Head of Growth - Korea

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head of Growth - Korea

🔹 Company: Speak

🔹 Location: Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Software Development

🔹 Date Posted: June 24, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving sustainable user acquisition, revenue expansion, and long-term retention in Korea
• Leading and scaling performance marketing efforts with a high creative output and media efficiency
• Identifying, validating, and scaling new growth channels
• Managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary growth team
• Collaborating with product, brand, and central growth teams to align roadmaps with local market opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and hands-on leader with a proven track record in high-growth tech or consumer startups. The ideal candidate will have full-stack growth expertise and a strong operator mindset.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Own and deliver Korea’s growth targets by growing the subscriber base while improving LTV:CAC through data-driven acquisition and retention strategies

✅ Lead and scale performance marketing efforts, managing >$0M+ annual budget with high creative output, experimentation, and media efficiency

✅ Identify, validate, and scale new growth channels (e.g., product-led growth loops, alternative paid media, pricing/packaging innovation)

✅ Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary growth team across paid UA, CRM, and more

✅ Build and optimize reporting systems for daily/weekly visibility across paid marketing, CRM, funnel performance, and product usage

✅ Collaborate with product, brand, and central growth teams to align roadmaps with local market opportunities

✅ Contribute to Korea’s brand positioning and comms strategy in service of broader market growth

ASSUMPTION: The role requires a strong focus on data-driven decision-making, continuous experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 7+ years in high-growth tech or consumer startups, with ownership of $10M+ annual marketing budgets across both web and app

Required Skills:

• Proven growth leadership with a track record of delivering results
• Deep hands-on experience in performance marketing, funnel optimization, and experimentation
• Strong operator mindset, comfortable building systems, dashboards, and processes from scratch
• Strong team leadership and coaching skills, with a track record of building and mentoring high-performing growth and marketing teams
• Deep understanding of Korean consumer behavior with the ability to adapt and apply global best practices
• Business fluency in English, capable of leading collaboration with global stakeholders and aligning local efforts to global goals

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a global organization
• Fluency in additional languages
• Experience with AI or machine learning technologies

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in growth marketing, a passion for data-driven decision-making, and experience working in high-growth startups are likely to be successful in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on experience and market conditions, the salary range for this role is estimated to be between $150,000 and $250,000 USD per year. This estimate is inclusive of base salary and annual bonus.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Generous time off policy
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee stock options

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet deadlines or attend events.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market conditions and the company's size. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Speak operates in the software development industry, focusing on AI-powered language learning applications.

Company Size: Speak is a mid-sized company with 51-200 employees, providing a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Founded: Speak was founded in 2016 and has since grown to become a global leader in AI-powered language learning.

Company Description:

• Speak is a language learning app that sets users on the path to fluency with the world’s most advanced AI tutor
• The company was founded to democratize access to high-quality language education through AI
• Speak is backed by prominent investors such as Y Combinator, Open AI, Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, and Matrix Partners

Company Specialties:

• AI-powered language learning
• Speech recognition technology
• Personalized learning experiences

Company Website: https://www.speak.com/

ASSUMPTION: Speak's focus on AI-powered language learning and personalized user experiences sets it apart in the competitive education technology market.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the global Head of Growth and working closely with the Korea Country Manager.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Growth - Korea will manage a multidisciplinary growth team and collaborate with product, brand, and central growth teams.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, based in Seoul, with the expectation of occasional travel to other Speak offices.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Speak continues to expand globally, there may be opportunities for the Head of Growth - Korea to take on additional responsibilities or move into a regional leadership role
• The company's focus on employee development and growth provides opportunities for professional advancement

ASSUMPTION: The Head of Growth - Korea will play a critical role in Speak's continued success in the Korean market and will have ample opportunities to grow and develop within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Speak's Seoul office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity.

Office Location(s): Speak's Seoul office is located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

Geographic Context:

• Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, with a population of over 10 million people
• The city is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and cutting-edge technology industry
• Seoul is home to numerous multinational corporations and startups, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, with standard business hours. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet deadlines or attend events.

