WSET's purpose is to empower people through inspiring learning experiences all over the world. We offer a comprehensive suite of globally recognised qualifications covering wines, spirits and sake.

We are the world’s leading provider of qualifications in wines, spirits, beer and sake, delivering over 140,000 exams each year to candidates in over 70 countries via our network of Approved Programme Providers (APPs).

WSET is a global organisation and we are proud to have people who work for us all over the world. We have people in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the USA as well as the UK.

The successful applicant will contribute to a culture of integrity, empowerment, dynamism, and inclusivity within WSET.

Any offer of employment or your ongoing employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a thorough background check by an independent third party. NB - If you currently work for one of WSET's APPs (Approved Programme Provider), you may not be eligible to apply for this role subject to your future career plans and the nature of that role. If you work for an APP either in a self-employed or employed capacity and would like to discuss your eligibility, please contact the hiring manager.

The Chief Product Officer (CPO) is a strategic and high-impact role essential to the future of WSET. The CPO will uphold WSET’s commitment to quality and educational excellence, growing WSET’s global impact through our purpose, ‘Empowering people, through inspiring learning experiences, all over the world’.  This role is pivotal in shaping product development, driving growth through new products and revenue streams, and championing our products and role across the drinks industry.   WSET’s products are globally recognised for quality, integrity, and industry relevance. As the leader in drinks education, we aim to inspire learners and shape the future of the drinks industry. The CPO will set the product vision, strategy, and execute plans, supporting WSET’s strategic imperative to deliver a student-centred portfolio. Through collaboration with Business Development and Marketing, the CPO will also guide go-to-market efforts, ensuring alignment with our broader mission. 

The CPO will play a key role in driving our global impact by leading with: 

• Strategic product development 

• Leveraging technology to enhance the learner experience and create a more agile development process

• Education product thought leadership to deliver inspiring and empowering learning experiences

• Championing and accelerating change 

• Creating an inclusive, innovative culture with a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) 

As a member of the WSET Leadership Team, the CPO shares collective responsibility for realising our Purpose and Strategy. 

Executive Leadership 

Collaborate on organisational strategy development, translating this into actionable operational plans 

• Serve as WSET’s thought leader on product development, staying current on industry developments and advancements to enhance WSET’s relevance and thought-leadership 

• Cultivate a high-performance culture through talent management, succession planning, and fostering an inclusive, coaching-driven environment 

• Work cross-functionally to ensure alignment with WSET’s objectives and promote efficient, cohesive operations 

• Oversee adherence to Ofqual requirements, ensuring compliance in qualification development and delivery 

• Act as an ambassador for WSET’s brand and values 

 Educational Product Leadership 

• Shape and execute the vision for our product strategy, managing creation across formats and languages 

• Collaborate with industry thought leaders to continuously advance WSET’s educational product portfolio 

• Lead global growth efforts by evolving existing products and introducing new offerings to reinforce WSET’s reputation 

• Build a resilient team that embraces change and innovation, especially in product delivery and technology 

• Drive a student-centric approach, incorporating feedback to ensure products remain progressive, relevant, and impactful 

• Foster a culture open to innovation, development, and constructive feedback 

 Skills and Competencies 

• Extensive experience in education creation, digital transformation and delivery, particularly with technology 

• Deep knowledge of education and examining principles, tools, and advancements in teaching 

• Strong understanding of governance, legislative, and reporting requirements (Ofqual) 

• Data-driven and analytical, with proven project management and commercial acumen 

• Effective cross-functional leadership with experience in team-building and leading change initiatives 

• Ability to facilitate agile decision-making with an understanding of and experience of implementing product lifecycle models 

 Personal Attributes 

• Passionate and knowledgeable about education with a proven track record of creating value 

• Strategic and analytical thinker with a hands-on approach 

• High emotional intelligence, resilient, empathetic, and skilled at coaching 

• Pragmatic and collaborative, with a willingness to challenge the status quo while understanding our business’ needs 

 The CPO role at WSET is designed for an inspiring leader who is ready to elevate our global impact, innovate the drinks education landscape, and drive strategic growth while honouring our values. 

This role is hybrid/office-based 2-3 days per week, London SE1 (Full-time)

Definitions:

Fully remote - Can be performed entirely remotely from any location.

Hybrid remote - Performed as a mixture of in-office and remote work.

Temporarily remote - Performed in a single location, such as an office or at a job site, but which is temporarily remote during special circumstances).

UK Benefits  

Annual Leave - 28 days pa + public holidays, increases with service; ability to buy/sell 5 days

Pension (generous options available after three months)

Health insurance (after three months):

Vitality scheme - post probation - Access to virtual GP appointments, Rewards include Caffe Nero drinks, Cinema Tickets, Apple Watch, Cash Back on Waitrose shopping, 75% off at Champneys, 6 month subscription with HeadSpace, Discounted Weight Watchers membership and gyms, Smoking Cessation day worth £300 and half price health screens

Eye voucher scheme

Food and drink in the office

Nespresso coffee makers and a range of other drinks, fruit, cereals, soups

Season ticket & gym membership loan scheme

Group income protection scheme

EAP

24/7 confidential help and support from trained counsellors and advisors

Death in service

4x annual salary paid to nominees with associated bereavement support for family

Enhanced family friendly leave and pay

Celebration vouchers

Cycle2Work scheme

Discretionary bonus

Development - WSET's in-house training and qualifications in Wines, Spirits, Sake and Beer as well as other professional development opportunities