PRODUCT MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

A product manager is responsible for the development and success of a product. They play a critical role in ensuring that a product meets the needs of customers, market demands and the company's overall strategy. Some of the tasks that a product manager may undertake in their role include:

Product Vision 

A Product Manager is responsible for defining the new product vision and strategy. This involves setting goals and prioritizing objectives for the product, determining its target market and identifying what makes the product unique and valuable.

Part of helping to define the strategy for the product will entail conducting market research. Product managers need to understand the target market and gather insights into customer needs, competitor offerings and industry trends. Often this will be with internal stakeholders.

There will be an element of gathering and prioritising product requirements within this position. The product manager must work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and gather requirements for the product. They must also prioritise these requirements based on the product's goals and customer needs.

Creating product roadmaps. Product managers use the insights and requirements gathered to create a roadmap that outlines the development plan for the product.

Working with cross-functional teams. Managers work with the product owner, designers, engineers, sales and marketing professionals and other stakeholders to bring the product to market.

Defining and tracking product metrics: Product managers must define and track key metrics that measure the success of the product, such as customer satisfaction, market adoption and revenue.

Making product launch decisions. The product manager must make decisions about when and how to launch the product, taking into account factors such as market conditions, customer feedback and competition.

Continuously refining the product: After launch, the product manager must continuously evaluate and refine the product based on customer feedback and market trends and make adjustments as necessary to ensure its ongoing success.

Your career journey is full of exciting opportunities to create impact and drive innovation in the tech industry. From setting product strategy and managing cross-functional teams to launching successful products that solve real-world problems, you'll play a crucial role in shaping the future.

You may start your journey as a Junior Product Manager, working closely with senior PMs to gather customer feedback, conduct market research and support the development of product roadmaps. As you gain experience, you may take on additional responsibilities, such as leading small product teams, making data-driven decisions and presenting your ideas to executives.

Along the way, you'll have the chance to specialise in a specific industry, such as consumer tech, enterprise software, or healthcare. You may also choose to transition into a related field, such as UX design or marketing. Some job titles along the Product Manager career path would be: Junior Product Manager, Product Manager, Senior Product Manager, Director of Product Management and Chief Product Manager. However it can depend on the industry and organisation as some places will also use Delivery Manager or Programme Manager as well as Project Manager – whilst the role is in fact the same, the job titles differ. No matter what path you choose, your work as a Product Manager will be both challenging and rewarding. You'll have the chance to bring new ideas to life, solve complex problems and make a real difference in people's lives. You'll also have the opportunity to work with talented and diverse teams, learn new skills and grow your professional network.

As a Technical Product Manager, you are the bridge between technical and business teams, responsible for leading the development of innovative products that meet customer needs. So, what skills do you need to succeed as a Technical Product Manager? Here are a few key ones to focus on: Technical proficiency: You need to have a solid understanding of technology, including programming languages, software development processes and hardware design. This knowledge will allow you to communicate effectively with engineers, understand the feasibility of product ideas and make informed decisions. Problem-solving skills: As a Technical PM, you'll be faced with complex challenges on a regular basis. You need to be able to break down problems into manageable parts, analyse data and come up with creative solutions. Cross-functional leadership: You could be leading a diverse team of engineers, designers, marketers and other professionals, so you need strong communication and interpersonal skills. You need to be able to motivate your team, resolve issues and keep everyone focused on the product vision. Strategic thinking: By taking your market knowledge and research of customer needs, you'll need to develop product strategies that align with business goals and be able to make data driven decisions. Adaptability: The tech industry is constantly evolving, so you being comfortable with change and the acting to pivot your strategies as needed will be an asset. You should be open to new ideas, be willing to experiment and have a growth mindset. By developing these skills, you'll have the ability to lead successful product development projects and drive innovation in the tech industry.

Build your skills: To be an effective Product Manager, you need a wide suite of skills covering everything from technical ability to critical thinking. If you feel you are weaker in some areas than others there are many courses that can help you to strengthen your skills. Some areas to consider would be: UX, business acumen and commerciality, critical thinking, data analysis, problem solving and some important softer skills such as communication, prioritisation and ability for story telling to gain buy in. Gain experience: Look for opportunities to work on product development projects, either through internships, hackathons or side projects. There are many sites that promote these and communities on Discord or Slack are good places to start. By doing this you'll have the opportunity to put your skills into practice and make valuable connections in the industry. On that note, connecting with Product Managers and other tech professionals in your area or attending industry events will give you the chance to learn from experienced PMs, showcase your skills and build your professional network. Make a portfolio: Showcase your work and skills by creating a portfolio that highlights your experience, skills and achievements. This can include product roadmaps and case studies of projects you've worked on. Speak to an expert recruiter to get a feel for the types of roles available and the companies that are looking. A good recruiter will be able to match your motivations and skillsets to the right company, having knowledge of the existing team culture, growth plans and strategies.