In many tech companies, a product manager is an essential part of the team. A product-based company relies on the item that it puts out, and in some instances, companies feel the pressure to develop new products before customers see the need for it. In order to keep up with innovation and increasingly complex transactional sales models, there is an increased demand for capable product managers. Product-based organizations have seen a significant transformation due to the current software as a service (SaaS) model.
A product-based company seeks to come up with an item that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations in addition to helping them meet their business goals. Innovation seldom happens in a vacuum, so it’s incredibly important that different teams within the organization, such as research and development, engineering, and sales, collaborate on the product. A good manager is responsible for making sure that everyone in the team sticks to their deadlines and that the work is carried out without a hitch. Though they will be working mostly with the product, a product manager still needs a developed set of people skills. Past leadership experience can be a great asset to the team; look for someone with excellent communication skills and passion for their job.
That being said, an efficient product manager should be sound in their technical skills as well. The product manager serves a very important role acting as the point of contact between the various teams and the customer. Their technical background enables them to talk about the multiple aspects of a product and do so with credibility. Depending on the product in question and its users, the technical expectations of the manager will vary. Someone less versed in the realm of technical knowledge may not be able to hold the respect of the engineer or R&D teams, which can lead to conflicts within your organization. Industry experience in the field can be a determining factor when you’re hiring your next product manager, as this person will play a crucial role in the success of a product.
When hiring a product manager, it’s a matter of finding someone who has the right personality traits and proper skillset to make a mark in your industry. Not only that, but it’s also important to find someone who is a fit for your organization.