Product Strategy and Operations, VP - New Verticals | Housing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy and Operations, VP - New Verticals | Housing Company: EliseAI Location: New York, NY, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Operations / Strategy / Product Management Date Posted: 2025-09-22 Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This executive-level role focuses on the strategic identification, incubation, and scaling of new products and market opportunities within EliseAI's "New Verticals" initiative, specifically targeting the housing sector.
• It demands a strong operational mindset to drive "zero to one" and "one to ten" growth phases, requiring rigorous project management and cross-functional team leadership to ensure successful product launches and market penetration.
• The position involves deep market analysis, developing comprehensive go-to-market (GTM) strategies, and optimizing existing workflows for efficiency and scalability within emerging business lines.
• Success in this role hinges on translating strategic vision into actionable operational plans, managing complex projects, and fostering alignment across Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success teams to achieve measurable business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Product Strategy and Operations," the core responsibilities lean heavily into strategic leadership, market incubation, and operational execution for new business ventures. This role is less about day-to-day product operations (like CRM management or sales enablement) and more about the strategic and operational framework for launching entirely new product lines or entering new markets. It requires a blend of strategic foresight and hands-on operational leadership to build and scale new initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead market research, feasibility studies, and competitive landscape analyses to identify and prioritize high-potential new vertical opportunities for EliseAI.
• Architect and own comprehensive go-to-market (GTM) strategies, encompassing market segmentation, value proposition definition, pricing models, and end-to-end launch execution plans.
• Lead and manage cross-functional teams, including Product, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success, to ensure seamless product development, market entry, and adoption for new verticals.
• Develop and meticulously manage detailed project plans for new vertical initiatives, defining clear timelines, critical milestones, resource allocation, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for success.
• Continuously monitor market dynamics, gather customer feedback, and analyze competitive actions to iterate and optimize product strategies, offerings, and operational processes for new business lines.
• Drive the incubation and scaling phases of new products and businesses, transitioning them from concept to sustainable growth ("zero to one" and "one to ten").
• Provide strategic insights and data-driven recommendations to senior leadership based on thorough market intelligence and performance analysis.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and effective communication across all departments to ensure cohesive strategy execution and operational alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize strategic leadership in market identification and GTM execution, with a strong operational component in project management and cross-functional alignment. This role is about building and scaling new ventures, requiring a strategic operator to define the operational framework for these new businesses.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Strategy, Economics, Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for roles at this level, providing a foundational understanding of business principles and analytical frameworks.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in roles such as Product Strategy, Corporate Strategy, Management Consulting, or Product Management within fast-paced technology companies or high-growth startups.
• A demonstrated track record of successfully launching and scaling new products, business lines, or market initiatives, with quantifiable results and strategic foresight.
• Experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment and driving execution across Product, Engineering, Go-To-Market (GTM), and Customer Success departments.
• Proven ability to conduct in-depth market research, feasibility analyses, and competitive assessments to inform strategic decision-making.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and articulate long-term product and market strategies, identifying growth opportunities and competitive advantages.
• Go-To-Market (GTM) Strategy: Expertise in designing and executing comprehensive GTM plans, including market segmentation, positioning, pricing, and launch roadmaps.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to lead, influence, and collaborate with diverse teams (Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, CS) to achieve shared objectives.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong capability in leveraging data, market insights, and critical thinking to solve complex business challenges and make informed decisions.
• Project Management: Proficiency in developing and managing detailed project plans, timelines, resource allocation, and success metrics for complex initiatives.
• Execution Focus: A relentless drive to deliver tangible results, meet deadlines, and drive projects to completion in a high-pressure environment.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with a talent for influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Adaptability & Ambiguity Tolerance: Comfort and effectiveness in navigating ambiguous situations and fast-paced, rapidly evolving environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Market Incubation Experience: Direct experience in building new business lines or product categories from the ground up.
• Vertical Expertise: Domain knowledge or a strong understanding of the housing or healthcare industries.
