What is Product Management?

Technical Product Managers draw upon their technical background to develop and manage a strategy for a particular technological product or product line. By clearly defining the product in question, Product Managers are able to identify and demonstrate its business value and purpose to the product team. With an exceptional understanding of the organization’s technology, a Product Manager can translate business requirements into technical practices by implementing the latest technology across all departments.

A Product Manager is responsible for establishing creative ideas leading a product from its conception to its launch. As they drive their vision forward, the main focuses will be customer engagement and the product’s ability to meet market needs.

Salary information and career progression

Opportunities for Technical Product Managers

Product Managers are not as common compared to other technical jobs, though demand has steadily grown in recent years.

The majority of these roles will be offered on a permanent basis rather than by contract. However, though many Product Managers may possess impressive business acumen, they typically lack the crucial technical expertise required for the role. As most applicants do not have the necessary technical skills, it can be difficult for recruiters to find the perfect people to fill Product Manager jobs within the industry. Therefore, candidates with the requisite technical expertise are in a significantly advantageous position.

• Recent changes in the sector

  Product Managers face challenges on account of the rapidly growing impact of Agile development. It is in a business’ best interests to embrace an iterative approach which can be adjusted to meet the changing demands of technology and customers. Therefore, it is no longer practical for Product Managers to apply a traditional plan-driven approach, and they will instead need to formulate an adaptable Agile strategy. Furthermore, as competitive pressures increase, Product Managers cannot rely purely on planning and control, and must also be able to think creatively and rapidly provide innovative ideas.

• Future prospects

  Product Managers have a broad range of duties which include monitoring and analyzing market trends, coordinating product releases with marketing, sales, and development teams, and providing product training and technical advice. Such versatility means that Product Managers are well equipped to move between different job functions, even at senior level. Many experienced Product Managers end up using this breadth of knowledge and business skills to launch their own companies.

• Salt’s advice for getting a Product Management job

  Employers’ requirements

  Product Managers will be required to use their technical skills for efficient prioritization and planning while staying business-orientated in order to meet customer needs and generate profits. They must also be brilliant communicators in order to connect with different clients and departments.

  CV requirements

  It is essential that you explain your previous experience in a Product Management CV, thoroughly highlighting the differences between the previous products and projects you’ve worked on. Paying particular attention to specific products is what will make your CV appropriate for a Product Management role as opposed to a Project Management role. Employers will also be looking out for exceptional technical knowledge, so emphasise your skills and how you have worked as part of technical teams in the past. You could have a dedicated technical skills section at the top of your CV, bullet pointing each category and adding details illuminating your proficiency. Such skills could include technical reporting and data analytics. Where possible, you should also demonstrate how you have used data as the basis of your decision making.

  Interview preparation

  During an interview for a Product Manager role, you will usually be asked to demonstrate your skills and experience by answering questions about your previous achievements. You may also be asked hypothetical questions that test your approach to different situations in the workplace.

  Popular Product Manager interview questions include:
  1) Tell me about a product you’re passionate about and why? How would you improve it?
  2) What technical skills separate you from the competition?
  3) What are your main project management principles?
  4) How would you best describe our product to someone outside the company?
  5) How did you resolve a recent team conflict?
  6) What tactics, strategies, and processes do you use to manage a new product launch?

  Educational requirements

  There are no specific degrees or qualifications required for a Product Manager role, though studying marketing, business administration, computer science, or engineering could be advantageous. However, larger companies and more senior roles may prefer candidates to hold PRINCE2 and/or Agile qualifications. In addition to gaining the relevant skills, budding Product Managers should stay informed about the latest business and technical practices in order to have an edge on the competition. In today’s fast-changing digital environment, Product Managers can only succeed if they approach the role with nuance and agility.