Senior Director of Product, AI - US-Based at toptal

About Toptal Toptal is a global network of top talent in business, design, and technology that enables companies to scale their teams, on-demand. With $200+ million in annual revenue and team members based around the globe, Toptal is the world’s largest fully remote workforce. We take the best elements of virtual teams and combine them with a support structure that encourages innovation, social interaction, and fun. We see no borders, move at a fast pace, and are never afraid to break the mold. Job Summary: Our Product Team builds and scales Toptal’s platform and products, working closely with our Operations and Engineering teams to support the organization’s growth. We embrace a data-focused approach to ensure each initiative on our product roadmap delivers a meaningful impact on our business and users. Our innovative technology platform enables us to deliver on-demand talent without losing a human touch. The Product team plays a key role in shaping and scaling platform capabilities, including data, automation, and AI-enabled systems that improve how Toptal operates and delivers value. We’re looking for a Senior Director of Product Management to lead the strategy and execution of our AI platform, a critical foundation for Toptal’s continued success. This role will guide a team of Product Managers building and scaling AI-driven capabilities that power internal systems, talent workflows, and customer-facing products as the business grows. You’ll also join the Product Management Leadership team as a key decision-maker in the creation and execution of the product strategy while reporting to the VP of Product Management. You will work with the Engineering team and other Product Managers, as well as business and operations stakeholders, to support the organization’s growth. This is a remote position. Resumes and communication must be submitted in English. Responsibilities: The following information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or required skills. ·        Own the overall strategy and roadmap for our AI platform and AI-driven products, ensuring the platform accelerates product delivery while AI capabilities across talent and client experiences drive measurable business value. ·        Provide thought leadership, strategic insight, and clear communication (written and verbal) to your team and the rest of the organization on your product’s strategy and roadmap. ·        Track progress, assess risks, coordinate delivery, and actively communicate contingency and mitigation plans for the team. ·        Guide the prioritization of initiatives as the team scales. ·        Lead and grow a team of amazing Product Managers, helping them do the best work of their careers. ·        Help define and evolve Toptal’s Product Management practice, including how AI products are discovered, validated, launched, and scaled. ·        Work cross-functionally with other teams such as Executives, Operations and Engineering to ensure AI platform initiatives align with business objectives, operational needs. ·        Accomplish work objectives through leading and supervising other Toptal team members within the function or subfunction (or on the Product team). ·        Establish objectives and initiatives for the team, recommend the team’s structure and jobs, and organize, assign, delegate, oversee, and monitor work. ·        Coach and mentor team members, provide feedback, conduct performance reviews, and implement performance improvement plans, if needed. In the first week, expect to: ·        Work to get up to speed with how the organization runs, including how our objectives, RACIs, and other operational frameworks work. ·        Begin learning Toptal’s platform architecture, internal tooling, and current AI initiatives and capabilities. In the first month, expect to: ·        Become acquainted with your product area, the product goals, and those you will partner with. ·        Work cross-functionally and with Product Managers to refine your product’s strategy, organize and prioritize your high-level roadmap and backlog. ·        Start collaborating closely with your Product teams. In the first three months, expect to: ·        Have a very strong understanding of how the Product Management function and all related external functions are working together. ·        Take full ownership of the technology products domain, its strategy, and roadmap. ·        Garner the trust of your peers and the individuals with whom you’re working most closely. In the first six months, expect to: ·        Have built your team of world-class Product Managers. ·        Exemplify the ability to inspire and mentor the teams you’re working with. ·        Uplevel the team’s ability to brainstorm, collaborate, and execute materially. ·        Have chartered a clear path for scaling the team and the impact the Product organization can deliver. In the first year, expect to: ·        Deliver on your roadmap priorities and promises. ·        Ensure your team has an incredible record of building impactful products in a timely and elegant fashion. ·        Work cross-functionally to scale your team to meet the growing needs of our business and our users. Qualifications and Job Requirements: ·        Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in a technical discipline (Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or Economics). ·        At least 10 years of proven software Product Management experience. ·        At least 3 years of experience leading other Product Managers. ·        Prior experience working as a Software Engineer is a strong plus. ·        Experience leading AI-enabled products, with a focus on delivering measurable business outcomes. ·        Comfortable working with SQL or spreadsheets to analyze data, as well as conducting research with internal and external users. ·        Ability to creatively craft solutions through data and a user-centric approach. ·        Be meticulous and have a high bar for quality when writing user stories, brainstorming technical approaches, and testing a feature before it is released. ·        Be humble, willing to learn, and do whatever is needed to help us accomplish our goals. ·        Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. ·        Experience using agile development methodologies with globally distributed teams and the ability to keep up with a fast-paced and global company. ·        Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and handle a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a diverse array of contacts. ·        You must be a world-class individual contributor to thrive at Toptal. You will not be here just to tell other people what to do. Essential Job Functions ·        Regularly and reliably attend scheduled virtual team meetings on camera. ·        Work independently with minimal supervision. ·        Use all required digital collaboration tools. ·        Prioritize and self-manage workflows and deadlines. US FLSA Classification: Full-Time/Exempt For candidates who meet the qualifications and job requirements listed above, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. In the US, Toptal’s benefit offerings include participation in a 401(k) retirement plan; medical, dental, and vision health insurance plans; basic life insurance coverage and short-term and long-term disability coverage; access to flexible spending, dependent care, and health savings accounts; access to telehealth virtual doctors; an employee assistance program; and flexible paid time off.