Corporate Strategy Manager - Palo Alto - Upwork

Description

Upwork Inc.'s (Nasdaq: UPWK) family of companies connects businesses with global, AI-enabled talent across every contingent work type including freelance, fractional, and payrolled. This portfolio includes the Upwork Marketplace, which connects businesses with on-demand access to highly skilled talent across the globe, and Lifted, which provides a purpose-built solution for enterprise organizations to source, contract, manage, and pay talent across the full spectrum of contingent work. From Fortune 100 enterprises to entrepreneurs, businesses rely on Upwork Inc. to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, the Upwork family of companies enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and transform their workforces for the age of AI and beyond.

Since its founding, Upwork Inc. has facilitated more than $30 billion in total transactions and services as it fulfills its purpose to create opportunity in every era of work. Learn more about the Upwork Marketplace at and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X ; and learn more about Lifted at go- and follow on LinkedIn .

As a Corporate Strategy Manager, you are a senior individual contributor who supports the development and execution of Upwork's corporate, product, and go-to-market strategies, strengthening Upwork's competitive position and driving sustainable growth. Reporting to the Director, Corporate Strategy, you will partner closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality insights and outputs. This role is ideal for someone who brings strong analytical rigor, structured problem‑solving, and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Support development of Upwork's company-wide corporate, product, and go-to-market strategies through long-term (3–5 year) planning, annual strategy cycles, and targeted strategic deep dives.
• Build structured analyses, frameworks, and business cases aligned with defined strategic priorities.
• Partner with Product, Marketing, Sales, and Finance to translate strategic insights into clear recommendations and next steps.

Strategic Insight & Thought Partnership

• Analyze market trends, competitive dynamics, customer behavior, and technology shifts to surface risks and opportunities.
• Prepare concise, well-supported insights and materials to inform leadership discussions and decision-making.
• Act as a thought partner to cross-functional stakeholders by applying data-driven analysis and structured recommendations.

Research, Analysis & Modeling

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to illuminate key trends impacting Upwork's marketplace, product experience, customer segments, and GTM effectiveness.
• Build financial and strategic models—including market sizing, scenario modeling, product opportunity evaluation, and GTM initiative impact modeling—to support strategic recommendations.
• Evaluate customer and market segments to identify new growth opportunities and inform prioritization.
• Synthesize complex data into clear narratives and actionable insights.

Execution & Enablement

• Support creation of materials for Board meetings, Executive Leadership reviews, and strategy presentations.
• Collaborate with FP&A, Analytics, and business units to ensure alignment between strategy and financial planning.
• Manage defined workstreams, timelines, and deliverables to ensure high-quality execution.

What it takes to catch our eye

• 2–5 years of experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, product strategy, business operations, investment banking, or private equity. We will consider high‑trajectory candidates with fewer years of experience but at top companies with a clear track record of excellence.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical problem‑solving, and data synthesis skills.
• Ability to operate at all altitudes—discussing long‑term strategy and vision with executives while also troubleshooting operational or product‑level details with individual contributors.
• Ownership mindset—comfortable taking ambiguous problems, shaping the path forward, and delivering polished, executive‑ready outputs with minimal oversight.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, including the ability to craft executive‑ready presentations and influence key stakeholders.
• Collaborative working style with the ability to partner cross‑functionally across Product, Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Engineering, and influence without authority.
• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable navigating a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• MBA or quantitative degree a plus but not required.
• Experience in technology, marketplaces, SaaS, or human capital solutions—and familiarity with strategic work spanning product, or GTM domains is advantageous.

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 34 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 to learn more about opportunities 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.

The annual base salary range for this position is displayed below. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position, and individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Additionally, this position is eligible for the annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan and eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program.

Annual Base Compensation

$160,250 - $220,250 USD

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. The Company is committed to conducting an individualized assessment and giving all individuals a fair opportunity to provide relevant information or context before making any final employment decision.

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