Director of Product Operations

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s largest work marketplace, connecting businesses with highly skilled professionals worldwide. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies trust Upwork’s platform to access expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Upwork’s AI-powered platform has facilitated over $20 billion in economic opportunity for professionals worldwide. With professionals spanning 10,000+ skills, including AI and machine earning, software development, sales and marketing, customer support, finance and accounting, and more, Upwork empowers businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams.

We’re looking for a Director of Product Operations to help elevate how our product teams work, accelerating speed, accountability, and impact. This Principal-level role is critical in shaping the tools, governance, and operating systems that drive Upwork’s product development lifecycle. You’ll lead innovation in AI-powered processes, act as a catalyst for transformation, and drive scale through clarity, systems thinking, and influence. If you thrive in high-growth environments and enjoy turning complexity into opportunity, this is your moment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on a best-in-class Product Development Lifecycle (PDLC) that balances rigor with speed

• Lead AI-powered workflow transformation across the product org, embedding automation and intelligence to streamline execution and decision-making

• Oversee the product tech stack—ensuring seamless integration, deep adoption, and measurable improvements in velocity and insight generation

• Partner cross-functionally with product, design, and engineering leadership to identify friction points and deliver operational solutions at scale

• Define and monitor key operational health metrics using platforms like Jira, Looker, Amplitude, and others

• Act as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership, driving continuous improvement through influence and systems-level thinking

• Champion change management efforts to embed a culture of excellence, experimentation, and resilience
   

What it takes to catch our eye

• 10+ years in product operations or product management with a proven record of building and scaling systems, processes, and tooling in high-growth environments

• Hands-on experience designing and implementing AI-enabled workflows that reduce overhead and improve organizational intelligence

• Strong command of tools such as Jira, Linear, Figma, and Looker, with the ability to align tooling strategy with business needs

• Exceptional communication and influence skills, including experience driving cross-functional alignment and presenting to senior executives

• A track record of thriving in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and leading initiatives with clarity, accountability, and a growth mindset
   

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 21 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.

Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.

We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.

Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X to learn more about life at Upwork.

Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.