ASSUMPTION: The Head of Growth - Korea will enjoy a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities to collaborate with local and global team members.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the global Head of Growth
• On-site interview with the Korea Country Manager and other relevant team members
• Final interview with the global Head of Growth and/or other senior leaders

Key Assessment Areas:

• Growth strategy and vision for the Korean market
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills
• Leadership and team management capabilities
• Understanding of Korean consumer behavior and market trends

Application Tips:

• Highlight your proven track record in driving growth and improving LTV:CAC in high-growth startups
• Demonstrate your deep understanding of performance marketing, funnel optimization, and experimentation
• Showcase your strong operator mindset and ability to build systems, dashboards, and processes from scratch
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences for this role

ATS Keywords: Growth leadership, performance marketing, funnel optimization, experimentation, data-driven strategies, team management, Korean consumer behavior, business fluency in English

ASSUMPTION: Speak's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit with the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker, Google Data Studio)
• Marketing automation and CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, Salesforce)
• Performance marketing platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads)
• Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Slack)

ASSUMPTION: The Head of Growth - Korea will be expected to leverage relevant tools and technologies to drive data-driven decision-making and improve marketing performance.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• User-focused: Speak prioritizes the needs and preferences of its users, continuously iterating and improving its products and services
• Data-driven: Speak relies on data to inform decision-making and drive growth
• Collaborative: Speak fosters a culture of open communication, collaboration, and teamwork

Work Style:

• Speak values a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with a strong emphasis on innovation and continuous learning
• The company encourages employees to take ownership of their work and drive results
• Speak promotes a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging, with a commitment to creating an equitable and supportive work environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of driving growth and improving LTV:CAC in high-growth startups?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a strong emphasis on innovation and continuous learning?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment, with a focus on open communication and teamwork?

ASSUMPTION: Speak's culture is characterized by its user-focused approach, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative work environment. Candidates who align with these values and work styles are likely to be successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The Korean market is highly competitive, with numerous established and emerging language learning platforms
• The role requires a strong understanding of Korean consumer behavior and market trends, as well as the ability to adapt and apply global best practices
• The Head of Growth - Korea will be expected to manage and mentor a multidisciplinary growth team, requiring strong leadership and team management skills
• The role may require occasional travel to other Speak offices, which could disrupt personal schedules and routines

ASSUMPTION: The Head of Growth - Korea will face numerous challenges in driving sustainable user acquisition, revenue expansion, and long-term retention in the Korean market. However, with a strong strategic vision, data-driven approach, and collaborative work style, these challenges can be overcome.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional language learning platforms, Speak's AI-powered approach to language education sets it apart in the market
• The Head of Growth - Korea will be responsible for driving growth in a single market, whereas similar roles in other organizations may have regional or global responsibilities
• Speak's focus on employee development and growth provides ample opportunities for professional advancement, whereas other organizations may have more limited career growth prospects

ASSUMPTION: The Head of Growth - Korea is a unique role within the language learning industry, offering a rare opportunity to drive growth and innovation in a dynamic and competitive market.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for a new AI-powered language learning product in the Korean market
• Conducting market research and user interviews to inform product development and improve user experience
• Optimizing marketing funnels and improving conversion rates through A/B testing and data-driven experimentation

ASSUMPTION: The Head of Growth - Korea will have the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that drive growth and improve user experience in the Korean market.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for the Head of Growth - Korea in the first 90 days?
• How does Speak support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the company's approach to collaboration and teamwork, both within the growth team and with other departments?
• How does Speak measure and track progress towards growth targets and key performance indicators?
• What is the company's long-term vision for the Korean market, and how does this role contribute to that vision?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process will demonstrate your interest in the role and commitment to driving growth and success at Speak.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/speak/38332afc-aaf8-423d-8848-f5aa5eff3c61
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for your interview by researching Speak's products, market position, and competition
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.