Product Strategy Executive, Hearst Global Solutions

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Executive, Hearst Global Solutions

Company: CDS Global (Hearst UK)

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Strategy & Commercial Operations

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the end-to-end development and launch of innovative commercial products across advertising, content, social, and audio for Hearst Global Solutions.

• Leverage performance data and market insights to identify growth opportunities and inform new product proposals, directly impacting revenue generation.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Commercial, Paid Media, Product, Design, Engineering, and Data teams to ensure seamless product integration and market success.

• Play a hands-on role in bringing new commercial initiatives to market, managing aspects of the product lifecycle from ideation through to performance tracking.

• Contribute to building robust business cases for new product initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic commercial objectives and profitability targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within Hearst Global Solutions, a division focused on commercial product development and integration within the broader Hearst UK ecosystem, which includes premium media brands. The "Product Strategy Executive" title, combined with responsibilities like supporting new product launches, using performance data for insights, and building business cases, suggests a focus on the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy and commercialization of products. The emphasis on "revenue driving opportunities" and collaboration with "Commercial" teams solidifies its positioning within a revenue-focused operational framework, making it relevant for operations professionals interested in the commercial side of media.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the development and launch of new commercial products across diverse media formats including advertising, editorial content, social media campaigns, and audio initiatives.

• Actively engage with internal teams and international stakeholders to gather comprehensive product feedback and pinpoint emerging market opportunities within the digital publishing landscape.

• Analyze performance data and extract actionable insights to identify key areas for growth and to support the strategic creation of compelling new product proposals.

• Assist in the meticulous construction of business cases for new product initiatives, ensuring strict alignment with overarching commercial objectives and defined profitability targets.

• Facilitate and manage vendor onboarding processes, liaising with Legal and Finance departments to ensure all agreements and critical compliance requirements are meticulously put in place.

• Develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date product documentation, comprehensive sales materials, and impactful case studies to effectively support and enable commercial teams.

• Contribute to rigorous product testing protocols, diligent performance tracking, and comprehensive uptake reviews, consistently sharing key insights with relevant stakeholders to drive informed decision-making.

• Collaborate with Product, Design, and Engineering teams to refine product roadmaps based on market feedback and performance analysis, ensuring continuous product improvement.

• Support the creation of sales enablement collateral that clearly articulates product value propositions and competitive advantages to prospective clients and partners.

• Participate in cross-functional product reviews, providing data-backed perspectives on product performance and market reception to inform future strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking and execution, crucial for a Product Strategy role within a commercial operations context. The emphasis on "supporting the development and launch" and "assisting in building business cases" indicates a supporting role that requires strong analytical and project management skills. The mention of "advertising, content, social and audio" suggests a broad scope within the media industry, requiring adaptability and a foundational understanding of various commercial models.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Media, or a related field is preferred, demonstrating a foundational understanding of commercial principles.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in a role involving media, advertising, performance marketing, programmatic advertising, data and insights, or commercial operations. Specific experience in data and insights is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in media, advertising, performance marketing, programmatic, data and insights, or commercial operations.

• Strong analytical acumen, with a demonstrated ability to interpret complex performance data and translate it into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with cross-functional teams and present insights clearly.

• Solid commercial awareness, with a practical understanding of how products generate revenue and deliver tangible value to clients and customers.

• Exceptional organizational skills and a keen eye for detail, with the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines.

• Proactive and self-motivated mindset, coupled with a genuine interest in digital publishing, product innovation, and evolving market trends.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with product lifecycle management methodologies.

• Familiarity with business case development frameworks and financial modeling.

• Understanding of Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies for new product launches.

• Knowledge of A/B testing and experimentation for product optimization.

• Experience working with CRM and sales enablement platforms.

• Familiarity with project management tools and agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a strong analytical and communication foundation, crucial for translating data into commercial strategies. The "data and insights experience is particularly relevant" points towards a need for quantitative skills. The experience level suggests this is an individual contributor role with significant growth potential, requiring someone who can operate independently but also collaborate effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in analyzing performance data and presenting findings, ideally with examples of how data informed product strategy or business decisions.

