Join us in transforming English Language Assessment
At Oxford University Press (OUP), we are not just building an assessment business - we are reshaping the future of English language testing. Backed by one of the most respected global names in education and English language teaching, we are on an ambitious journey to develop and grow our assessment business. Our aim is to become a global leader in the field, delivering innovative, high-quality tests that set new standards in the industry.
Why this matters
The world of English language assessment is changing. Digital transformation, AI-driven solutions, and evolving learner needs are redefining how tests are designed, delivered, and recognised. We believe that this has created the opportunity for OUP to lead, innovate, and shape the next generation of English language testing at scale.
Why join now?
We are assembling a team of experts in assessment, product, technology, operations, research, and commercial growth to take this business to the next level. This is your chance to:
make a real impact – you won’t be joining a business that’s maintaining the status quo. You’ll be shaping it. Your expertise will directly influence strategy, innovation, and execution.
lead transformation – we are creating something bold and ambitious, combining the strength of OUP’s legacy with the agility of a high-growth business.
innovate at the forefront of assessment – work with cutting-edge AI, digital testing, and next-generation assessment models to enhance how people learn and prove their English proficiency.
As a department of the University of Oxford, we are guided in everything we do by our mission; we re-invest in our publishing and our assessment to have a positive impact on our international community of English language learners.
About the Role
The Product & Innovation Director will lead the development and transformation of Oxford University Press’s English language assessment portfolio. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for defining and delivering an innovative, technology-driven product strategy that positions OUP’s assessments as market leaders.
The Product & Innovation Director will shape the end-to-end assessment product roadmap, embed Agile product development methodologies, and leverage AI-driven solutions to enhance delivery and scalability. They will also be responsible for building a team with strong digital capabilities and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity both internally and with our 3rd party technology partnerships.
A key focus will be on using emerging digital technologies and pedagogies to create new user experiences in assessment and developing propositions that seamlessly integrate learning and assessment. This role will also establish a structured process for transitioning research insights into product development, ensuring clarity on concept briefs and ownership.
We operate a hybrid working policy that requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Oxford office.
About You
Essential:
Proven experience in product leadership roles, ideally in digital assessments, EdTech, or SaaS-based learning solutions, and scaling them globally
Track record of leading successful innovation projects and product launches.
Strong knowledge of the latest industry trends and technologies, e.g. AI-powered assessment technologies, adaptive testing and automation
Expertise in Agile methodologies, with experience implementing product squads and iterative development models.
Experience building and leading high-performing digital product teams, with a focus on innovation and creativity.
Commercial mindset, with experience aligning product innovation with market needs and revenue growth.
Strong stakeholder management, able to work across technology, research, commercial, and operational teams.
Experience working with large-scale, 3rd party test delivery platforms.
Desirable:
Familiarity with regulatory requirements in language assessment (e.g., Ofqual recognition, global test security).
Experience working with adaptive scoring models
Benefits
We care about work/life balance here at OUP. With this in mind we offer 25 days’ holiday that rises with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (3-days) and a 35-hour working week. We are open to discussing flexibility in respect to working patterns, dependent on role. We also have a great variety of active employee networks and societies.
We help make your money go further by contributing to your pension up to 12%, offering loans and savings schemes through our partnership with Salary Finance, in addition to travel to work schemes and access to a wide range of local discounts.
This role comes with the added benefit of private medical insurance, a car/allowance, and a discretionary annual management bonus.
Please see our Rewards and Recognition page for more information.
We are committed to supporting diversity in our workforce, and ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. We seek to employ a workforce representative of the markets that we serve and encourage applications from all.
