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: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Strategy & Operations / Go-To-Market Operations

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

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

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the exploration, development, and launch of new product opportunities and market segments from ideation to execution, driving significant company growth and market positioning in new verticals.

• Develop and own comprehensive go-to-market (GTM) strategies, encompassing market segmentation, positioning, pricing models, and launch plans for novel product offerings.

• Drive cross-functional alignment and execution by leading teams across Product, Engineering, GTM, and Customer Success to ensure seamless product launches and market entry.

• Leverage a data-driven approach to continuously monitor market trends, gather customer feedback, and analyze competitive dynamics to inform product iterations and strategic optimizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a Senior Manager level, indicating significant autonomy and responsibility for strategic initiatives. The focus on "New Verticals" and "Zero to One" product launches suggests a strong emphasis on strategic planning, market validation, and GTM operations, rather than day-to-day product management. The "Housing" specialization points to a need for understanding specific industry nuances and operational challenges within that sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead initiatives to identify, evaluate, and launch new product opportunities, conducting thorough feasibility analyses, market research, and competitive assessments to inform strategic decisions.

• Develop and own comprehensive go-to-market strategies, including market segmentation, value proposition definition, pricing strategies, channel partner identification, and phased launch execution plans.

• Lead cross-functional teams across Product, Engineering, GTM, and Customer Success to ensure alignment, resource allocation, and successful execution of product launches and market expansions.

• Continuously monitor market trends, customer feedback, and competitive dynamics to iterate and optimize product strategies, feature roadmaps, and overall market offerings.

• Develop and manage detailed project plans with clear timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability for product strategy outcomes.

• Partner closely with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, product managers, engineers, marketing, sales, and customer success teams, to ensure cohesive execution of strategic initiatives and foster a collaborative environment.

• Provide strategic insights and actionable recommendations to senior leadership based on thorough analysis, market intelligence, and performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product development and operational execution. The emphasis on "Product and Market Strategy" and "Strategic Project Leadership" indicates a need for strong analytical, planning, and execution skills. The "Cross-Functional Collaboration" aspect underscores the importance of influencing and aligning diverse teams without direct authority, a common requirement in operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for this level. An MBA or advanced degree in a relevant discipline would be a strong asset.

Experience: 5-6 years of experience in product strategy, product management, management consulting, corporate strategy, or similar roles within high-growth tech startups or established technology companies. Proven success in leading new product launches or entering new markets, demonstrating clear strategic vision and executional rigor.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Development: Proven ability to identify market opportunities, define product-market fit, and develop strategic roadmaps for new ventures.

• Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy: Expertise in designing and executing comprehensive GTM plans, including market segmentation, positioning, pricing, and launch execution.

• Market Research & Analysis: Strong capabilities in conducting market research, competitive analysis, and feasibility studies to inform strategic decisions.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and influence diverse teams (Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, CS) towards common goals without direct reporting lines.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Skill in developing detailed project plans, managing timelines, allocating resources, and driving projects to successful completion with a relentless focus on execution.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional analytical capabilities with a data-driven mindset to interpret complex data, identify trends, and solve challenging business problems.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication, presentation, and influencing skills to align stakeholders and articulate strategic vision effectively.

• Ownership & Autonomy: A proactive, self-starter attitude with the ability to navigate ambiguity, drive clarity, and take full ownership of initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the Housing or Real Estate Technology (PropTech) industry.

• Familiarity with AI-driven solutions and their application in enterprise workflows.

• Experience with SaaS product lifecycles and scaling operations.

• Background in business development or strategic partnerships.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and product management frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, typical for roles bridging product strategy and operations. The "5-6 years" experience suggests a mid-to-senior level role, requiring not just conceptual understanding but also proven track record of successful launches and strategic initiatives. The "relentless focus on execution" is a critical keyword for operations-minded candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• New Product Launch Case Studies: Showcase examples of new products or market initiatives you have led from conception to launch, detailing the strategic rationale, market validation process, GTM strategy, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Strategic Planning Documents: Examples of strategic plans, market analyses, competitive assessments, or feasibility studies you have developed that informed significant product or business decisions.

• Go-to-Market Strategy Frameworks: Demonstrations of your approach to developing GTM strategies, including market segmentation models, pricing strategies, and launch execution frameworks.

• Cross-Functional Project Leadership Examples: Evidence of successfully managing complex, cross-functional projects, highlighting your ability to align diverse teams and drive consensus.

Process Documentation:

• Market Validation Processes: Outline your methodologies for validating new product ideas and market opportunities, including customer discovery, user testing, and pilot programs.

• GTM Strategy Development Workflows: Document the steps and considerations involved in creating a comprehensive GTM strategy, from initial market assessment to launch readiness.

• Cross-Functional Alignment Procedures: Detail how you establish and maintain alignment across Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success teams during product development and launch phases.

