Director Product and Programme Delivery

About the OpportunityOur client is building a new AI-powered education platform for schools across the Gulf region. The solution will bring curriculum, teaching, assessment, technology, and student creativity together into one integrated learning experience.As the venture prepares for launch, it is assembling a founding team to shape the product, build the operating model, and lead delivery at scale.The company’s identity will be shared with shortlisted candidates following the required confidentiality process.The RoleWe are seeking a Director, Product & Programme Delivery to lead the product from concept through to classroom implementation.You will be responsible for ensuring that curriculum, teaching methodology, assessment, technology, safeguarding, and school delivery operate as one coherent product.Working closely with the Managing Director, Chief Architect, academic leadership, developers, and external partners, you will own the product roadmap, platform delivery, school implementation, and programme quality.This role requires a hands-on product leader who can move confidently between strategy, technology, education, and operational delivery.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Strategy and IntegrationOwn the end-to-end product roadmap and delivery plan.Integrate curriculum, teaching, assessment, platform capabilities, and partner content into one seamless experience.Translate the venture’s educational vision into clear product requirements, priorities, and execution plans.Maintain product consistency across student, teacher, school, and administrative experiences.Platform DevelopmentLead platform development in partnership with the Chief Architect, internal teams, and external build partners.Define product requirements, user journeys, acceptance criteria, and release priorities.Ensure the platform is scalable, reliable, intuitive, and fit for classroom use.Manage dependencies across content, technology, assessment, and operations.Programme DeliveryLead the implementation of the platform and programme within schools.Oversee school onboarding, operational readiness, teacher enablement, and launch planning.Establish delivery standards, quality controls, escalation processes, and performance measures.Use feedback from schools, teachers, and learners to improve the product continuously.Data Protection, Safeguarding and QualityEmbed child safety, privacy, and data-protection requirements into the product and delivery model.Establish appropriate controls, protocols, and accountability mechanisms.Ensure product decisions reflect the needs and safety of young learners.Work closely with relevant specialists to maintain strong safeguarding and quality standards.Team and Stakeholder LeadershipBuild and lead the product and programme delivery function.Align academic, teaching, technology, safeguarding, and operational teams.Manage relationships with schools, technology providers, content partners, and other stakeholders.Create a collaborative, accountable, and delivery-focused working culture.Essential ExperienceSignificant experience owning an integrated ed-tech, digital-learning, or education technology product end-to-end.Demonstrated success taking a product from development into real-world implementation.Experience deploying technology or learning programmes within schools or education environments.Strong understanding of digital platforms, software development, product management, and delivery processes.Ability to work credibly with engineers, developers, designers, educators, and external technology partners.Experience incorporating data protection, privacy, safeguarding, or child-safety requirements into a digital product.Strong programme management and multi-stakeholder leadership experience.Experience building and leading high-performing teams.Excellent judgement, communication, diplomacy, and problem-solving skills.Willingness to relocate and work on-site in the Gulf region.Preferred ExperienceDirect experience within K-12 education or school-based learning.Experience with AI-enabled learning, adaptive education, or education technology platforms.Experience integrating third-party content and technology into a unified product.Understanding of teacher workflows, classroom realities, assessment practices, and safeguarding requirements.Familiarity with the GCC or wider Middle East education market.Arabic and English language skills.A track record of building sustainable teams, systems, and operating processes.The Ideal CandidateYou are a product builder and delivery leader who understands that an education platform succeeds only when it works in the classroom.You can define the vision, translate it into a practical roadmap, work closely with technical teams, and ensure that schools, teachers, and students have a consistent and high-quality experience.You are comfortable operating in an early-stage environment where priorities evolve, decisions must be made quickly, and strong cross-functional leadership is essential.