Product Strategy and Operations, Senior Manager - New Verticals | Housing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy and Operations, Senior Manager - New Verticals | Housing

Company: EliseAI

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy & Operations

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site (4-5 days/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal for identifying, developing, and launching new product initiatives and market opportunities within EliseAI’s new verticals, with a specific focus on the housing sector.

• It requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of product strategy, market analysis, and go-to-market execution for high-growth technology companies.

• The position involves leading cross-functional teams, including Product, Engineering, GTM, and Customer Success, to drive product launches from conception to market success.

• Success in this role will be measured by the ability to develop and execute comprehensive strategies that expand EliseAI's market presence and drive significant business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Operations," the core responsibilities and requirements strongly align with a Product Strategy and Management role focused on new market/product exploration and launch. The "Operations" aspect appears to refer to the operational execution of product launches and strategic initiatives, rather than traditional revenue or sales operations. This role is about building new business lines from the ground up.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• New Product & Market Exploration: Spearhead the identification, evaluation, and launch of new product opportunities by conducting in-depth feasibility analyses, market research, and competitive assessments.

• Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy Development: Design and own comprehensive GTM strategies, encompassing market segmentation, product positioning, pricing models, and successful launch execution plans.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (Product, Engineering, GTM, Customer Success) to ensure seamless alignment and effective execution of product launches and market expansions.

• Strategic Project Management: Develop and manage detailed project plans with clear timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and success metrics for new initiatives, ensuring accountability for outcomes.

• Market Intelligence & Iteration: Continuously monitor market trends, gather customer feedback, and analyze competitive dynamics to refine and optimize ongoing product strategies and offerings.

• Stakeholder Alignment & Communication: Partner closely with senior leadership, product managers, engineers, marketing, sales, and customer success teams to ensure cohesive execution and communicate strategic insights.

• Business Impact Ownership: Drive tangible business outcomes by ensuring the successful implementation and adoption of new products and market entries, directly contributing to company growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a "zero to one" approach, indicating a focus on innovation, market entry, and building new business lines. This requires strong strategic planning, market analysis, and execution capabilities, distinct from optimizing existing operational processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature. An MBA or advanced degree may be considered a plus.

Experience: 5-6 years of progressive experience in product strategy, product management, management consulting, corporate strategy, or similar roles within high-growth technology startups or established technology companies.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Development: Proven track record in identifying, evaluating, and launching new products or entering new markets.

• Market Research & Analysis: Expertise in conducting comprehensive market research, competitive assessments, and feasibility studies.

• Go-to-Market (GTM) Planning: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute effective GTM strategies, including market segmentation, positioning, and pricing.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Strong capability to lead and influence diverse teams across Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success.

• Project & Program Management: Skilled in developing and managing detailed project plans, timelines, and success metrics for complex initiatives.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional data-driven approach to problem-solving, with a strong analytical mindset.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and influencing abilities to align stakeholders and drive consensus.

• Autonomy & Ownership: A self-starter mentality, comfortable navigating ambiguity, taking initiative, and driving projects to completion with minimal supervision.

• Execution Focus: Relentless drive to execute and deliver tangible business outcomes in fast-paced environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the housing or proptech industry.

• Familiarity with AI-driven products and their market application.

• Experience working in a "unicorn" startup environment.

• Strategic financial modeling and business case development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of strategic foresight and rigorous execution. Candidates are expected to be comfortable with ambiguity and possess a strong bias for action, indicative of a startup environment focused on rapid growth and innovation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• New Product Launch Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully launched products or market entries, detailing the strategic rationale, market analysis, GTM plan, and achieved outcomes.

• Strategic Initiative Examples: Present instances where you identified a market opportunity, developed a strategic plan, and led cross-functional teams to execution, demonstrating impact.

• Market Analysis Frameworks: Include examples of market segmentation, competitive analysis frameworks, or feasibility study methodologies you have employed.

• GTM Strategy Documentation: Provide samples or descriptions of GTM strategies you have developed, highlighting key components like positioning, pricing, and channel strategy.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning & Roadmapping: Demonstrate experience in creating strategic plans and product roadmaps for new ventures, outlining how you translate market insights into actionable plans.

• Cross-Functional Alignment Processes: Detail how you have established processes to ensure alignment and collaboration among diverse teams (Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, CS) during product development and launch phases.

