Lead Product Manager

Description:

Yelp is hiring a Lead Product Manager to spearhead the strategic and technical development of its Ads Auction and Measurement systems. This pivotal role operates at the core of Yelp's advertising business, managing the dynamics of ad auctions, pricing, bidding algorithms, and budget pacing that directly influence advertiser ROI and Yelp’s monetization efforts.

The selected candidate will lead product strategy, system optimization, and data-driven decision-making for real-time ad delivery processes that balance consumer experience with business objectives. The role requires a blend of deep analytical skills, product intuition, auction theory expertise, and hands-on technical capabilities. It’s ideal for product leaders passionate about building scalable systems that solve complex trade-offs in online marketplaces.

This is a remote-first opportunity available to candidates across Canada, offering flexibility and autonomy while contributing to a mission-driven, collaborative, and diverse team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Leadership: Define and execute the roadmap for Yelp's ads auction mechanisms, budget pacing strategies, and bidding algorithms aligned with evolving business goals.

• Auction Optimization: Collaborate closely with engineers and data scientists to refine real-time ad selection systems, integrating considerations around advertiser goals (like ROI and lead generation), user experience, and revenue generation.

• Performance Measurement: Establish and own metrics frameworks to evaluate auction efficiency, health, and long-term business impact. Lead large-scale A/B tests and design metrics that balance trade-offs such as monetization versus user relevance.

• Independent Data Analysis: Use SQL, Python, or similar tools to conduct in-depth analysis of ad auction data, surfacing actionable insights, optimization opportunities, and validating hypotheses.

• End-to-End Product Development: Oversee the entire product lifecycle for auction and measurement systems – from ideation and requirement gathering through design, launch, and iteration.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Serve as the product authority on ad auctions, effectively partnering with teams in Data Science, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and Marketing. Clearly communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Revenue Impact: Drive business outcomes by enhancing the effectiveness and profitability of the ad ecosystem, supporting long-term advertiser success and user satisfaction.

• Culture Champion: Foster an inclusive, values-driven work culture reflecting Yelp’s commitment to collaboration, authenticity, and diversity.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of product management experience with a focus on advertising, auction platforms, or monetization systems in an AdTech or large-scale marketplace environment.

• Deep understanding of auction theory (e.g., VCG, GSP), statistical modeling, machine learning, and optimization algorithms.

• Hands-on expertise in data querying and analysis using SQL and programming languages like Python or R.

• Strong knowledge of A/B testing, causal inference, and experimental design.

• Educational background with a Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related quantitative discipline is highly preferred.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence cross-functional teams, bridging technical and business perspectives.

• Demonstrated ability to break down complex technical systems into impactful product strategies and decisions.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Annual Salary: CAD 155000 – 233000
  → Monthly Equivalent: CAD 12917 – 19417

• May include:

  • Performance-based bonus

  • Restricted stock units (RSUs)

  • Comprehensive benefits package (details available on Yelp’s career site)

• Remote Work Flexibility: Fully remote within Canada

Work Environment and Culture:

Yelp fosters an engineering and product culture rooted in cooperation, authenticity, and continuous growth. Employees are encouraged to deploy real-world solutions quickly and improve systems that serve millions of users daily. The company embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion across all teams and seeks professionals who thrive in collaborative, open-minded environments.

Yelp is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. They are committed to supporting applicants and employees with disabilities and providing reasonable accommodations when requested.