Awards Product & Research Manager; Maternity cover

Company Description

LIONS is the global platform that champions creativity and marketing effectiveness for growth. We help businesses grow through creative marketing that matters.

We know that creativity can and should be applied across the full marketing mix. Creativity is an impactful business driver - and when it's integrated with a culture of effectiveness, it's a competitive advantage. Backed by over 150 years of experience and evidence, Cannes Lions, WARC, Effie, Contagious and Acuity - provides the global marketing industry with the definitive benchmarks, intelligence, training and tailored advice needed to grow.

LIONS is part of Informa Festivals. Marking an exciting new chapter in B2B events, Informa Festivals brings some of the world's most influential creative, technology and business festivals together. We’re combining prestigious events like Cannes Lions, Black Hat, Money
20/20, GDC, and London Tech Week with cutting-edge marketing intelligence platforms and advisory services to deliver unmissable experiences and insights.

Our festival-led approach reimagines traditional B2B events, creating powerful, immersive experiences that drive innovation and industry advancement. Building on decades of expertise and powered by Informa's international reach, we're shaping the next generation of business festivals.

We’re part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100 who are #3 in Glassdoor's Best Places to Work 2025 UK list.

This role is based in our 5HP, London Victoria office

As the interim leader of Awards Product Development, you will uphold and advance the global reputation of both LIONS and Money
20/20 Awards. Building on our legacy of recognising excellence, you'll ensure our awards remain the industry's gold standard by combining strategic foresight with operational excellence. This role requires seamlessly integrating into operations while identifying opportunities for evolution, ensuring our categories, criteria, and processes stay ahead of market shifts.

The LIONS Awards celebrate creative breakthroughs in branded communications, while Money
20/20 honours transformative fintech innovation. You’ll lead a team to maintain their position as the industry's definitive benchmarks.

• Awards Product Strategy. Own and execute a 12-month awards roadmap, adapting categories and criteria to reflect industry shifts
• Team Leadership. Manage and develop a high-performing team, maintaining operational continuity while fostering growth. Implement clear performance metrics and skill-building opportunities that align with team and organisational goals
• Category development. Lead 3–5 category reforms or launches, validated by market research and stakeholder insights
• Coordinate and conduct market research with customers, agencies, and industry professionals (surveys, interviews, focus groups) to identify opportunities and pain points
• Market Intelligence. Analyse qualitative and quantitative market data to identify award development opportunities with regular reporting on emerging industry trends
• Data-Driven Decisions. Validate all category changes through data, from entry patterns, jury feedback, competitor benchmarking
• Product Delivery. Oversee end-to-end awards product delivery, from concept design, product and platform development to post-event analysis, ensuring deadlines are met
• Platform Excellence. Optimise entry systems to enhance user experience
• Insight Reporting. Deliver quarterly roadmap updates and bi-monthly 'What's Next' briefings to key stakeholders

This list is not exhaustive and there may be other activities you are required to deliver.

• Proven experience in leading end-to-end product management, within awards or similar programs, ensuring seamless delivery and continuous improvement
• Expertise in designing award frameworks and programmes that set industry standards and drive measurable growth
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, recognising growth potential, coaching, and supporting skill development
• Strong analytical skills to transform…