Head of Optimisation

Key Responsibilities

• AI Optimization (AIO) & Generative Search Strategy
• LLM Footprint Management: Monitor, measure, and optimize how major Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity cite, synthesize, and recommend The Economist.
• Publisher Graph Authority: Manage relationships between our paywalled content and AI web-crawlers, balancing data protection with visibility in AI Overviews and answer engines.
• Citation & Entity Mapping: Ensure our data, charts, and deep-dives are properly structured to serve as the foundational truth data for AI agents.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Editorial Collaboration
• Subscription Growth: Optimize the digital journey for premium paywalled content, maximizing organic traffic to subscriber acquisition landers.
• Newsroom Integration: Partner with the editorial team to implement real-time SEO best practices for evergreen analysis and multimedia content without compromising editorial integrity.
• Technical SEO Excellence: Work with product and editorial to optimise site architecture, internal linking, core web vitals, and structured schema implementation to facilitate fast crawling and indexing.
• App Store Optimization (ASO) & Mobile Growth
• App Acquisition: Own the organic download strategy for The Economist app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• Visual & Metadata Testing: Run relentless A/B testing on app store icons, preview videos, screenshots, and localized descriptions to maximize view-to-install conversion rates.
• App Store Discovery Algorithms: Adapt mobile strategies to increasingly personalized and AI-driven app store recommendation systems.
• Conversion Rate and Lifetime Value Optimisation (CRO)
• Manage a cross-functional team responsible for our conversion rate optimisation (CRO) and testing programme
• Ensure our customer journeys convert efficiently and effectively across regions and channels
• Own and manage the testing and experimentation roadmap to drive continuous performance improvement

Experience & Requirements

• Experience: 7+ years of digital optimization experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within a premium B2C subscription, digital media, or publisher environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of web rendering, API access controls, paywall-friendly indexing, and schema markup.
• AI Tooling Literacy: Proven experience tracking visibility inside conversational engines using modern AI-tracking metrics and rank trackers.
• Analytical Mindset: Expert-level capability with tools like Google Analytics 4, Search Console, Looker Studio, and enterprise ASO tools (e.g., AppTweak, Sensor Tower).

Pay & Benefits

The expected base salary for this position is $105,000 - $140,000 base plus a performance related bonus. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Rather, salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.

Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required.