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Meet our Product Manager community
Braintrust is a user-owned talent platform created by and for the world’s top talent. This includes a talented network of experienced Product Managers available for hire.
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Lida Tohidi
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How to hire Top Product Managers
Overview
Hiring a product manager involves a comprehensive assessment of a range of skills, experiences, and attributes. Regardless of the size or nature of the company, an effective product manager should exhibit strategic thinking, technical proficiency, customer centricity, excellent communication, leadership, analytical, problem-solving skills, and have a passion for the product or industry. However, the specifics of the role may vary depending on the company size, structure, and type of employment.
At a startup, a product manager might wear multiple hats, be deeply involved in execution, and may have to work with limited resources. They'll need to thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment, and be comfortable with a high level of uncertainty. In contrast, product managers in larger companies often specialize in a specific product or product area. They may focus more on market strategy and coordination and have to navigate complex organizational structures and politics. While they may have more resources, they also face challenges like longer decision-making processes and dealing with legacy systems or products.
In terms of employment type, full-time product managers are typically more involved in the strategic direction of the product. They are usually part of the core product team, leading the product through different stages and timelines of the product lifecycle, from conception to product launch and beyond. Being full-time also allows them to develop a deeper understanding of the business, the market, and the customers, which is crucial for successful product management.
On the other hand, hiring a product manager on an hourly basis could be beneficial for smaller companies or startups that can't afford a full-time product manager, or for specific, time-bound projects. However, an hourly or contract product manager might not have the same level of commitment or in-depth understanding of the company and its customers as a full-time employee. They might also be juggling multiple projects at the same time, which could impact their availability and focus.
While hiring, it's essential to clearly define the product manager's role, responsibilities, and expectations, considering the company's size, stage, resources, and culture. It's also vital to assess not only the candidates' skills and experience but also their fit with the company culture and their ability to adapt to the specific context of your company. In any case, hiring a product manager is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your product and business.Strategic Thinking
An outstanding product manager will always consider the broader business context. They should have the capacity to devise a clear product vision and strategy based on the company's goals, market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape. This includes setting key performance indicators (KPIs), defining product positioning, identifying new opportunities, and deciding what to build and why. Strategic thinkers are capable of balancing short-term requirements with the longer-term product roadmap. They understand the importance of prioritization in order to allocate resources effectively. They are also adept at spotting market trends and adapting their product strategy accordingly. Some tools used in strategic planning include SWOT analysis, OKR frameworks, and roadmap software like Aha!, Productboard, or Jira.
Technical Proficiency
A product manager needs a solid understanding of the technology that powers their product. This doesn’t mean they have to be software engineers, but they should be familiar with the tech stack, the complexities of the development process, and the principles of good design and user experience. This understanding allows them to make informed decisions about the feasibility of new features, work effectively with engineers, and assess the impact of technological choices on the product's performance and user experience. Familiarity with product development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Lean, etc.), project management tools (Jira, Asana, Trello, etc.), and wireframing or prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, InVision, etc.) is also advantageous.
Customer Centricity
A key aspect of the product manager's role is to advocate for the customer. This involves understanding and empathizing with customer needs, conducting user research, collecting and analyzing user feedback, and ensuring that it informs the product strategy and decisions. They must balance these needs with the business goals, often making tough calls to prioritize features or initiatives that deliver the most value to the user and the business. A great product manager puts the customer at the heart of the product and continuously seeks to improve the customer experience. Familiarity with tools for user research (such as UserTesting), customer feedback (like Uservoice or Qualtrics), and analytics (like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel) is useful in this area.
Excellent Communication Skills
Communication is key in product management. Product managers need to articulate their product vision, strategy, and decisions to diverse stakeholders, including engineers, designers, marketers, executives, and customers. They should be able to listen actively, present ideas clearly and persuasively, and facilitate effective discussions. Their communication skills can make the difference between a disoriented team and one that is aligned and motivated to deliver a great product. Moreover, they should be comfortable with tools that aid communication and collaboration, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace, and have experience with presentation software like PowerPoint or Keynote.
Leadership Skills
Despite not always having direct authority, a product manager is a leader. They lead cross-functional teams, influencing without authority and making sure that all team members are aligned and working towards a shared goal. They are responsible for establishing a strong product culture, instilling a customer-focused mindset, and fostering a collaborative environment. Good product managers are skilled in conflict resolution and decision making. They can inspire, motivate, and guide their teams while handling the pressures that come with the role. They are capable of navigating the organization's politics and building strong relationships with stakeholders. Experience with team collaboration tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, and Trello is beneficial.
Analytical Skills
Product managers deal with both qualitative and quantitative data. They must be comfortable diving into data, analyzing user behavior, understanding patterns, and making data-informed decisions. They need to know how to define, track, and interpret KPIs, run A/B tests, and use analytics to understand user engagement and product performance. Strong analytical skills allow product managers to separate signal from noise, make unbiased decisions, and continuously optimize the product based on data. Familiarity with analytics tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, Tableau, or Looker is often required.
Problem-Solving Skills
Being a product manager often means dealing with uncertainty and making decisions with incomplete information. They need to be adept problem solvers, capable of breaking down complex problems, identifying root causes, and formulating effective solutions. They should be comfortable dealing with ambiguity and have the resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks. They must be quick thinkers, capable of making good decisions under pressure. Understanding of problem-solving methodologies such as root cause analysis, brainstorming, or design thinking can be valuable. Tools like Miro or Lucidchart can help facilitate problem-solving sessions and decision making.
Experience and Passion for the Product/Industry
A product manager with experience in a relevant industry or domain can hit the ground running. They understand the market dynamics, regulatory environment, customer needs, and competition. This knowledge can help them make better product decisions and devise effective strategies. In addition to experience, passion for the product or industry is vital. Passionate product managers are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed, driving the product forward and overcoming challenges along the way. Knowledge of industry-specific tools, standards, and practices can be a significant asset.
Expert Resources for Hiring Product Managers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a Product Manager?
The cost of hiring a product manager depends on several factors, including their level of experience, the size and location of the company, and the industry. The median annual salary for a product manager in the United States is around $115,000, with those at senior levels or in high-cost areas like Silicon Valley earning significantly more. On top of the base salary, there may be additional costs including bonuses, benefits, equity, and costs associated with recruitment such as advertising, agency fees, and onboarding.
Where can I hire Product Managers?
There are several platforms and strategies to hire a new product manager. Online job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are common places to post job listings. Specialized tech or product freelance platforms like Braintrust can also be beneficial. Working with recruitment agencies specializing in tech or product roles is another option. Networking events, product management forums, and community groups can also be excellent sources of potential candidates.
How do I recruit a Product Manager?
Recruiting the right product manager for a product manager role involves identifying the specific skill sets and requirements for the role in your company, advertising the position on Linkedin and social media, screening and interviewing candidates, and making a selection. The job description in the job posting should clearly state the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills needed. Once applications start coming in, it's important to thoroughly evaluate each candidate, not just on their technical skills and track record but also their soft skills such as strategic thinking, leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. The interview process and hiring process may involve behavioral product manager interview questions, case studies, and situational analysis.
How much does a Product Manager charge per hour?
The pricing and hourly rate for product manager jobs can vary significantly based on their years of experience, skills, the complexity of the project, and the location. For contract or freelance product managers, the rate can range anywhere from $50 to over $200 per hour. Keep in mind that freelancers often have to cover their own taxes, benefits, and overhead costs, which is reflected in their rates. Always ensure the agreed rate aligns with the complexity and product requirements of your project.
What qualifications do I need to be a product manager?
There isn't a set path to becoming a product manager or a director of product management; it's a role that often requires a mix of skills and experiences. You typically need a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Practical experience in product development, product marketing, project management, or UX design can also be beneficial. Many product managers have technical backgrounds, though it's not a strict necessity. Essential skills include strategic thinking, customer empathy, communication, leadership, analytics, and problem-solving. Knowledge of industry-specific tools, methodologies, and practices is also useful. Many product managers also pursue further education or certification such as Certified Product Manager credentials or an MBA.
Which MBA is good for product manager?
An MBA with a focus on product management, strategy, marketing, or entrepreneurship can provide a valuable foundation for a career in product management. It can help you develop strategic thinking, business acumen, leadership, and other essential skills. Some MBA programs offer courses or concentrations specifically designed for aspiring product managers. However, the choice of the MBA program should also consider factors like the reputation of the school, the strength of its alumni network, the quality of its faculty, and its connections with the industry.
Is product manager an IT job?
While the role of a product manager is common in tech and IT companies, it is not strictly an IT job. Product managers exist in many industries, including consumer goods, healthcare, finance, and more. However, in tech companies, product managers often need a strong understanding of technology, software development processes, and user experience principles. They work closely with engineering teams and have to make decisions that involve technical trade-offs.
Is product manager high paying?
Product management is generally a well-compensated field. The exact salary depends on the location, industry, size of the company, and the individual's level of experience and skills. According to reports, product managers in tech companies and in regions with a high cost of living like Silicon Valley often command six-figure salaries. Additionally, in high-growth companies or startups, compensation might also include equity, which could potentially increase the overall compensation significantly.
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