5+ years of technical product management experience in AdTech or related fields
Expertise in auction theory and optimization algorithms
Proven analytical skills with large datasets using SQL and Python
Strong background in applied statistics and experimental design
Master's or PhD in a quantitative field preferred
Ability to engage technically with engineers and data scientists
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Strong problem-solving abilities.
Responsibilities
Define and drive the auction product roadmap aligned with business goals
Collaborate with Engineering and Data Science on auction system development
Establish metrics for auction health and effectiveness
Analyze advertising datasets to identify optimization opportunities
Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle for auction features
Communicate complex concepts and trade-offs to diverse stakeholders
Influence Yelp's revenue by improving ad marketplace efficiency.
Benefits
Fully remote work opportunity across Canada
Access to Yelp's comprehensive benefits package
Potential for restricted stock units as part of compensation
Dedicated support for personal and career development
Collaborative work environment focused on innovation and growth.
Full Job Description
Summary
As the Principal Product Manager for Ads Auction and Measurement, you will own the product strategy and execution for Yelp's core ad auction, bidding, pricing, budget pacing mechanisms, and corresponding measurements. This is a highly technical leadership role where you will guide the evolution of algorithms and systems that make real-time decisions maximizing value across multiple stakeholders. You will define how we measure the performance and impact of these complex systems, focusing on both short-term efficiency and long-term impact. You will partner closely with world-class engineering and applied science teams to design, experiment, implement, and iterate on auction dynamics and the metrics that guide our progress.
This opportunity is fully remote and does not require you to be located in any particular area in Canada. We welcome applicants from throughout Canada. We’d love to have you apply, even if you don’t feel you meet every single requirement in this posting. At Yelp, we’re looking for great people, not just those who simply check off all the boxes.
What you'll do:
Auction Strategy & Roadmap: Define and drive the product roadmap for Yelp's ads auction, bidding algorithms, pricing mechanisms, and budget pacing systems, ensuring alignment with business objectives and competitive dynamics. Identify key levers for optimization and innovation.
Algorithm & System Optimization: Partner deeply with Engineering and Data Science to design, develop, and refine the auction-based ad selection system. Translate advertiser goals (ROI, leads, conversions), user experience, and monetization considerations into algorithmic requirements, and prioritize initiatives based on concrete data and expected impact.
Auction Measurement & Evaluation: Define and own the key metrics framework for evaluating auction health, efficiency, and the business impact. Drive the development of robust measurement for complex trade-offs (e.g., relevance vs. monetization, short-term vs. long-term effects). Design and interpret large-scale A/B tests.
Independent Data Analysis: Conduct hands-on analysis of large-scale auction and advertising datasets using tools like SQL and Python to uncover optimization opportunities, validate hypotheses, understand performance drivers, and inform product decisions.
Technical Product Development: Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle for auction-related features and improvements, from ideation and requirements definition through launch and iteration.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Serve as the product leader for the auction domain, collaborating effectively with Engineering, Data Science, Sales, Finance, and other Product teams. Communicate complex technical concepts and trade-offs clearly to diverse audiences.
Drive Business Impact: Directly influence Yelp's revenue and advertiser success by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the core ad marketplace.
What it takes to succeed:
Experience: 5+ years of technical product management experience, preferably focused on auctions, bidding systems, search ranking, or monetization platforms within the online advertising (AdTech) industry.
Auction & Optimization Expertise: Strong theoretical understanding and practical experience with auction theory (e.g., VCG, GSP), optimization algorithms, statistical modeling, and machine learning concepts relevant to ad targeting and ranking.
Advanced Analytical & Data Skills: Proven ability to independently query, manipulate, and analyze large, complex datasets. Proficiency with SQL and data analysis tools/languages (e.g., Python, R) is required.
Statistical Rigor: Deep understanding of applied statistics, experimental design (A/B testing), causal inference, and methods for measuring statistical significance and inferring long-term impact.
Educational Background: Strong quantitative background; Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Operations Research, Mathematics, or a related field is highly preferred.
Technical Fluency: Ability to engage deeply with engineers and data scientists on technical details of algorithms, system design, and data infrastructure.
Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders across various functions.
Problem Solving: Strong structured thinking and problem-solving abilities, capable of breaking down complex problems into actionable components.
What you'll get:
The top end of the compensation range for this role exceeds $200,000 annually. There are a variety of factors that go into determining a compensation range, including but not limited to external market benchmark data and years of experience. The actual compensation offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience and skill set. You may also be offered restricted stock units and benefits.
This opportunity has the option to be fully remote in all locations across Canada.
This role is posted to fill an existing position.
You can find more information about Yelp's five star benefits here!
#LI-Remote
About Yelp
Yelp Inc. is a platform that connects people with local businesses. Yelp was founded in San Francisco in July 2004. Since then, Yelp communities have taken root in major metros across 32 countries. By the end of Q2 2021, Yelpers had written approximately 250 million rich, local reviews, making Yelp the leading local guide for real word-of-mouth on everything from boutiques and mechanics to restaurants and dentists. Approximately 40 million unique devices* accessed Yelp via the Yelp app, approximately 83 million unique visitors visited Yelp via mobile web** and approximately 83 million unique visitors visited Yelp via desktop*** on a monthly average basis during Q2 2021.