• Financial Modeling & Business Case Development: Ability to build robust financial models and business cases to support new venture proposals.
• AI/SaaS Product Experience: Familiarity with AI-driven products and SaaS business models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "New Verticals" implies a need for strategic thinkers who can operate with significant autonomy, identify whitespace opportunities, and build operational frameworks for nascent business units. The "10+ years" requirement points to a senior leadership position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• New Venture Case Studies: Examples demonstrating the successful launch and scaling of new products, business lines, or market initiatives, clearly outlining the strategic approach, market entry plan, and growth trajectory.
• Go-To-Market Strategy Examples: Documentation showcasing the development and execution of GTM plans, including market segmentation, pricing strategies, channel development, and launch performance metrics.
• Strategic Initiative Project Plans: Demonstrations of managing complex, cross-functional projects with clear objectives, timelines, resource allocation, risk mitigation strategies, and measurable outcomes.
• Market Analysis & Feasibility Reports: Samples of market research, competitive analysis, and feasibility studies used to identify and validate new business opportunities.
• Operational Framework Development: Evidence of building operational processes, team structures, and workflows to support the launch and growth of new products or business units.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of designing efficient workflows for new product development, market entry, and initial customer onboarding.
• Cross-Functional Alignment Processes: Documentation illustrating how cross-functional teams were aligned and managed to execute strategic initiatives.
• Performance Measurement & Iteration: Processes for defining, tracking, and analyzing KPIs for new ventures, and how insights were used for iterative improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "zero to one" and "one to ten" growth, a portfolio demonstrating the ability to build operational processes and drive strategic initiatives from conception to scale will be highly valued. This includes showcasing the strategic thinking behind market entry and the operational rigor in execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $250,000 - $350,000 per year. This range reflects the seniority of the Vice President title and the strategic importance of the role in driving new business growth.

Benefits:

• Equity: Stock options providing ownership and participation in the company's growth trajectory.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees.
• Family Support: Fully paid parental leave, supporting work-life balance during significant life events.
• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with commuting costs, enhancing accessibility to the office.
• Retirement Savings: 401k benefits for long-term financial planning.
• Wellness Stipend: A monthly fitness stipend to encourage employee health and well-being.
• On-Site Perks: A collaborative in-office environment with an open floor plan, a fully stocked kitchen, and company-paid lunches, fostering a productive and engaging work atmosphere.
• Social Engagement: Company-sponsored social events through the "Elise and the City" program, promoting team cohesion and culture.
• Time Off: Unlimited vacation policy and paid holidays, offering flexibility and encouraging work-life balance.
• Relocation Assistance: Support for relocation to New York, ensuring a smooth transition for candidates moving to the area.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, with an expectation of dedication to driving rapid growth. While specific daily hours aren't stipulated, the company culture emphasizes "rocket speed" and "relentless execution," suggesting a demanding yet rewarding work environment. The expectation is for 4-5 days in the office, implying a hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a VP-level strategic role in New York City, particularly within a well-funded tech startup. The benefits package is robust and comprehensive, indicating a strong focus on employee well-being and long-term commitment. The "unlimited vacation" and "company-paid lunch" are attractive perks that contribute to a positive and supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Artificial Intelligence, SaaS) focused on improving essential services like housing and healthcare. Company Size: As a company that has raised a $250 million Series E round and is described as a "unicorn," EliseAI is likely in a significant growth phase, potentially ranging from 100-500+ employees. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a strong emphasis on scaling operations and market penetration. Founded: EliseAI was founded with the mission to improve essential industries through AI. The company's growth trajectory, marked by substantial funding, suggests a culture that values innovation, rapid execution, and ambitious goals.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The VP of New Verticals reports to the SVP Strategy, indicating a direct line of communication with senior leadership and a key role in shaping the company's strategic future.
