If you are just starting out, you might find Product Management too broad and generic. Everyone will tell you that a Product Manager works at the intersection of business, technology, and design. Which is absolutely correct.
But does that mean every Product Manager has the same role and responsibilities? NO.
On the contrary, Product Management is too vast to fit in a single role. There are more than 5 types of Product Manager roles catering to specific requirements of companies and products. Every Product Manager indeed works on technology, business, and design. However, the job descriptions become more specific and targeted for specialized roles.
In our last post, we discussed the career path of a Product Manager. In this blog, we talk about the 5 most popular types of Product Managers. This will help you understand the different Product Management roles and choose the right fit for you. Let’s begin.
1. Technical Product Manager
As the name suggests, a Product Manager who handles the technical aspects of a Product in addition to their other key Product Management responsibilities is a Technical Product Manager or TPM. Engineers who transition to Product Manager roles are usually the ideal fit for a TPM role. A TPM should have a solid background in software development, technology, and data.
E-commerce giant Amazon exclusively hires TPM to handle the technological development of its products. Check out the roles and responsibilities of a Senior Technical Product Manager at Amazon below.
Photo: Amazon Careers
2. Product Design Manager
In our blog on top product leaders to follow, we featured top Product Design Manager Julie Zhou. Now an entrepreneur, Zhou has worked as a Vice President of Product Design at Facebook and is the perfect example of a Product Design Manager.
Like any other PM, a Product Design Manager too manages the development of the product and engages with stakeholders, users, and different teams. However, a Product Design Manager exclusively focuses on the development of the perfect product from a design perspective. This involves interaction with content strategists, UI/UX designers, and engineers, making informed design decisions, and developing a user-friendly product.
Check out the job description of a Product Design Manager, Facebook Reality Labs below.
Photo: Facebook Careers
Pin3. Data Product Manager
Well, this one was expected. We are living in a data-driven world. Thus, to develop great products, every company needs a Data Product Manager. But you might wonder, isn’t every Product Manager required to work with data? The answer is Yes.
But unlike a general PM, the main tasks of a Data Product Manager include using data, statistics, and algorithms to make informed decisions and develop an amazing product. Further, a Data Product Manager uses data analysis to improve the product.
At the same time, a Data PM sets the product vision, prepares a roadmap, and interacts with designers, engineers, and data scientists to develop the desired product. Check out the responsibilities of a Senior Data Product Manager at Airtel.
4. Growth Product Manager
One of the latest PM trends is the rise in demand for Growth Product Managers. Brands are exclusively hiring Growth Product Managers to drive the lead generation and growth of specific products.
A Growth Product Managers uses metrics and analytics to determine trends and accordingly prepares strategies for growth. Based on these strategies and their impacts, growth product managers, lead engineering, designing, and marketing developments in the products.
Check out the job description of a Senior Product Manager – Consumer & Growth at LinkedIn below.
5. Product Marketing Manager
A Product Marketing Manager is often referred to as the voice of the customer. A Product Marketing Manager (PMM) is responsible for driving market research, market planning, and increasing customer engagement for the particular product. Along with these marketing responsibilities, a PMM is also required to have the technical and design knowledge for developing better marketing strategies for the product.
The role of a PMM is very specific to the type of company and product you work for. For instance, check out the job description of a Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft below. Since the product is technical in nature, the PMM is required to have a background in technical marketing, experience in software development, and in-depth knowledge of the technology ecosystem.
Photo: Microsoft Careers
We hope you found this blog useful. If you want to become a Product Manager, check out our top Product Management certification courses and kickstart your career, today!