• Case studies showcasing contributions to the development or launch of a commercial product, highlighting your specific role and impact.

• Examples of market opportunity analysis or competitor research that led to strategic recommendations.

• Documentation examples (e.g., product briefs, business case summaries, sales enablement materials) that showcase attention to detail and clarity.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to contribute to the creation and maintenance of clear product documentation, including feature descriptions, user guides, and technical specifications.

• Experience in documenting business processes related to product launches, sales enablement, or vendor management.

• Familiarity with developing sales materials and case studies that articulate product value propositions and success stories.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on product strategy and commercialization, a portfolio should ideally showcase analytical capabilities, strategic thinking, and project execution. Demonstrating the ability to translate data into actionable insights and contribute to product launches will be key. The company's focus on premium publishing suggests a need for polished and well-articulated materials.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £37,000 - £42,000 per annum. Salary is dependent on experience and will be assessed in line with the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and relevant expertise.

Benefits:

• Hearst Exclusives: Opportunities to participate in Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels, and access to sample sales for discounted beauty products.

• Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing: Specsavers eye care voucher, company-funded Health Cash Plan, access to mental health support, discounted gym memberships, Cycle to Work scheme, a Charity Day for volunteering, and access to general wellbeing resources.

• Financial Wellness: Generous Workplace Pension scheme, Income Protection, Life Assurance, Season Ticket Loan for commuting, Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions, and Home Tech benefits.

• Everyday Savings: Discounts across London and access to savings via the HAPI at Hearst app.

• Flexibility: Location Flex and Holiday Exchange options.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 35-40 hours per week, with flexible Fridays as per the company's in-office policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Product Strategy Executive role in London with 2-5 years of experience, aligning with industry benchmarks for media and publishing. The comprehensive benefits package emphasizes employee wellbeing, financial security, and exclusive perks related to Hearst's brands, indicating a strong focus on employee satisfaction and retention. The mention of "flexible Fridays" within an in-office policy suggests a hybrid work model.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Premium Publishing and Media. Hearst UK is a leading publisher of iconic and influential media brands.

Company Size: Large (Likely hundreds to thousands of employees globally, with a significant presence in the UK).

Founded: Hearst Corporation was founded in 1887, with Hearst UK operating as a key subsidiary. This long history suggests a stable company with a strong legacy, now focused on innovation within the digital media landscape.

Team Structure:

• The role is within Hearst Global Solutions, a division focused on developing and integrating commercial products.

• You will work closely with the Product Strategy Lead, reporting into this role.

• Collaboration will be extensive with Commercial, Paid Media, Product, Design, Engineering, and Data teams, as well as stakeholders from US-based operations.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core component, with emphasis on using performance data and insights to guide product development and strategy.

• A collaborative and entrepreneurial approach is encouraged, with teams expected to "back bold ideas" and "act with an entrepreneurial mindset."

• Continuous evolution and adaptation are key, reflecting the dynamic nature of the media industry.

• A focus on turning ideas into revenue-driving opportunities underscores a commercial and results-oriented approach.

Company Website: https://www.hearst.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Hearst UK's culture is described as driven by passion, authenticity, and creativity, with an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to innovation. The company values backing bold ideas and evolving to meet market demands. This suggests a dynamic and forward-thinking environment, suitable for individuals who are proactive and enjoy contributing to growth initiatives. The blend of heritage and innovation is a key cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Executive" level, typically suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. It's an individual contributor role focused on supporting product strategy and commercialization, offering a strong foundation for a career in product management, commercial operations, or GTM strategy within the media industry.

Reporting Structure: You will report to the Product Strategy Lead, working closely with them on product development and integration. This provides direct mentorship and exposure to strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue generation by supporting the development and launch of new commercial products. Success in this position contributes to the overall commercial success of Hearst Global Solutions and its portfolio of premium media brands. The analysis of performance data and identification of growth areas are critical for optimizing revenue streams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Specialization: Develop deep expertise in product strategy, commercialization, and GTM execution within the premium media and publishing sector.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain extensive experience working with diverse teams (Commercial, Product, Engineering, Data), building a broad understanding of the business.

