What is Product Manager?

Product managers define product strategy, prioritize features based on user needs and business goals, and align cross-functional teams (engineering, design, marketing, sales). They gather insights through user research, analytics, and market analysis, then translate these into roadmaps and requirements. PMs are the "CEO of the product"—owning outcomes without direct authority.

When Should You Use This?

Hire a product manager when building complex products with multiple features, when you need someone dedicated to defining "what" to build (not just "how"), when your team needs direction and prioritization, or when you're scaling beyond founder-led product decisions. Essential for B2B SaaS, marketplaces, and products with diverse user needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Hiring PM too early—founders should be first PM; hire when you can't keep up with prioritization
• •Confusing PM with project manager—PMs define strategy, not just execution timelines
• •Expecting PMs to code—PMs need technical literacy but aren't developers
• •No decision authority—PMs need clear ownership to be effective

Real-World Examples

• •B2B SaaS—PM manages feature roadmap based on customer feedback and revenue impact
• •Marketplace—PM balances supply and demand sides, optimizing for both buyers and sellers
• •Mobile app—PM uses analytics to prioritize features that improve retention