product manager.

The responsibilities of the product manager are as follows:

• Define the product vision and strategy: The product manager sets the direction and vision for the product. Their responsibility is to articulate the product's vision and communicate it to the team. They identify investment areas and prioritize them to achieve the product goals. This role also includes creating the product roadmap and schedule, outlining the development process of the product.
• Idea evaluation: The product manager summarizes the ideas and ranks them based on the value they provide to customers. They oversee the company's idea management process and determine which ideas the design team should develop. After reviewing the ideas, they communicate the status of each idea to customers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Features prioritization: during brainstorming, numerous suggestions may arise for a product, and it’s the product manager’s responsibility to prioritize them. This can be done based on strategic goals and initiatives. Sometimes, during the process, tough compromises need to be made regarding the added value of new features. When setting priorities, it’s important to understand the product’s key requirements and the expected user experience.
• Creating a product roadmap: as a product manager, you develop a timeline that outlines the entire product development process. The roadmap also defines how the product will achieve business objectives and stay on track. Different roadmaps are prepared for the leadership team and the engineering team.
• Analysis and reporting of the workflow progress: Oversees and monitors the advancement of product development stages. Ensures that the development team operates efficiently and adheres to the schedule. Throughout the process, guarantees that the company avoids capacity issues and that the team has the necessary resources. After development also keeps track of testing processes.

A product manager may work in different environments depending on the industry and the products being developed. For example, if they work in manufacturing, they regularly visit production sites to ensure everything is operating as expected. However, IT product managers work on products that don’t require travel between different locations. The role may involve travel if the company has external manufacturing facilities. In addition to overseeing processes, a product manager participates in stakeholder meetings and handles administrative tasks, which are typically carried out in an office setting. For product managers, remote or home-based work is often possible. However, for on-site project supervision, they need to be present at the locations regularly.

Product managers work across various business sectors, from finance and technology to manufacturing. As a result, they collaborate with project managers, program managers, and retail leaders. They also work alongside marketing managers, sales directors, and other professionals, including plant managers, software developers, and engineers.

A product manager's work schedule, regardless of industry or business sector, typically follows standard office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Product managers rarely work evenings unless they are attending a client meeting or facing a tight deadline. Sometimes, they work on weekends to support the design or manufacturing teams in meeting project deadlines. Additionally, product managers may work outside of the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. window if the company's office is located in a different time zone.

Most companies hire full-time product managers; part-time and temporary contracts are rare.

Most product managers start their careers as part of a product team, focusing on one aspect of the process before moving into a leadership role. At entry level, they typically oversee a small team before advancing to a senior product management position responsible for the entire production department. Over time, there are opportunities to progress into executive roles such as Vice President of Product, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, or Chief Operating Officer.

There are several advantages to working with a Randstad consultant when searching for a product manager position:

• a consultant with in-depth knowledge of the IT sector in the labor market supports the selection process
• you can find a wide range of job opportunities on our website
• whether you're looking for a fixed-term or indefinite position, we help you find the job that best fits you

To work as a product manager, a relevant degree related to the industry you wish to work in is required. For roles in tech companies, a background in computer science or software engineering is necessary. Acquiring knowledge in the appropriate field of study also enhances your expertise in product development. For example, obtaining a degree in chemical engineering provides the fundamental skills needed to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

A confident understanding of processes also requires hands-on experience. Internships and practical training help develop your skills and prepare you for the role.

Products are developed to address consumers' issues. If you have strong problem-solving abilities, you can create product ideas that genuinely solve customers' problems. A problem-solving mindset is the driving force behind decision-making.

As a product manager, you allocate your time across various projects. Strong time management skills help prioritize roles and tasks, improve efficiency, and ensure products are launched on schedule.

As a product manager, you need strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with product teams and developers. Additionally, you communicate with stakeholders when reporting on the product's success and proposing development opportunities.

As a product manager, you need to be proactive in achieving goals. This motivates your team and accelerates the manufacturing process.

Product management is a relatively new role, but there is high demand for it. The position of product manager is quite popular in IT and tech companies. In e-commerce, companies are increasingly hiring professionals in this role to support the sector's growth.

Our salary calculator  allows you to explore pay ranges to see how much a beginner or an experienced product manager earns.

A product manager supports the development team in creating high-quality, successful products by making decisions based on market research. They identify consumer needs and use this information to define and prioritize product features. Throughout the entire development process, they maintain communication with stakeholders, participate in testing, and oversee post-launch monitoring, which will inform future improvements.

Working as a product manager is a great career opportunity for those who enjoy flexible schedules. The lucrative compensation package and the increasing demand for product managers also improve the outlook for this role.

A product manager position requires a relevant college or university degree in a field such as economics, business informatics, or engineering. However, some employers may also require a master's degree in these areas.

Applying for a product manager position is easy: create your profile on Randstad and browse our job offers near you. Once you're logged in, you can apply with just one click for the opportunity that interests you on our website!