• Strategic Contribution: Progress to roles with greater strategic responsibility within Product Strategy or Commercial Operations, potentially leading product initiatives or managing specific product lines.

• Industry Knowledge: Deepen understanding of digital publishing, advertising technologies, content monetization, and market trends.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success, opportunities may arise to lead product strategy efforts or manage junior team members in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for growth within product strategy and commercial operations in a well-established media company. The emphasis on supporting new product launches and analyzing performance data provides a solid foundation for advancing into more senior strategic or managerial positions. The cross-functional nature of the role is a significant advantage for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates an "in office policy with flexible Fridays." This indicates a primary focus on in-person collaboration, with a degree of flexibility on the final day of the work week.

Office Location(s): House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y 4AJ. This is a central London location, suggesting an accessible and vibrant working environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The "in office" policy emphasizes in-person collaboration, suggesting a dynamic workspace designed for team interaction, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing.

• Brand Immersion: Working within the House of Hearst provides proximity to various iconic media brands, fostering an environment rich in content and creative energy.

• Tools & Technology: While not explicitly detailed, as a leading publisher, expect access to modern office technology, communication platforms, and relevant software for product strategy and data analysis.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are likely 35-40 hours per week. The "flexible Fridays" offer some autonomy within the structured in-office policy, allowing for a blend of focused work and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model, with a strong emphasis on in-office presence (4 days), suggests a preference for collaborative work and team cohesion. The specific location in St James's, London, offers a prime working environment with excellent transport links and proximity to other businesses and cultural hubs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your relevant experience in media/advertising/data and your understanding of product strategy.

• First Interview: A more in-depth interview with the Product Strategy Lead. Expect questions about your analytical skills, commercial awareness, project experience, and how you approach problem-solving. This is a good opportunity to showcase your understanding of product lifecycle and GTM.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to complete a short take-home assignment or prepare a presentation on a given topic related to product strategy, market analysis, or business case development. Focus on demonstrating your analytical process, strategic thinking, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within Hearst Global Solutions or a wider stakeholder group (e.g., Commercial Director). This stage assesses strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit within the company's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For any project or product you showcase, clearly articulate your specific contribution and the quantifiable impact (e.g., revenue increase, efficiency gain, market share growth).

• Showcase Analytical Process: Detail how you used data and insights to inform your recommendations or decisions. Include examples of data visualization or reporting if applicable.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include examples that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with diverse teams (Commercial, Product, Engineering).

• Focus on GTM Elements: Showcase any work related to product launches, market analysis, business case development, or sales enablement.

• Tailor to Hearst: Research Hearst's brands and commercial objectives. If you can, draw parallels between your experience and their business needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to analyze a dataset or scenario and propose actionable recommendations. Practice interpreting performance metrics relevant to media products (e.g., ad impressions, engagement rates, conversion funnels).

• Business Case Fundamentals: Understand the key components of a business case, including market opportunity, competitive analysis, financial projections, and risk assessment.

• Product Strategy Concepts: Review core concepts of product strategy, including market research, product-market fit, value proposition development, and Go-To-Market planning.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have successfully managed expectations and communicated with various stakeholders, especially those from different functional areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is likely to be thorough, reflecting the strategic importance of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only technical/analytical skills but also strong communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities. A well-curated portfolio that highlights tangible results and a clear understanding of commercial product strategy will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM: Likely Salesforce or a similar platform for managing client relationships and sales data, which may be used to understand commercial performance.

• Project Management: Tools such as Asana, Jira, or Trello may be used for task management and cross-functional project coordination.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace for document creation, spreadsheets, presentations, and communication (Teams, Slack).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics for tracking website performance, user behavior, and content engagement.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for creating dashboards and reports to analyze performance data and present insights.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, analysis, and financial modeling.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Potentially HubSpot or similar for understanding lead generation and customer journeys related to commercial products.

