At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of AI products from concept to launch in the retail space.
- Company: Join a dynamic AI startup with a fresh $15M funding and a small, innovative team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote-first work, and opportunities for hands-on involvement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation and make a real impact in the retail industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in CPG/retail and a strong product instinct are essential.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible, high-ownership role in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 150000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re hiring a Founding Product Manager to take AI products from 0→1 in the CPG / retail space, joining an AI-native startup that’s just raised $15M and is ~20 people building AI agents to automate enterprise workflows across systems. This is a senior IC role - you’ll operate as the product brain alongside the founder, owning problem definition, direction, and execution end-to-end.
We’re ideally looking for someone with CPG / retail experience who can identify real problems, build conviction, and turn them into products customers will actually buy, working closely with the founder and staying hands-on from early prototypes through to shipped product.
What you’ll do:
- Own 0→1 product bets - from problem definition through to shipped product
- Get close to customers - running discovery and turning insights into product direction
- Work hands-on with engineers to build and iterate on early solutions
- Translate complex enterprise workflows into simple, scalable product experiences
- Define success metrics and hold the team accountable to outcomes
What you bring:
- CPG / retail experience is a huge plus
- Operating at Senior / Principal / Lead PM level, but prefers staying close to the craft
- Strong product instinct - able to spot real problems and back your judgment
- Experience building 0→1 products or new product lines
- Comfortable operating without structure - high ownership, high ambiguity
- Hands-on mindset - not a “handoff” PM, willing to get into the detail with engineers
- Technical fluency - comfortable working with APIs, data, and complex systems
Founding Product Manager - AI Agents employer: Zest Search
Contact Detail:
Zest Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Product Manager - AI Agents
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the CPG and retail space, especially those who are already in product management roles. Use LinkedIn or industry events to connect and chat about their experiences – you never know where a casual conversation might lead!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! When you get the chance to interview, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've taken products from 0 to 1. Share stories that highlight your problem-solving abilities and how you’ve worked closely with engineers to bring ideas to life.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere – focus on companies that excite you! Check out our website for openings that match your vibe. Tailor your approach to show why you’re a perfect fit for the role and how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to dive deep into customer insights! In interviews, demonstrate your ability to translate complex workflows into simple solutions. Discuss how you’ve gathered feedback and iterated on products based on real user needs – that’s what will set you apart!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Product Manager - AI Agents
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and product management shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about building innovative solutions in the CPG/retail space.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any experience you have in CPG or retail. We’re looking for someone who can identify real problems and turn them into products, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Hands-On in Your Approach: We love a hands-on mindset! In your application, mention times when you’ve worked closely with engineers or taken a project from concept to completion. This will show us that you’re not just a planner but also a doer.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Search
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's AI products and their applications in the CPG/retail space. Understand how these products solve real problems for customers and be ready to discuss your insights and ideas on potential improvements or new features.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Be prepared to share specific examples from your past roles where you took a product from concept to launch. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you collaborated with engineers to iterate on solutions, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Customer-Centric Thinking
Since getting close to customers is key, come equipped with examples of how you've conducted customer discovery in the past. Discuss how you turned insights into actionable product direction, showcasing your ability to identify real problems that need solving.
✨Embrace Ambiguity and Ownership
This role requires comfort with high ambiguity and ownership. Share instances where you thrived in unstructured environments, taking initiative to define success metrics and drive outcomes. This will show that you can operate effectively in a startup setting.