Director, Labs (Lean Startup, Experimentation)

The Director, Labs at JustAnswer is responsible for incubating and scaling new AI-driven business ideas. Key responsibilities include identifying and prioritizing innovative opportunities, driving innovation through concept testing, working closely with customer research teams, and defining requirements for MVPs. This role also involves managing cross-functional teams to maximize execution in a fast-paced environment.

Candidates for the Director, Labs role at JustAnswer should have at least 7 years of experience in digital product strategy, with a minimum of 5 years focused on growth. A strong track record of launching products with measurable financial impact, knowledge of AI and LLMs, and expertise in rapid testing and data-driven decisions are vital. A Bachelor's degree is required, while an MBA or Computer Science background is considered a plus.

JustAnswer emphasizes a collaborative environment for the Director, Labs role by encouraging teamwork across all levels and departments. The ideal candidate will work closely with various teams to co-create solutions, share timely information, and promote a culture of participation. Strong communication skills are essential to ensure that every team member feels valued and understood.

The work environment at JustAnswer is characterized by its fully remote setup and a culture that values flexibility and innovation. As a Director, Labs, you will operate in a truly agile environment that supports rapid iteration and experimentation, allowing you to bring creative ideas to life while maintaining work-life balance.

JustAnswer offers a competitive benefits package for the Director, Labs role, which includes healthcare options, flexible time off, a monthly remote-work stipend, wellness benefits, and a robust retirement plan. Additionally, team-building activities and a vibrant company culture make the workplace engaging and fun.

When answering, focus on specific examples of how you have successfully applied Lean Startup techniques in prior roles. Discuss how you tested hypotheses, gathered user feedback, and iterated quickly to develop products, making sure to highlight measurable outcomes.

Illustrate your approach by explaining how you identify promising ideas while simultaneously assessing potential risks. Highlight techniques like rapid prototyping and data analysis as tools you use to mitigate risks while still fostering an innovative atmosphere.

Emphasize your leadership style and discuss specific strategies you have employed to motivate and bring teams together. This could include setting clear expectations, celebrating achievements, and fostering open communication.

Discuss your methodology for incorporating customer feedback into product development cycles. Explain how collaboration with research teams or utilizing data analytics plays a role in understanding user needs.

Choose an example that showcases your ability to conduct thorough testing of ideas. Mention the evaluation metrics you used and the decisions that followed based on the results derived from the concept tests.

When discussing challenges, provide a clear narrative on the situation you faced, the actions you took, and the outcomes. Focus on problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the lessons learned.

Explain the key performance indicators (KPIs) you typically monitor and how these metrics help you understand user engagement and financial impact. Include examples of adjustments you've made based on these metrics.

Detail your strategies for continuous learning and staying informed about industry trends. This can involve attending conferences, networking with peers, or following specific thought leaders and publications.

Discuss how you encourage your teams to utilize data in their decision-making processes. Provide examples of training initiatives, tools you promote, or successful data-driven projects led by your teams.

Share an example highlighting your conflict resolution skills. Focus on how you listened to the other person's perspective, found common ground, and worked collaboratively towards a solution.