• Internal Documentation/Wiki: Confluence or similar for maintaining product documentation and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role's focus on data analysis, commercial operations, and product strategy within a media company implies familiarity with standard industry tools. Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, along with CRM and project management software, will be essential. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with tools relevant to analyzing commercial performance and supporting product launches.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by robust analysis of performance data and market insights.

• Collaborative: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Innovative: Encouragement of bold ideas and a proactive approach to product development and market adaptation.

• Commercial Focus: A clear drive towards generating revenue and delivering tangible value to clients and the business.

• Authenticity & Passion: A culture that values genuine enthusiasm for media, content, and contributing to cultural impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires constant interaction with various departments (Commercial, Product, Engineering, Data, US stakeholders), necessitating strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Proactive Communication: Expect a need to share insights, provide updates, and seek input regularly to ensure alignment and project momentum.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that likely values constructive feedback for continuous improvement of products and processes.

• Agile & Responsive: The fast-paced media environment demands adaptability and the ability to respond quickly to market changes and new opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Hearst UK emphasizes authenticity, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. The collaborative nature of the role, working across many departments, suggests a culture that values open communication and shared success. The "data-driven" aspect is paramount for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Legacy: Integrating new commercial products within a well-established media company with strong brand legacies can require navigating existing structures and processes.

• Market Volatility: The digital media landscape is constantly evolving, requiring continuous adaptation to new technologies, consumer behaviors, and competitive pressures.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and seamless collaboration across multiple departments with potentially competing priorities can be complex.

• Data Interpretation Complexity: Extracting meaningful, actionable insights from diverse data sources requires strong analytical skills and a clear understanding of business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Strategy & GTM Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of the product lifecycle, from ideation and business case development to launch and performance analysis within the media sector.

• Commercial Acumen: Enhance skills in understanding revenue models, client value propositions, and market dynamics in premium publishing.

• Industry Insights: Gain exposure to cutting-edge trends in digital publishing, advertising technology, content monetization, and audience engagement.

• Cross-functional Skill Building: Learn from experts in product development, engineering, sales, marketing, and data analytics, broadening your overall business knowledge.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from the Product Strategy Lead and senior stakeholders, providing valuable career advice and strategic insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for growth by tackling challenges inherent in a dynamic media environment. The company's commitment to innovation and development suggests that employees will be supported in acquiring new skills and adapting to industry changes.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used data to identify a new product opportunity or improve an existing one. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data analysis, insight generation, and impact).

• "How would you approach building a business case for a new commercial product in the digital publishing space? What key elements would you include?" (Demonstrate understanding of strategy, market analysis, and financial justification).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Hearst UK and its brands? How do you see your role contributing to our mission?" (Research Hearst's brands, values, and market position. Align your aspirations with their goals).

• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. How do you handle disagreements or differing priorities?" (Highlight your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio item, clearly state the challenge, your role/actions, the solution/strategy, and the quantifiable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Emphasize Data & Insights: Clearly show how data informed your decisions and led to specific outcomes. Use visuals where appropriate to illustrate your points.

• Highlight Commercial Impact: Connect your work directly to business objectives, revenue generation, or client value.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process, methodology, and any tools or techniques you used.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice delivering your presentation smoothly and confidently, allowing time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of analytical rigor, commercial acumen, and collaborative spirit. Candidates should be ready to provide specific examples of their past work, using data to support their claims and showcasing their understanding of product strategy within the media industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy Executive position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your analytical skills, experience with product strategy, and impact on commercial outcomes. Prioritize examples that involve data analysis, market insights, or contributing to product launches within media or related industries.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Product Strategy," "Commercial Operations," "Data Analysis," "Performance Marketing," "Business Case Development," and "Cross-functional Collaboration." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: If a case study or presentation is expected, practice articulating your portfolio examples clearly and concisely, focusing on your process, data-driven insights, and quantifiable results.

• Research Hearst UK: Familiarize yourself with Hearst UK's brands, company values, and recent industry activities. Understand their position in the premium publishing market and how new commercial products can drive growth.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.