product manager job description

What does a product manager do? The specific duties of a product manager include: creating a product roadmap: you are responsible for defining the product roadmap for any products you oversee. You outline the product's features, target audience, and the timeline for development. You work with stakeholders and senior executives to ensure the product roadmap aligns with the company's overall strategy. conducting research: as a product manager, you conduct extensive market research to understand user needs and the competitive landscape. You then use this research to inform the product roadmap and ensure that the product meets your users' needs. product launches: when a product is ready for launch, you oversee that launch and ensure that it is marketed effectively to the target audience. You work closely with the marketing team to develop marketing strategies and sales plans. manage product lifecycle: once a product is released, you are responsible for managing its lifecycle from its launch to the end of its life. You constantly monitor the product's performance and make adjustments to the product roadmap as necessary.

The work environment of a product manager varies depending on the company and industry you work in. However, some general aspects of the work environment are common across most companies. Product management is a team-based job, and you work closely with other teams, including design, engineering, sales, and marketing. Therefore, the work environment is usually collaborative, and teamwork is highly valued, making good interpersonal skills extremely valuable. It is also a fast-paced and dynamic field, focusing on delivering products quickly and efficiently. You work well under pressure and are able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

who are your colleagues?

As a product manager, you work with a wide range of colleagues from different departments and disciplines at different stages of a product's lifecycle. These include designers, engineers , marketing managers , data analysts , sales executives , sales associates , and sales representatives . Depending on the nature of the product and the specifics of your role, you may also work with senior executives when determining product strategies and directions.

Your core hours as a product manager should align with standard business hours of 9 am to 6 pm, 40 to 48 hours per week. However, this profession requires some flexibility, particularly during product launch periods where things can be hectic, and overtime may be required.

Product managers are in high demand because they play a pivotal role in product development and innovation. They also attract high earnings, with even entry-level positions earning above the national average salary in India. For these reasons, the job outlook for product managers is positive.

advantages of finding a product manager job through randstad

Finding your product manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of product management opportunities in your area get paid on a monthly basis temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a product manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

what qualifications do I need to be a product manager?

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject is necessary to increase your chances of getting hired and maximising your earning potential. However, some paths to this career do not involve a degree, though they are less straightforward, such as gaining industry experience and working your way up in an organisation.

is product manager a stressful job?

While the level of stress you feel will come down to how well you handle stress, it is fair to say that being a product manager can be stressful. This is particularly the case when dealing with impending deadlines.

what personality fits a product manager?

The product manager role is particularly suited to well-organised individuals with strong leadership skills, good communication, and vision.

how do I apply for a product manager vacancy?

Applying for a product manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area . Then simply send us your CV and cover letter . Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!

Working as a product manager

what is a product manager?

As a product manager, your responsibilities can vary depending on your company and industry. However, some of your key tasks include defining the product roadmap, conducting market research, and identifying user needs. You also work with designers and developers to build the product before launching and marketing it to customers.

You use excellent communication skills and are comfortable with leading cross-functional teams. You work closely with designers, engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the product meets the users' needs and the company's business goals.

In terms of education, a product manager generally has a bachelor's or master's degree in a technical field such as computer science or engineering. However, some product managers come from business or liberal arts backgrounds.

Does a career as a product manager appeal to your organisational ability and strategic nature? If so, keep reading to find out what skills and qualifications you need to thrive in this profession.

product manager roles

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average product manager salary

According to Levels.fyi, the average total compensation of a product manager in India is ₹3837331. The average product manager salary range in India is from ₹2484612 to ₹5990057.

factors that affect product manager's pay

The high pay in this profession makes it a highly sought-after field, especially in the tech industry. Several factors can impact your pay, and it is essential to understand these factors to negotiate the best compensation package.

Your experience level is one of the most critical factors that affect a product manager's pay. Generally, product managers with more experience and a proven track record of success can command higher salaries. A senior product manager with ten or more years of experience can earn significantly more than a junior product manager with only a few years of experience. While this is true of most professions, the disparity between entry-level and senior salaries for product managers is substantial.

The industry and size of the organisation you work for can also impact your pay. For example, product managers in the finance or e-commerce industries tend to earn higher salaries than those working in the non-profit sector. Similarly, product managers working in large, well-established companies usually earn more than those working for start-ups.

The location of your employer also plays a significant role in determining your potential earnings. Product managers in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore tend to earn more because the cost of living is relatively high over there.

