Head of Optimisation

Key Responsibilities

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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).

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 organisational factors are also considered.

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