• Performance Tracking & Iteration Frameworks: Showcase your approach to defining KPIs, tracking launch performance, and iterating on product strategy based on market feedback and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly requested, a strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end ownership of new initiatives and GTM strategies will be crucial. Operations professionals should highlight their ability to define, document, and optimize processes, especially those related to market entry and product commercialization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Equity in the company (stock options/grants).

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

• Fully paid parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers.

• Commuter benefits to offset transportation costs.

• 401k retirement savings plan.

• Fitness and home services stipend to support employee well-being and lifestyle expenses.

• Collaborative in-office environment with fully stocked kitchen and all meals covered.

• Unlimited vacation policy and paid holidays.

• Relocation packages offered to assist with moving expenses.

Working Hours: The role is on-site 4-5 days a week, implying a standard full-time work schedule with flexibility expected as dictated by project needs and launch timelines. A typical 40-hour work week is assumed, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Manager role in New York City, reflecting the company's Series E funding and growth stage. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the 100% premium coverage for health insurance and generous stipends, indicates a strong investment in employee well-being. The "on-site 4-5 days a week" requirement is crucial for candidates seeking hybrid or in-office roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (AI, SaaS), specifically focusing on improving essential services in Housing and Healthcare.

Company Size: The company has raised a significant Series E round, indicating substantial growth and likely a mid-to-large startup size, with a focus on scaling rapidly.

Founded: Founded with a mission to improve housing and healthcare through AI agents.

Team Structure: The role requires leading cross-functional teams, suggesting a collaborative and matrixed organizational structure where influence and partnership are key. The successful candidate will work closely with Product, Engineering, GTM (Sales, Marketing, Customer Success), and senior leadership.

Methodology: EliseAI emphasizes a fast-paced, results-oriented culture ("Move at rocket speed, build something massive"). They value autonomy, ownership, and direct impact, offering a "masterclass" career experience. The company's approach is data-driven, focused on solving real client problems with precision and ambition.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: EliseAI positions itself as a high-impact, high-growth environment. The culture described ("no micromanagement, no fluff," "hire the best, expect the best") is typical of ambitious tech startups aiming for rapid scaling and market disruption. The focus on "new verticals" implies an innovative and experimental approach to business development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Manager, indicating a role with significant responsibility for strategic initiatives and cross-functional leadership. This level typically involves shaping strategy, managing complex projects, and influencing key business decisions.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Manager in this type of role often reports to a Director or VP of Product, Strategy, or a similar executive function. The role requires close collaboration with senior leadership.

Operations Impact: The role is designed to drive significant company growth and market positioning by identifying and launching new revenue streams and product categories. Success in this role directly impacts EliseAI's expansion into new markets and its overall valuation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop deep expertise in new market entry, product strategy, and GTM execution, potentially leading to Director or VP-level roles in product or business strategy.

• Domain Specialization: Gain in-depth knowledge of the Housing industry and AI applications, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Experience building new business units from "zero to one" within a well-funded startup environment.

• Mentorship & Influence: Opportunities to shape company direction and mentor junior team members as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for career acceleration by focusing on new vertical expansion, a high-visibility area in a rapidly growing company. The "zero to one" aspect is particularly valuable for building a strong track record in strategic innovation and execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description mentions a "collaborative in-office environment with an open floor plan," indicating a modern, team-oriented workspace.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. The company offers relocation packages, suggesting a desire to attract talent to this primary location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: An open floor plan is designed to foster interaction and teamwork, essential for cross-functional initiatives.

• On-site Focus: The requirement of 4-5 days a week in the office emphasizes in-person collaboration, spontaneous problem-solving, and team cohesion.

• Amenities: Fully stocked kitchen and covered meals contribute to a supportive and productive work environment, allowing employees to focus on their tasks.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is implied, the "move at rocket speed" culture suggests that demanding project phases may require flexibility and dedication beyond typical hours. The role demands high output and commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "in-office environment" and "4-5 days a week" commitment is a key characteristic. This suggests that candidates who thrive in a highly collaborative, physically present team setting will be a good fit. The provided amenities aim to make the office a productive and convenient place to work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with experience and qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on your background, strategic thinking, experience with new product launches, and GTM capabilities.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, Sales, or Marketing to assess collaboration style, strategic alignment, and problem-solving skills. Portfolio review may occur here.

• Case Study/Project Simulation: A potential exercise to evaluate your strategic planning, market analysis, and execution capabilities on a relevant business challenge.

• Senior Leadership Interview: Final discussion with a VP or C-level executive to assess strategic vision, cultural fit, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project highlighted, clearly state the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., revenue generated, market share gained, cost savings, efficiency improvements).

• Showcase Process: Detail the strategic process you followed, from market identification and validation to GTM strategy development and execution, emphasizing your role and decision-making.

• Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively partnered with different departments, managed dependencies, and drove alignment.

• Address Ambiguity: Demonstrate how you navigated uncertainty and ambiguity, common in "zero to one" initiatives, and how you brought clarity to complex situations.

• Tailor to EliseAI: Connect your experience and portfolio examples to EliseAI's mission, industry focus (Housing), and growth stage.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Entry Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach entering a new market segment, including identifying target customers, defining value propositions, and outlining a GTM plan.

