Principal Product Manager - Ads Auction and Measurements

Role Description

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 state within the US. We welcome applicants from throughout the US.

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.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of technical product management experience, preferably focused on auctions, bidding systems, search ranking, or monetization platforms within the online advertising (AdTech) industry.
• 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.
• 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.
• Deep understanding of applied statistics, experimental design (A/B testing), causal inference, and methods for measuring statistical significance and inferring long-term impact.
• Strong quantitative background; Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Operations Research, Mathematics, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Ability to engage deeply with engineers and data scientists on technical details of algorithms, system design, and data infrastructure.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders across various functions.
• Strong structured thinking and problem-solving abilities, capable of breaking down complex problems into actionable components.

Benefits

• Compensation range for this role is between $207,000 and $326,000 based on experience.
• Option to be fully remote in all locations across the US.
• Restricted stock units and benefits.