• Team Leadership: This role involves leading a dedicated team focused on new vertical incubation and growth, requiring strong people management and delegation skills.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates deep and frequent collaboration with Product, Engineering, Go-To-Market (GTM), Sales, and Customer Success teams. This suggests a matrixed or highly integrated operational structure where alignment is critical for success.

Methodology:

• AI-Driven Innovation: The company's core premise is leveraging AI to enhance workflows and experiences, suggesting that data-driven decision-making and technological innovation are central to its operational methodology.
• Agile Development & Execution: The emphasis on "rocket speed," "relentless execution," and "scaling fast" points to an agile and iterative approach to product development and market entry.
• Customer-Centric Strategy: Improving experiences in housing and healthcare implies a focus on understanding and addressing customer needs and pain points through AI solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: EliseAI presents itself as a high-growth, ambitious company driven by AI innovation. The culture is described as fast-paced, autonomous, and demanding, with a focus on ownership and significant impact. This environment is ideal for individuals who thrive on building from the ground up and taking on substantial responsibility. The "New Verticals" focus suggests a strategic imperative to diversify and expand beyond its current core offerings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Vice President-level position, signifying a senior leadership role responsible for incubating and scaling new business ventures. It's a strategic "builder" role, requiring a blend of visionary thinking and operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The VP reports directly to the SVP Strategy, placing them at a high level within the organization's strategic planning and execution framework. This provides direct access to executive decision-making and a clear line of sight into the company's long-term objectives.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on EliseAI's future growth and diversification by identifying and scaling new revenue streams and market opportunities. Success in this role will significantly shape the company's product portfolio and overall market position. Operations are critical to defining the scalable frameworks for these new ventures.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: The opportunity to build and lead a new function from its inception, developing expertise in market incubation and scaling new businesses.
• Broad Business Acumen: Exposure to all facets of building a new venture, from market research and product development to GTM strategy and operational execution, fostering comprehensive business understanding.
• Executive Influence: The ability to influence company strategy and product direction directly, with visibility to and interaction with the executive leadership team.
• Industry Expansion: Potential to become a subject matter expert in new industry verticals as the company expands its AI-driven solutions.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to higher executive roles within EliseAI or transition to leadership roles in other high-growth startups, leveraging experience in building and scaling new ventures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned strategist and operator to make a significant impact by building new business lines within a well-funded, high-growth company. The growth path is tied to the success of these new ventures and the individual's ability to scale operations effectively.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: EliseAI emphasizes a collaborative in-office environment, suggesting a hybrid work model. The description mentions an "open floor plan" and "company-paid lunch," indicating a desire for close collaboration and idea-sharing.

Office Location(s): The role is based in New York, NY. Specific office details are not provided, but the emphasis on an in-office presence (4-5 days a week) highlights the importance of this physical location for team interaction and operational synergy.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The open floor plan, stocked kitchen, and company-provided lunches are designed to foster interaction, spontaneous collaboration, and a strong sense of team cohesion among operations and other functional teams.
• Tools & Technology: While not explicitly detailed, a company at this stage and in this sector would likely provide access to modern collaboration tools, project management software, and potentially specialized AI/data platforms necessary for strategic operations and analysis.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model with significant in-office days ensures ample opportunities for direct interaction with the immediate team, cross-functional colleagues, and senior leadership, crucial for aligning on strategic initiatives and operational execution.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time. While specific hours are not defined, the company's culture of "rocket speed" and "relentless execution" suggests that a commitment beyond standard 9-to-5 may be expected, particularly during critical launch phases or periods of rapid scaling. The hybrid model requires 4-5 days in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is geared towards high-energy, collaborative individuals who can thrive in a fast-paced, in-office setting. The emphasis on collaboration and direct interaction is key for aligning complex strategic and operational initiatives across different departments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a call with a recruiter to assess overall fit, experience, and alignment with the role's strategic and operational demands.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the SVP Strategy to delve deeper into strategic thinking, market incubation experience, and leadership philosophy, focusing on operational planning for new ventures.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, GTM, Sales, and Customer Success to evaluate collaboration skills, strategic alignment, and ability to drive operational execution across departments.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic initiative, a GTM plan for a hypothetical new vertical, or an analysis of a market opportunity, demonstrating their strategic and operational planning capabilities.
