Product Director

Product Director

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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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: Collaborative team culture with a commitment to inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Join a pivotal transformation and shape the future of sustainable reading.
  • Qualifications: Senior product leadership experience and 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

Reporting to the CPTO and sitting on the Product & Technology Leadership Team, this is one of the most consequential roles in the business right now. 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 (Victoria ~3 days per week), with travel to Coventry, 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

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, providing our employees with meaningful opportunities for growth and development. Join us in London to lead transformative projects that not only drive commercial success but also contribute positively to the planet.

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Contact Details:

World of Books Recruitment Team

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 might just set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by understanding their mission and values. Show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and product-led growth. We want to see your passion for books and the planet!

Tip Number 3

Be ready to discuss your past successes in D2C eCommerce. Have specific examples on hand that demonstrate your ability to scale products quickly and effectively. We love hearing about real results!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at World of Books.

We think you need these skills to ace Product Director

Product Strategy
D2C eCommerce
Marketplace Product Management
Team Leadership
AI Tools Utilisation
Communication Skills
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Books:When you're writing your application, let your love for books shine through! Mention how you resonate with our mission of sustainability and rehoming pre-loved books. It’s all about connecting with what we stand for.

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in D2C eCommerce or marketplace product management. We want to see how your past roles have prepared you for this exciting transformation at World of Books!

Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate straightforward communication. Keep your application clear and to the point, showcasing your achievements without unnecessary fluff. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can cut through complexity!

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 pivotal role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at World of Books

Know Your Product Strategy

Before the interview, dive deep into World of Books' mission and product strategy. Understand their shift from a marketplace-first model to a consumer-focused approach. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in D2C growth and product-led transformations.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Product Director, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, particularly how you've built trust and influenced cross-functional teams. Share specific instances where you’ve coached team members to achieve ambitious targets.

Emphasise Your Data-Driven Decisions

World of Books values a commercial edge in decision-making. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform product strategies and decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience with AI tools in product management to show you're ahead of the curve.

Balance Big Picture with Details

In your interview, demonstrate your ability to think strategically while also being detail-oriented. Discuss how you've successfully translated high-level ambitions into actionable roadmaps, ensuring both short-term wins and long-term value are achieved.