportunity is significant
- Partnering with Engineering to sharpen delivery cadence and reduce friction across the product and tech stack
- Leveraging AI tools across the full product management and design lifecycle — and raising the bar for the whole team
- Leading, coaching and developing a high-potential team of 7 — setting standards, building capability, and holding people accountable
- Translating ambition into actionable roadmaps that balance short-term wins with long-term value
- Cutting through complexity: championing build vs. buy rigour, fast feedback loops, and a default towards simplicity
What we’re looking for:
- Senior product leadership experience (Head of / Director / VP level) in international environments, with meaningful US market exposure
- A strong track record in D2C eCommerce or marketplace product — ideally scaling consumer-grade products at pace
- Someone equally comfortable setting the big picture and getting into the detail when the team needs it
- Proven ability to lead through influence — building trust quickly with engineering, commercial, and data teams
- A genuine adopter of AI tools in product work, not just in theory
- High EQ, strong communication skills, and the commercial edge to make decisions that land
Why World of Books?
- A mission that genuinely matters — B Corp certified, with sustainability at the core of every decision
- A seat on the leadership team during a pivotal moment of transformation
- Real autonomy, real accountability, and a business that moves fast
- London-based (King’s Cross, ~3 days per week), with travel to Coventry, West Sussex, Illinois and Budapest
- A team that cares about doing things right — for customers, for colleagues, for the planet
If you’re a product leader who wants to build something that means something — and has the commercial edge and execution focus to do it at scale — we’d love to hear from you. Apply below or reach out directly to find out more. World of Books is a certified B Corporation. We are committed to building an inclusive team and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Product Director employer: World of Books Group
At World of Books, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-driven employer that champions sustainability and innovation in the book industry. As a B Corp certified company, we offer a dynamic work culture where autonomy and accountability thrive, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a transformative environment. Located in the vibrant King's Cross area of London, our team is passionate about making a positive impact, ensuring that every employee contributes to our mission of rehoming books and reducing waste while enjoying a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at World of Books. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s mission and values. Show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and product-led growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your past achievements; bring them to life with stories! Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase how you've led teams and driven product success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the World of Books family.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Books:When you're writing your application, let your love for books shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission of sustainability and rehoming pre-loved books. Make it personal and relatable!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your senior product leadership experience, especially in D2C eCommerce or marketplace environments. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate straightforward communication. Keep your application clear and to the point, focusing on how you can contribute to our transformation. Remember, we’re all about moving fast and making decisions!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at World of Books Group
✨Know Your Product Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into World of Books' current product strategy and their shift towards a consumer-focused model. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in D2C growth and marketplace dynamics.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in building and developing high-performing teams. Discuss how you've influenced cross-functional teams and navigated complex environments to achieve product success.
✨Emphasise Your AI Savvy
Since leveraging AI tools is crucial for this role, come equipped with specific instances where you've successfully integrated AI into product management. This will demonstrate your genuine adoption of technology in driving product innovation.
✨Balance Big Picture with Details
Be ready to articulate how you balance strategic vision with operational details. Share examples of how you've translated ambitious goals into actionable roadmaps, ensuring both short-term wins and long-term value are achieved.