• Performance Measurement & Iteration: Illustrate how you define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for new products or market entries, and how this data informs iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "zero to one" initiatives, a portfolio demonstrating the ability to conceptualize, strategize, and execute new ventures is critical. This goes beyond standard product management portfolios to showcase entrepreneurial thinking and market-building capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $205,000 – $273,500 CAD per year. This range is based on the provided information and reflects compensation for a Senior Manager level role in Toronto, Canada, considering the high-growth tech industry and the company's Series E funding status. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Equity in the company (stock options/grants)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance premiums covered at 100%

• Fully paid parental leave

• Collaborative in-office environment with an open floor plan

• Fully stocked kitchen and all meals covered in the office

• Unlimited vacation and paid holidays

• Relocation packages for successful candidates

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with an expectation of flexibility and dedication required for a fast-paced startup environment, particularly during critical launch phases. The role requires 4-5 days per week in the Toronto office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Manager role in Toronto's tech sector. The comprehensive benefits package, including equity and generous time-off policies, reflects the company's focus on attracting and retaining top talent in a high-growth environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software as a Service (SaaS) - specifically targeting the Housing and Healthcare sectors.

Company Size: EliseAI has recently raised a $250 million Series E round, indicating significant growth and a substantial employee base, likely placing it in the mid-to-large-sized startup category (e.g., 200-1000+ employees). This size suggests a dynamic, well-resourced, and rapidly scaling organization.

Founded: EliseAI was founded with a mission to improve essential industries through AI. Its growth trajectory, marked by significant funding, implies a culture that values innovation, rapid execution, and impactful problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• The role reports into a senior leadership position overseeing product strategy and new ventures.

• It requires close collaboration with dedicated teams in Product Management, Engineering, Go-To-Market (GTM), and Customer Success.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data analysis and market intelligence to inform strategic decisions, product development, and GTM planning.

• Agile & Iterative Development: A focus on rapid iteration, learning from market feedback, and adapting strategies quickly, especially for new initiatives.

• Ownership & Accountability: A culture where individuals and teams are empowered with autonomy and held accountable for delivering significant business outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: EliseAI positions itself as a fast-paced, high-impact environment that attracts ambitious individuals. The culture emphasizes ownership, autonomy, and a "masterclass" learning experience, typical of successful, well-funded tech startups aiming for significant market disruption.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior Manager level, indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. It's a strategic role focused on pioneering new business areas rather than managing established operational functions.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a VP or Director of Product Strategy, New Ventures, or a similar executive overseeing growth initiatives. This provides direct exposure to senior leadership.

Operations Impact: The impact is directly tied to identifying and launching new revenue streams and market segments for EliseAI. Success in this role would significantly contribute to the company's overall growth, market expansion, and valuation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in New Ventures: Opportunity to build and lead entire new product lines or business units from inception, potentially evolving into a Director or VP role for a specific vertical.

• Strategic Impact & Visibility: High visibility with senior leadership and the opportunity to shape the company's future product portfolio and market strategy.

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in product strategy, market entry, cross-functional leadership, and executing complex launches in a rapidly scaling tech environment.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Gain invaluable experience in a "zero to one" environment, akin to launching a startup within a larger, well-funded organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for individuals looking to gain entrepreneurial experience within a stable, well-funded company. It's a pathway for those aspiring to lead significant business initiatives and drive strategic growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description mentions a "collaborative in-office environment with an open floor plan," suggesting a modern, dynamic workspace designed to foster interaction and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific office details are not provided beyond the general description of the workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The open floor plan and emphasis on collaboration suggest an environment where teams work closely together, facilitating quick communication and problem-solving.

• On-site Requirement: A strong emphasis on being in the office 4-5 days per week indicates a preference for in-person interaction, team building, and spontaneous collaboration, which is often crucial for new initiative development.

• Amenities: Fully stocked kitchen and covered meals contribute to a positive employee experience and encourage employees to spend more time at the office, fostering a strong team culture.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the nature of launching new products and entering new markets often requires flexibility and dedication beyond typical hours, especially during critical launch phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture actively promotes in-office collaboration, with amenities designed to make the workspace appealing and productive. This environment is best suited for individuals who thrive on in-person teamwork and are comfortable with the fast-paced nature of a growing tech company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess alignment with experience requirements (5-6 years in relevant fields, new product/market launch success).

• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Interview: Discussion focused on experience, motivations, and initial fit with the role and company culture. Expect questions about your approach to strategic challenges.

• Case Study / Presentation: Likely to involve a strategic challenge or a request to present a past new product/market launch case study. This is where your portfolio will be critical.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, GTM, and potentially senior leadership to assess collaboration skills, strategic thinking, and execution capabilities.

• Final Round: Potentially with executive leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic vision, and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight "Zero to One" Successes: Focus on projects where you initiated, strategized, and launched something new, rather than incremental improvements.

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your strategy, the execution, and the tangible business outcomes (e.g., revenue generated, market share gained, user adoption).

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to conduct market analysis, identify opportunities, and develop a compelling GTM strategy.

