Who is a Technical Product Manager? A Complete Guide

A technical product manager is essential for bringing together business goals and technical expertise. They connect the dots between what customers need and what is technically feasible, ensuring that every product development project runs smoothly. Whether you are building software, hardware, or digital services, understanding the role of a technical product manager is crucial. In today’s highly competitive tech industry, knowing how to become a technical product manager is the key to gain an edge. With that in mind, let’s dive into what this role entails and how to make inroads in a future-forward career.

What Does a Technical Product Manager do?

A technical product manager oversees the technical aspects of product development while aligning these efforts with the business strategy. Among their many responsibilities is bridging the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders and overseeing the development of products that are innovative and viable. