The role of technical product manager is crucial for companies to ensure succeful product deployment. Technical product manager responsibilities include:
- Understanding technical requirements and translating them into product features
- Collaborating with engineering teams to define product architecture and design
- Conducting market research and competitor analysis to inform product decisions
- Defining and communicating the product vision and strategy
- Managing the product lifecycle and driving product enhancements
Below is a job description template built specifically for the role of technical product manager. Feel free to use it and adapt it to your specific needs.
About [Company]
This section convinces candidates to apply for a role at your Company instead of another. Include practical information about the Company, as well as details about its culture and values.
[Company] helps [Target] do [x].
[Company] consists of over [x] employees spanning over [x] countries. Our unified yet diverse culture keeps us continually learning and innovating ourselves and our products, which are at the forefront of technical innovation.
Our market-leading technology, expertise, and global team are crucial to our success and customer satisfaction, so we deliver the best products on the market.
Why should you be part of [Company] success story?
We envision a world of [x].
We offer [Target] all the tools they need.
There’s never been a more exciting time to join [Company]
About the technical project manager role
Consider whether you need a description of the role or prefer to list duties and responsibilities directly as a bullet-point list.
As our technical product manager, you’ll play a crucial role in overseeing the development and execution of technology-driven products. You understand the impact you’ll have on ensuring alignment between engineering teams and business requirements, playing one of the most vital roles in the Company for growth.
In the technical product manager role, your day-to-day responsibilities include the following:
- Defining product vision and strategy by setting the overall vision for the product, considering market trends, customer needs, and business goals
- Collaborating with stakeholders, the product owner, customers, and development teams to gather requirements and prioritize them based on business value, feasibility, and technical constraints
- Developing and maintaining a product roadmap that outlines the timeline, milestones, and features of the product, ensuring alignment with the overall product strategy
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineering teams, product designers, marketing, and sales, to ensure effective coordination throughout the product development lifecycle and product launch
- Conducting market and competitive analysis by monitoring market trends, competitors, and customer feedback to identify new opportunities, anticipate market changes, and make informed product decisions
- Providing leadership and guidance, acting as a subject matter expert, and advocating for the product’s vision while making critical decisions to resolve conflicts that may arise
About compensation
The more openly you talk about compensation and benefits, the more honest and attractive your job listing will be. We suggest a brief introduction about the values behind your compensation package, followed by a bullet-point list with the details of what is offered.
- Salary
- Bonuses
- Equity
- Perks
- PTO
- Personal development budget
- Health and wellness budget
- Pension plan
- Insurance contribution
- Off-sites or events
The resource hub for expanding your business teams and market reach through global scaling.
Technical Product Manager Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, engineering, or business, is beneficial
- Additional certifications such as Certified Product Manager (CPM) or Agile Certified Project Manager (ACPM) are nice to have
- [X] years of experience in product management, preferably with a software development or technical background, helps understand the product lifecycle, development processes, and the challenges of bringing new products to the market
- Proficiency in using product management tools such as (JIRA, Asana, Trello) is preferred to help manage product backlogs, track progress, and facilitate effective collaboration
- Deep understanding of market research methods, business principles, product marketing strategies, and customer behavior to make strategic decisions
- Proven relevant technical skills, including agile methodology knowledge (such as SCRUM), data analysis, technical writing, A/B testing, and programming basics
- Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional team members, with the ability to facilitate communication across different departments for SaaS products
Technical Product Manager Skills
List the soft skills and personal qualities you are looking for in the perfect candidate.- Strong communication skills - as a technical product manager, you need to effectively communicate with various stakeholders, including engineering teams, designers, and executives, to articulate the product vision, gather product requirements, understand customer needs, and convey complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner
- Problem-solving and analytical skills - you can analyze complex situations, identify potential challenges, and determine practical solutions
- Leadership and management experience - you have the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional product teams to ensure that the product vision and goals align while providing guidance and support throughout the product lifecycle
- Adaptability and flexibility - as the technical product manager role involves working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, you must adapt to shifting personalities and navigate new challenges
- Empathy and user-centric mindset - it’s essential that you understand user needs, pain points, and behaviors to create products that provide value and deliver a positive customer experience
How much does a Technical Product Manager make?
Determining the exact salary of a Technical Product Manager can vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and the size of the organization. Here is a general overview of median salaries for Technical Product Managers:
- North America: In North America, particularly the United States and Canada, Technical Product Managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $100,000 to $130,000.
- Europe: In Europe, salaries for Technical Product Managers vary across countries. In Western European countries, median salaries can range from €80,000 to €110,000 or more annually.
- Middle East and North Africa: Median salaries in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia can range from $80,000 to $100,000 annually.
- Asia-Pacific: Technical Product Manager salaries in the Asia-Pacific region can vary widely. In countries like Australia, Singapore, or Japan, median wages range from $90,000 to $120,000 or more.
Additional salary-related considerations:
While these figures provide a general indication, consider other factors when assessing Technical Product Manager salaries:
- Industry: Salaries may vary based on the industry. Technical Product Managers in sectors with high competition or specialized technical requirements may receive different compensation.
- Geographic location: Cost of living in different regions can significantly influence the real value of a salary.
- Experience level: More experienced Technical Product Managers or those with a proven track record may command higher salaries.
Individuals considering a career as a Technical Product Manager should focus on gaining technical expertise, developing cross-functional skills, and staying informed about industry trends to excel in this vital role that combines technical know-how with product management proficiency.
How to become a Technical Product Manager
Becoming a Technical Product Manager typically involves a combination of education, practical experience, and the development of key skills that bridge the gap between technical and business aspects. While there isn't a rigid, standardized path to becoming a Technical Product Manager, several common steps can guide individuals aspiring to this role.
Common pathways to becoming a Technical Product Manager
Practical experience
Gain hands-on experience in technical roles such as software development, engineering, or systems analysis. Starting with entry-level positions and progressing through roles that involve understanding technical systems and solutions is valuable.
Technical proficiency
Acquiring technical proficiency, which may involve obtaining relevant certifications or gaining hands-on experience, is crucial. This knowledge enables effective communication with development teams and informed decision-making.
Agile Methodology experience
Mastery of agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, is essential for effective collaboration with development teams, efficient task prioritization, and timely delivery of high-quality products.
Market and industry awareness
Understanding customer needs and competitive dynamics is crucial for making informed product decisions and contributing to the product's success in the market.
Networking
Engaging with other Technical Product Managers, attending industry conferences, participating in technical meetups, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn contribute to ongoing learning and provide opportunities for collaboration.
Technical Product Manager education and training
Education
A strong educational background in a technical field, such as computer science, engineering, or information technology, is typically beneficial for individuals aspiring to become technical product managers. Many technical product managers hold a bachelor's or master's degree in areas such as:
- Computer science
- Electrical engineering
- Information technology
- Software engineering
- Business information systems
Certifications
While not always mandatory, obtaining relevant certifications can enhance a technical product manager's credibility and demonstrate expertise in product management and technical domains. Certifications include:
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
- Pragmatic Institute's Practical Product Management
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)
Role-relevant skills
Beyond formal education and practical experience, there are several other fields aspiring Project Managers should gain a solid understanding of to excel in the role. These include:
- Product management
- User story writing and backlog management
- Stakeholder management
- Technical skills
- Prototyping and wireframing
- Agile project management tools
Alternative career paths
In some cases, individuals transition into the role of Technical Product Manager from different professional backgrounds. Understanding which roles align well with a transition to technical product management can help plan a successful career switch.
Roles that fit well with a transition to Technical Product Manager generally fall into these fields:
Software development/Engineering
Professionals with a software development or engineering background may transition into technical product management, leveraging their technical expertise to guide product development.
Systems analysis
Individuals with experience in systems analysis may transition into technical product management, utilizing their skills in analyzing and designing technical solutions.
Project management
Professionals with a background in project management, including project managers or program managers, can successfully transition to the role of a Technical Product Manager. Their experience overseeing project timelines, managing resources, and coordinating cross-functional teams aligns well with the project management and technical collaboration aspects of technical product management.
User experience (UX) design
Individuals from a UX design background may excel in defining technical features that enhance the user experience, collaborating with development teams, and ensuring technical solutions align with user expectations.
What is a technical product manager?
A Technical product manager (TPM) combines technical expertise with product management skills to drive the development and success of a product or technology. They connect technical teams and business goals, ensuring that products meet user needs and align with the company’s objectives.
What are the responsibilities of a technical product manager?
The responsibilities of a technical product manager include:
- Defining product strategy and roadmaps.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Translating user needs into technical requirements.
- Overseeing product development lifecycle.
- Ensuring product quality and functionality.
- Monitoring market trends and competition.
How is a technical product manager different from a product manager?
A product manager focuses on product strategy, market needs, and user experience. A technical product manager combines these responsibilities with a deeper understanding of technical aspects, ensuring feasibility and effective communication with development teams.
What is the difference between a technical lead and technical product manager?
A technical lead is primarily responsible for guiding a development team, making technical decisions, and ensuring code quality. A technical product manager focuses on the product strategy, user needs, and aligning technical solutions with business goals.
What is the difference between CTO and technical product manager?
A chief technology officer (CTO) is an executive responsible for an organization’s technology strategy. A technical product manager focuses on a specific product's development, bridging the gap between technical teams and product goals.
What is the difference between PM and TPM?
A PM (product manager) focuses on product strategy and user needs. In contrast, a TPM (technical product manager) additionally possesses technical expertise and works closely with development teams to guarantee the successful implementation of the product.
Do technical product managers code?
While coding is not always a requirement, some technical product managers may have coding skills. However, their primary role is understanding technical aspects, translating them into product requirements, and collaborating effectively with development teams.
Is technical product manager the same as product owner?
No, they are not the same. A technical product manager combines product management skills with technical knowledge. A product owner, in Agile methodologies, is responsible for establishing and prioritizing the features of a product, ensuring that the development team creates value for the customer.