• Executive/Final Round: Interviews with senior leadership or founders to assess cultural fit, strategic vision, and potential leadership impact on the company's long-term trajectory.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Strategic Impact: Focus on case studies where you identified a market opportunity, developed a strategic plan, and led the operational execution to launch and scale a new product or business.
• Quantify Results: Clearly articulate the measurable outcomes of your initiatives, using KPIs related to revenue growth, market share, customer acquisition, efficiency improvements, or operational scalability.
• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Leadership: Highlight instances where you successfully managed and influenced diverse teams to achieve strategic and operational objectives.
• Illustrate "Zero to One" & "One to Ten": Provide examples of your ability to take an idea from concept to market launch and then scale it effectively, showcasing both strategic incubation and operational growth management.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by initiative or by skill set, ensuring each piece clearly communicates your role, the challenge, the strategic and operational approach, and the results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Market Analysis: Be prepared to discuss how you would identify and evaluate new market opportunities within the housing or related sectors.
• GTM Strategy Development: Practice outlining a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for a new product, including segmentation, positioning, pricing, and launch tactics.
• Operational Scaling: Prepare to discuss how you would build the operational infrastructure and processes to support rapid growth for a new business unit.
• Cross-Functional Alignment Scenarios: Consider how you would manage stakeholder expectations and ensure alignment across different departments for a high-stakes new venture launch.
• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about navigating ambiguity, overcoming obstacles, and driving execution in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on strategic acumen, operational execution capabilities, and leadership potential. A strong portfolio demonstrating a track record of building and scaling new ventures will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Jira, Monday.com, or similar platforms for detailed project planning, tracking, and cross-functional task management.
• CRM Systems: Experience with Salesforce, HubSpot, or other CRM platforms for understanding customer lifecycles, sales processes, and pipeline management, which are crucial for GTM strategy.
• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or advanced Excel for market analysis, performance tracking, and presenting strategic insights.
• Collaboration Suites: Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for document creation, communication, and team collaboration.
• Market Research & Intelligence Platforms: Familiarity with tools or methods for conducting industry analysis, competitive benchmarking, and customer needs assessment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience in leveraging BI tools to monitor KPIs, analyze market trends, and report on the performance of new initiatives.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel or Google Sheets for financial modeling, data manipulation, and detailed analytical reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Platforms: Understanding how CRM data feeds into GTM strategies and operational planning.
• Sales Enablement Platforms: Knowledge of tools that support sales teams in executing GTM strategies.
• Data Integration Tools: Awareness of how different systems (CRM, ERP, marketing automation) might need to integrate to support new vertical operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role requires a strong foundation in standard business operations tools, particularly those related to strategy execution, project management, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. The ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact & Ownership: A strong emphasis on driving tangible business impact and taking full ownership of initiatives, from conception to scaling.
• Execution Excellence: A commitment to "relentless execution," delivering results quickly and efficiently.
• Ambition & Growth: A culture that encourages ambitious goals and rapid personal and professional growth, aligned with the company's fast-paced scaling.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering strong working relationships across teams to ensure alignment and shared understanding of strategic objectives and operational plans.
• Innovation & Agility: A drive to innovate and adapt quickly to market changes and customer needs, essential for new venture development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires a highly collaborative style, working closely with Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success to ensure cohesive strategy and execution.
• Proactive Communication: An emphasis on proactive communication, transparency, and sharing insights to keep all stakeholders informed and aligned.
• Data-Driven Dialogue: Discussions are likely to be grounded in data and market insights, fostering a culture of objective analysis and informed decision-making.