• Product Prioritization: Consider how you would prioritize opportunities and resources when launching multiple new initiatives simultaneously.

• Cross-Functional Alignment Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would align teams with potentially conflicting priorities or perspectives.

• Data Analysis & Decision Making: Be ready to discuss how you use data to inform strategic decisions and measure success in new ventures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, focusing on strategic thinking, execution, and collaboration. A strong portfolio that demonstrates a track record of successfully launching new initiatives and defining GTM strategies will be critical for showcasing relevant operations and strategy expertise.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management & Strategy Platforms: Familiarity with tools used for strategic planning, roadmapping, and market analysis (e.g., Aha!, Productboard, Canny).

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools for managing complex projects and cross-functional workflows (e.g., Asana, Jira, Monday.com).

• Collaboration & Communication: Expertise in using tools like Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams for seamless team communication and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with BI platforms for data analysis and reporting (e.g., Tableau, Looker, Power BI) to track GTM performance and market trends.

• CRM Systems: Understanding of CRM functionalities (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) for market segmentation, sales strategy, and customer data analysis.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for detailed financial modeling, market sizing, and data analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Platforms: Experience leveraging CRM data for market segmentation, customer profiling, and sales strategy development.

• Market Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for competitive intelligence, market sizing, and trend analysis.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in tools like Google Slides or PowerPoint for creating compelling strategic presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies a need for strong analytical and project management capabilities, often supported by a suite of modern productivity, BI, and CRM tools. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with tools that facilitate strategic planning, cross-functional execution, and data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong emphasis on delivering tangible business outcomes and driving significant growth.

• Ownership & Autonomy: Expectation that individuals will take full responsibility for their initiatives and operate with minimal oversight.

• Speed & Agility: A culture that values rapid iteration and execution to capitalize on market opportunities.

• Data-Centric: Decisions are informed by robust analysis and a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer needs.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Emphasis on building strong working relationships with Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success to ensure cohesive strategy execution.

• Direct & Transparent Communication: A culture that encourages open and honest feedback to drive efficiency and alignment.

• Goal-Oriented Teamwork: Focus on achieving collective success through shared objectives and mutual support.

📝 Enhancement Note: EliseAI's culture appears to attract and retain high-performers who are driven, autonomous, and thrive in fast-paced, mission-oriented environments. The values align with those often found in successful growth-stage tech companies focused on innovation and market leadership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Entering entirely new markets or launching novel products involves inherent uncertainty, requiring strong problem-solving and strategic adaptability.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Securing buy-in and coordinating efforts across multiple departments with potentially competing priorities can be challenging.

• Resource Allocation: Balancing limited resources (time, budget, personnel) across various strategic initiatives to maximize impact.

• Market Validation Risk: The inherent risk associated with new market entries and product launches requires robust validation and iterative adjustment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Innovation Expertise: Develop unparalleled experience in identifying, validating, and launching new business ventures from the ground up.

• Deep Industry Insight: Gain specialized knowledge in the Housing sector and the application of AI in enterprise solutions.

• Leadership Development: Hone skills in leading cross-functional teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and shaping company strategy.

• Entrepreneurial Skillset: Cultivate a comprehensive understanding of business development, product strategy, and GTM operations in a high-growth startup.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. Overcoming these challenges will provide invaluable experience in strategic entrepreneurship and leadership within a rapidly scaling tech company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the launch of a new product or entered a new market from zero to one. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and what were the outcomes?"

• "How would you approach identifying and evaluating new vertical opportunities for EliseAI within the housing sector?"

• "Outline a go-to-market strategy for a hypothetical new product targeting a specific segment of the housing market. What are the key components?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about EliseAI's mission and our focus on AI agents in housing and healthcare?"

• "How do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-autonomy startup environment?"

• "Describe your approach to data-driven decision-making and how you use data to inform strategy."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key initiatives, clearly defining the problem, your strategic approach, the GTM plan, your role, the execution process, and the measurable results.

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the scale of your impact and the success of your strategies.

• Showcase Process: Explain the "how" – your methodologies for market research, validation, strategy development, and cross-functional execution.

• Connect to EliseAI: Articulate how your experience and skills can directly contribute to EliseAI's goals in new vertical expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate a strong strategic framework, a data-driven mindset, and a proven ability to execute complex initiatives. The interview will likely assess not only your skills but also your cultural fit with EliseAI's high-impact, autonomous environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in product strategy, new market entry, GTM planning, and cross-functional leadership. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects or case studies that best demonstrate your ability to lead new initiatives from ideation to launch, focusing on strategic planning, GTM execution, and measurable outcomes.

• Research EliseAI: Thoroughly understand EliseAI's mission, products, recent funding, and market positioning. Identify potential new vertical opportunities or strategic challenges they might face.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare thoughtful answers to strategy, execution, and culture-fit questions, focusing on concrete examples and your problem-solving approach.

⚠️ 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.

---