The product manager is responsible for the overall strategy, roadmap, and feature definition of a product. They define the product vision and ensure the product meets customer needs. Key responsibilities include conducting market research, defining requirements, managing the product backlog during development, and communicating with stakeholders. Product managers do not write code or own project management tasks. They work across functions to advocate for customers and guide the product through the entire lifecycle from definition to shipping, and ongoing analysis after launch.

1. THE ROLE OF A PRODUCT
MANAGER

2. Without sales nobody would sell.
Without engineering nobody would build.
Without support, customers would riot.

3. Without product managers?
Ken Norton (Leading Cross - Functional Teams)
https://speakerdeck.com/kennethn/leading-cross-functional-teams-and-the-product-manager
Life would be just fine.
(For a while.)

4. WHAT DOES A PRODUCT
MANAGER DO ?

5. The product manager is often considered
“the CEO of their product”.
Responsible for
▸ Strategy
▸ Roadmap
▸ Feature definition
Might do*
▸ Marketing
▸ Forecasting
▸ Profit and loss (P&L)

7. WHAT A PRODUCT MANAGER DOESN’T DO
▸ Write code or take charge of technical decisions
▸ Own the project management tasks & resources
▸ Create design mockups
▸ Sign deals
▸ Plan PR

8. PRODUCT MANAGER’S
RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCT LIFECYCLE

9. 1. Define

10. 1. Define
2. Design

11. 1. Define
2. Design
3. Build

12. 1. Define
2. Design
3. Build
4. Ship

13. 1. Define
2. Design
3. Build
4. Ship
DAY TO DAY

14. DEFINE THE PRODUCT
YOU ARE
THE RESEARCHER

15. ▸ Conduct market & competitive analysis
▸ Conduct customer research
▸ Capture and brainstorm product ideas
▸ Define initial product vision and strategy
▸ Build the product business case
DEFINE THE PRODUCT

16. DESIGN THE PRODUCT
YOU ARE
THE ARCHITECT

17. ▸ Define product requirements
▸ Sketch product functionalities
▸ Persona development
▸ Contribute to initial prototype
▸ UX testing and research
DESIGN THE PRODUCT

18. BUILD THE PRODUCT
YOU ARE
THE CUSTOMER ADVOCATE

19. ▸ Engage in the development process
▸ Manage and prioritise the product backlog
▸ Anticipate product flaws and propose solutions
▸ Document, analyse and communicate decisions
▸ Define with marketing the product identity and branding
▸ Plan the release
BUILD THE PRODUCT

20. SHIP THE PRODUCT
YOU ARE
THE EVANGELIST

21. ▸ Define customer communication and positioning with the
marketing team
▸ Define acceptance criteria for the launch
▸ Prepare documents (and training sessions) for sales and
customer support teams
▸ Go to person for press and analyst relations
SHIP THE PRODUCT

22. DAY TO DAY
YOU ARE
THE PRODUCT MANAGER

23. ▸ Reporting and product analysis
▸ Analyse customer behaviour
▸ Support marketing and sales
▸ Customer’s voice in the agile process
▸ Update and communicate the product roadmap
DAY TO DAY

24. KILL THE PRODUCT*

25. WHO CAN BE A PRODUCT MANAGER?

26. DIFFERENT PM FLAVOURS

27. KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Know your customer and market
2. Identify problems to be solved
3. Lead by influence
4. Involve people early in the process
5. Document and communicate decisions
6. Measure your product’s success
7. Find your PM flavour