• Fast-Paced Iteration: Collaboration will involve rapid iteration on strategies and operational plans based on market feedback and performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values high-achievers who are proactive, collaborative, and driven by impact. For operations professionals, this means being comfortable working in a demanding environment where strategic thinking is paired with rigorous execution, and success is measured by measurable business outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: As VP of New Verticals, a significant challenge will be defining and building operational frameworks for nascent business lines in potentially uncharted markets.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent strategy and operational execution across multiple departments (Product, Engineering, GTM, Sales, CS) can be complex, requiring strong influencing skills.
• Scaling Operations Rapidly: The need to build and scale operational processes and teams quickly to support EliseAI's rapid growth trajectory.
• Market Validation: Successfully validating new market opportunities and ensuring product-market fit for novel offerings.
• Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution: Maintaining focus on long-term strategic goals while driving immediate operational execution and delivering tangible results.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Building New Ventures: Direct experience in incubating and scaling new business lines from the ground up, offering unparalleled learning in strategic operations.
• Executive Mentorship: Reporting to the SVP Strategy provides an opportunity for direct mentorship and learning from senior leadership.
• Industry Expansion: Gaining deep insights and expertise in new industry verticals as the company diversifies.
• Strategic Leadership Skills: Developing advanced skills in market analysis, GTM strategy, cross-functional team leadership, and operational scaling.
• High-Impact Projects: Working on projects with significant strategic importance and potential for substantial business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for growth by tackling complex challenges in building new businesses. The learning curve will be steep, but the potential for skill development in strategic operations and executive leadership is substantial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant new market opportunity and successfully launched a product or business into it. What was your strategic approach, and how did you operationalize it?" (Focus on market analysis, GTM strategy, and operational execution.)
• "How do you approach building an operational framework for a completely new product or business line from scratch? What are the key components you prioritize?" (Highlight your understanding of process design, team building, and scaling.)
• "How do you ensure alignment and collaboration across Product, Engineering, Sales, and Marketing when launching a new initiative, especially in a fast-paced environment?" (Emphasize your cross-functional leadership and communication strategies.)
• "Walk me through your process for developing a go-to-market strategy. What key elements do you include, and how do you measure success?" (Be ready to detail segmentation, positioning, pricing, and launch KPIs.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of EliseAI, what do you see as the biggest opportunities for new vertical expansion, and what are the primary operational considerations for pursuing them?" (Demonstrate thorough research and strategic thinking about the company.)
• "How do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with a culture of 'relentless execution'?" (Connect your personal work style and past experiences to the company's culture.)
• "How do you approach managing and developing a team to achieve ambitious goals?" (Showcase your leadership philosophy and people management skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem/opportunity, your strategic approach, the operational plan, the challenges faced, your specific role and contributions, and the quantifiable results.
• Quantify Everything: Use metrics to demonstrate impact. For example, "Increased market share by X%," "Achieved Y% revenue growth in the first year," "Reduced operational costs by Z% through process optimization."
• Highlight Operational Rigor: Emphasize the processes you put in place, the cross-functional collaboration you facilitated, and how you managed timelines and resources to ensure successful execution.
• Focus on Strategic Impact: Connect your operational achievements back to the overarching business strategy and how they drove growth or solved critical problems.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, how you handled setbacks, and what you would do differently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of strategic vision and operational execution. Demonstrating a solid understanding of how to build and scale new ventures, coupled with strong cross-functional leadership and data-driven decision-making, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Ashby.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in product strategy, market incubation, GTM development, and cross-functional leadership. Use keywords from the job description, focusing on achievements related to launching and scaling new business initiatives.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your most relevant case studies that demonstrate your ability to strategize, build operational frameworks, and drive growth for new products or business lines. Quantify your impact.
• Research EliseAI: Understand their mission, current product offerings, funding rounds, and any recent news. Consider potential new verticals they might explore and the operational challenges involved.
• Practice Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your experience and strategic approach clearly and concisely, especially regarding your portfolio items, during interviews. Focus on how you translate strategy into operational reality.

⚠️ 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.