Director Of Strategy, Planning & Insights

Pearson Overview

Learning is one of the world’s most powerful forces for change. As the world’s largest learning company, Pearson has been contributing to a profound impact on our world since its formation in 1844. Pearson employs more than 20,000, operates in 70 countries, and delivers products and services in nearly 200 countries. Each one is furthering a common purpose: to help people achieve their highest potential through learning. Towards this goal, Pearson provides a diverse global community with high quality digital content, learning experiences, assessments, and qualifications to build skills and proactively impact our evolving world. Pearson works with globally recognized educational institutions, employers, and governments, deploying its expertise across a broad range of subject matter and age groups.

Tens of millions of people rely on Pearson for learning throughout their lives. Pearson’s knowledge and experience help create the best content delivered in the most appropriate way for the best learner outcomes - whether digitally to help children read or online courses to upskill career-driven professionals. With advances in technology and changes in consumer habits, Pearson helps people reach their goals regardless of their location and preferred learning modality. From carefully designed online resources and rich content, to full course and curriculum support – Pearson’s products address the entirety of a person’s learning starting with formal education to the workplace and beyond.

While formal education comprises 75 percent of the learning market, projections indicate over one billion more learners will progress through formal education by 2030 owing to a growing global middle class, longer careers and increasing consumer demand for lifelong and non-academic learning, particularly for reskilling and upskilling. To meet the needs of today’s learners, Pearson is split into five business divisions; each with its own focus and expertise, all supported by the Direct-to-Consumer group.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that is always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us too always be better.

We believe that wherever learning flourishes so do people.  We value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the power of an inclusive culture and a strong sense of belonging. We seek to infuse diversity and inclusion in everything we do while promoting a culture where differences are embraced as strengths; opportunities are equal and accessible; consideration and respect are the norm; and all team members are supported in reaching their full potential.

Through our talent, we believe that diversity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace where talent can learn, grow, and thrive.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce please visit https://www.pearson.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.html

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the Colorado, California, Washington State, and New York City laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:  The minimum full-time salary $150,000.

This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here. 

Role Description

This Director role will be accountable for helping to develop and execute Pearson Higher Educations strategy informed by customer & marketplace insights. In this role, you will:

• Drive the development and implementation of strategic initiatives and innovative digital product solutions based on consumer insights, market trends, and business needs.
• Lead primary qualitative and quantitative research studies, both in partnership with external vendors and independently leveraging internal tools and platforms.
• Develop business models and go-to-market strategies: Design and refine business models, pricing strategies, and go-to-market strategies for new and existing products or services. Identify target markets, define value propositions, and develop strategies to reach and engage customers effectively.
• Drive visibility and communication by the team, ensuring that deliverables are executive-ready with actionable recommendations that drive impact and reach.
• Demonstrate mastery of syndicated data systems and secondary research analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including leadership, sales, marketing, and product management, to identify insight needs, develop customized solutions, and advocate for consumer-centric strategies.
• Proactively conduct ongoing consumer and market research to identify industry-specific opportunities for positioning, differentiation, and business model innovation.
• Conduct market and competitive analysis: Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to identify market trends, customer and stakeholder preferences, and competitive landscape. Monitor industry developments and assess their impact on the company's strategy and planning efforts.
• Performance measurement and reporting: Develop and implement performance measurement systems to track and evaluate the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and key performance indicators (KPIs). Provide regular reports and updates to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Actively engage in Pearson's Strategy and Insights Community of Practice, collaborating with other Insights leaders across the organization to share best practices and drive excellence.
• Develop and execute strategic plans: Develop and implement the company's strategic plans and initiatives, aligning them with the overall business objectives. Identify growth opportunities, assess market trends, and create strategies to drive business growth and competitive advantage.

Qualifications

• A 4-year degree from an accredited institution in Strategy, Market Research, Behavioral Sciences, or an equivalent discipline, or an appropriate combination of experience and education.
• Ability to work creatively, leveraging various resources to develop actionable recommendations from research data.
• 8+ years of experience in strategy and research-related roles, with a minimum of 5 years in leadership positions managing teams. Corporate strategy and research experience is preferred.
• Proven track record of leading and influencing others in a constructive manner to build and sustain collaborative relationships.
• Focused attention to detail, excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work remotely with minimal supervision, managing highly dynamic workloads effectively.

Pearson provides a flexible work environment for its employees.  We believe that the ability to work from anywhere, anytime in work/life balance is a critical part of our culture and employee satisfaction.  In exchange, we require that employees have the appropriate means to work remotely, including adherence to our work at home policies regarding home office setup, including but not limited to privacy of records, technology standards, equipment standards and expectations. 

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and a member of E-Verify. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.   

What To Expect From Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: MARKETING

Organization: Higher Education

Schedule: FULLTIME

Req ID: 12251