Head of Optimisation

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.

Across our three businesses – The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education – we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision‑makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

The Economist is seeking a visionary Head of Optimization to lead our organic growth strategy across three critical pillars: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), App Store Optimization (ASO), and AI Optimization (AIO).

As consumption habits shift from traditional keyword searches to conversational AI and mobile‑first platforms, this role will ensure our world‑class journalism remains highly visible, authoritative, and easily discoverable. You will lead a cross‑functional squad of technical specialists, data analysts, and content strategists to drive high‑intent subscriber acquisition, app downloads, and brand authority across all digital discovery engines.

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 personalised 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

• Extensive experience of digital optimisation, 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.

Working Arrangements

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

What we offer

Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work‑life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program. We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home. You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.

We are committed to building and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. This position is open to all qualified candidates, regardless of race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic.