Strategy
Product Manager
Plain English
Decides what gets built and why.
Definition
A product manager is accountable for a product's direction, priorities, and outcomes, deciding what gets built and why. The role is defined as much by what it declines as by what it commits to.
In practice
Works with teams to decide what to glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term and why.
In context
The role is defined by what they can decline. A product manager who can only add to the glossaryRoadmapA roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines the direction, priorities, and timeline for a product or initiative. It communicates what will be delivered and why, rather than just listing features.Open glossary term is a requirements coordinator with a different title.
The reality
Often pulled between business, user, and technical demands.
Compared with
Product Manager vs Product Owner
Product owner is a glossaryScrumScrum is an Agile framework that structures work into time-boxed iterations called sprints.Open glossary term role focused on the glossaryBacklogThe backlog is a prioritised list of work that needs to be delivered, including features, fixes, and improvements.Open glossary term and glossaryDeliveryDelivery is the process of building, testing, and releasing a product or feature.Open glossary term team. Product manager is a broader remit covering strategy, market, and outcomes. Many organisations use the titles interchangeably, which is where the confusion starts.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What does a product manager do?
They define product direction and priorities.
Who do they work with?
Design, engineering, and glossaryStakeholderA stakeholder is any individual or group with an interest in a product, project, or outcome, including internal teams and external parties.Open glossary term.
What is their goal?
Deliver value to users and the business.
What is a challenge?
Balancing competing priorities.
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