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types of product manager

Product management is a diverse and dynamic field that encompasses several different types. Each type of product manager requires a unique skill set, has different responsibilities, and features different areas of focus. Here are some of the more common types of product managers:

technical product manager: a technical product manager is responsible for developing and launching technology products. You work with engineers and developers to ensure the product meets technical specifications and user requirements. You also have a strong understanding of technology and can translate technical information into user-friendly language.
marketing product manager: as a marketing product manager, you are responsible for promoting and selling products for your organisation. You work closely with the marketing and sales teams to create marketing strategies and sales plans. You use your excellent communication skills to market the product effectively to the target audience.
ux product manager: as a UX product manager, you create user-friendly products. You work alongside designers to ensure that the product is easy to use and meets the needs of the intended users. UX product managers have a deep understanding of user behaviour and can design products that are intuitive and easy to use.
business product manager: as a business product manager, you are responsible for developing and launching new products that align with the company's business goals. Working with senior executives, you ensure that any products meet the company's financial targets.
operations product manager: you are responsible for ensuring that products are delivered on time and meet customer expectations. You work with the operations and supply chain teams to ensure the product is produced efficiently.

3

working as a product manager

As a product manager, you oversee a product's design, manufacture, and marketing, ensuring that all aspects of the product align with the company's goals.

product manager job description
What does a product manager do? The specific duties of a product manager include:
- creating a product roadmap: you are responsible for defining the product roadmap for any products you oversee. You outline the product's features, target audience, and the timeline for development. You work with stakeholders and senior executives to ensure the product roadmap aligns with the company's overall strategy.
- conducting research: as a product manager, you conduct extensive market research to understand user needs and the competitive landscape. You then use this research to inform the product roadmap and ensure that the product meets your users' needs.
- product launches: when a product is ready for launch, you oversee that launch and ensure that it is marketed effectively to the target audience. You work closely with the marketing team to develop marketing strategies and sales plans.
- manage product lifecycle: once a product is released, you are responsible for managing its lifecycle from its launch to the end of its life. You constantly monitor the product's performance and make adjustments to the product roadmap as necessary.
work environment

The work environment of a product manager varies depending on the company and industry you work in. However, some general aspects of the work environment are common across most companies. Product management is a team-based job, and you work closely with other teams, including design, engineering, sales, and marketing. Therefore, the work environment is usually collaborative, and teamwork is highly valued, making good interpersonal skills extremely valuable. It is also a fast-paced and dynamic field, focusing on delivering products quickly and efficiently. You work well under pressure and are able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
who are your colleagues?

As a product manager, you work with a wide range of colleagues from different departments and disciplines at different stages of a product's lifecycle. These include designers, engineers, marketing managers, data analysts, sales executives, sales associates, and sales representatives. Depending on the nature of the product and the specifics of your role, you may also work with senior executives when determining product strategies and directions.
work schedule

Your core hours as a product manager should align with standard business hours of 9 am to 6 pm, 40 to 48 hours per week. However, this profession requires some flexibility, particularly during product launch periods where things can be hectic, and overtime may be required.
job outlook

Product managers are in high demand because they play a pivotal role in product development and innovation. They also attract high earnings, with even entry-level positions earning above the national average salary in India. For these reasons, the job outlook for product managers is positive.
advantages of finding a product manager job through randstad
Finding your product manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of product management opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a product manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

4

education and skills

To become a product manager, you will generally need a bachelor's or master's degree in a technical field, such as computer science, engineering, or business. However, no specific academic qualification is mandatory to become a product manager. Many successful product managers come from diverse academic backgrounds.

A computer science degree or a degree in engineering can be particularly beneficial if you want to work on technical products, such as software or hardware. A degree in business or marketing can be advantageous if you want to work on non-technical products, such as consumer goods or financial services.

In addition to academic qualifications, employers look for candidates with relevant work experience in product management, business development, marketing, or other related fields.

product manager skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a product manager include:

technical skills: you have a good understanding of the technical aspects of the product you are developing. This means being familiar with the latest technological advancements, being able to identify technical challenges, and communicating those challenges effectively with engineers and production workers.
project management skills: while being a project manager is a profession in its own right, you need solid project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently.
emotional intelligence, communication and interpersonal skills: you are an effective communicator and collaborator, able to work closely with different teams and stakeholders to communicate their vision and ideas clearly and concisely.
leadership skills: you have strong leadership skills, allowing you to lead and motivate teams, build consensus, and make difficult decisions.

group of women and men working together in an office

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FAQs about working as a product manager

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of product manager.

what qualifications do I need to be a product manager?

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject is necessary to increase your chances of getting hired and maximising your earning potential. However, some paths to this career do not involve a degree, though they are less straightforward, such as gaining industry experience and working your way up in an organisation.
is product manager a stressful job?

While the level of stress you feel will come down to how well you handle stress, it is fair to say that being a product manager can be stressful. This is particularly the case when dealing with impending deadlines.
what personality fits a product manager?

The product manager role is particularly suited to well-organised individuals with strong leadership skills, good communication, and vision.
how do I apply for a product manager vacancy?

Applying for a product manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!

product manager