• Emphasize Cross-Functional Leadership: Detail how you managed and influenced diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Address Ambiguity: Be prepared to discuss how you navigated uncertainty and made decisions with incomplete information.

Challenge Preparation:

• New Vertical Market Analysis: Practice analyzing a new market, identifying key players, customer needs, and potential entry strategies for EliseAI.

• Product Launch Strategy: Prepare a framework for launching a new product in a competitive landscape, considering segmentation, positioning, pricing, and channels.

• Cross-Functional Alignment Scenarios: Think about how you would align competing priorities between Product, Engineering, and GTM teams for a critical launch.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your ability to demonstrate past success in strategic, new-initiative development and execution. A well-curated portfolio showcasing these capabilities is essential for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or similar for project tracking, roadmapping, and documentation.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft 365 for document creation, analysis, and presentations.

• Communication Tools: Experience with Slack or Microsoft Teams for day-to-day team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Exposure to tools like Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or Mixpanel for data analysis, dashboard creation, and performance tracking.

• CRM Systems: Understanding of CRM platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar for understanding customer data and sales processes, even if not directly managing them.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for financial modeling, data analysis, and scenario planning.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct "operations" role as typically defined, understanding how CRM and automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot, Salesforce Automation) support GTM strategies and customer engagement is beneficial.

• Familiarity with AI/ML platforms or concepts may be advantageous given the company's core technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is not a technical operations role, a strong understanding of the technology stack that supports product development, GTM execution, and data analysis is crucial. The emphasis is on leveraging these tools strategically rather than administering them.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Ambition: A drive to explore new frontiers, build significant products, and achieve ambitious growth targets.

• Execution & Impact: A strong focus on delivering tangible results and making a measurable impact on the business.

• Collaboration & Ownership: Working effectively across teams to achieve common goals while taking personal responsibility for outcomes.

• Data-Driven & Strategic: Utilizing data and strategic thinking to guide decisions and drive product direction.

• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing change, navigating ambiguity, and iterating quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Emphasis on close collaboration with Product, Engineering, GTM, and Customer Success teams, fostering a unified approach to product launches.

• Direct Communication: Open and direct communication is encouraged, especially in a fast-moving startup environment.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Teams are expected to work together to identify and solve complex problems, leveraging diverse perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: EliseAI's culture values individuals who are proactive, results-oriented, and capable of thriving in a dynamic, collaborative setting. The emphasis is on building something substantial and making a significant impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Launching new verticals and products involves significant uncertainty; candidates must be comfortable making decisions and driving progress with incomplete information.

• Balancing Strategy and Execution: The role requires both high-level strategic thinking and hands-on execution to bring new ideas to market successfully.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively aligning diverse teams with potentially competing priorities is a continuous challenge in product development and launch.

• Market Validation: Ensuring new product offerings resonate with target markets and achieve product-market fit requires rigorous validation and iteration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Direct involvement in building new business lines from "zero to one" within a well-funded startup.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone strategic planning, market analysis, and GTM expertise at a senior level.

• Industry Exposure: Deep dive into the housing and potentially other essential industries, understanding their unique operational and market dynamics.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from experienced leaders within EliseAI, particularly those involved in strategic growth initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed for individuals who view challenges as opportunities for growth. The company actively supports learning through hands-on experience and exposure to high-level strategic decision-making.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a new market opportunity and developed a strategy to enter it. What was your process, and what was the outcome?"

• "How would you approach developing a go-to-market strategy for a novel product in the housing sector?"

• "Imagine we want to expand into a new vertical outside of housing. What steps would you take to evaluate its viability and develop a launch plan?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in EliseAI and our mission to improve essential industries?"

• "How do you approach working with engineering and product teams to bring a new product to life?"

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth technology company."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key case studies. For each, clearly define the problem, your strategic approach, the execution steps, the cross-functional collaboration involved, and the measurable results.

• Data Visualization: Use charts and graphs to illustrate market data, competitive landscapes, and performance metrics effectively.

• Storytelling: Frame your experiences as compelling narratives that highlight your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful examples succinctly, focusing on the key takeaways relevant to this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your strategic frameworks, your process for identifying and validating new opportunities, and your ability to lead cross-functional teams to successful execution. Quantifiable results from past launches will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy and Operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in product strategy, new market entry, GTM planning, and cross-functional leadership. Use keywords from the job description such as "product strategy," "new verticals," "go-to-market," and "launch."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your experience in identifying, strategizing, and launching new products or markets. Focus on quantifiable results and your role in driving execution.

• Research EliseAI: Understand their current products in housing and healthcare, their recent funding rounds, and their overall mission. Think about potential new verticals they could explore.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers for strategic, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on your experience with "zero to one" initiatives and leading cross-functional teams.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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