Strategy & Product Associate

Global University Systems

Job Title: Strategy & Product Associate

Role Type: Permanent

Location: London

Salary: Competitive

Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all.  Our institutions offer the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital-first learning.  We offer a choice of career-enhancing certificates, degrees and post-graduate level qualifications, equipping our thriving multi-national community of students for lifelong success.  Our world-leading network and state-of-the-art institutions power the upskilling of our students worldwide.  

Summary of Role :

The Strategy and Product Associate will play a key role in advancing strategic initiatives at Global University Systems (GUS), working closely with stakeholders across the GUS network and directly supporting the Chief of Staff to the CEO.

This role is ideal for a highly capable research and strategy professional with a strong focus on deep analysis, structured problem-solving, and turning complex insights into clear, executive-ready outputs. Combining rigorous market and product analysis with hands-on strategic project support and active stakeholder engagement, the role will directly drive GUS’s growth, innovation, and alignment with CEO priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive research across higher education and related markets, analysing trends, delivery models, institutional capabilities, and emerging technologies, and present findings in a clear, actionable way for diverse audiences.

• Assess market size, growth, and dynamics to identify priority opportunities and inform strategic decision-making.

• Identify gaps in current product offerings, anticipate evolving learner and employer needs, and support the development of organic growth strategies.

• Analyse competitors and benchmark offerings to identify opportunities for differentiation and competitive advantage.

• Evaluate the feasibility, risks, and potential returns of new product, partnership, and institutional opportunities, building business cases using data analysis, Excel modeling, and financial frameworks.

• Support ad hoc strategic initiatives, including rapid research, opportunity identification, and preparation of high-quality briefing packs and slide decks for the CEO and executive team.

• Act as a liaison between the CEO’s office and cross-functional project teams to ensure alignment with strategic priorities, monitor progress, and flag risks.

• Produce concise, insightful reports, presentations, and recommendations that translate complex analysis into clear guidance for senior executives.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, balancing perspectives while driving progress and alignment.

• Work closely with the Chief of Staff and executive team, demonstrating professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, identify synergies, and integrate insights into cohesive, high-impact deliverables.

• Provide realistic timelines, communicate progress clearly, and proactively manage delivery risks, offering early warnings and mitigation strategies where timelines or outcomes may be impacted.

• Continuously seek feedback, refine approaches, and adapt to changing priorities, demonstrating flexibility, humility, and a “no task is too small” mindset.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Economics, or a related field.

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in dynamic organizations, ideally with exposure to strategy, product management, or market analysis.

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including Excel modeling, financial analysis, and business case development.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of translating complex analyses into clear insights for multiple audiences.

• Project management experience, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

• Strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and a proactive, self-starter mindset.

• Familiarity with emerging technologies and innovation trends, particularly in product or AI domains, is a plus.

• Career ambition and a strong drive to grow professionally in a forward thinking environment.

GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.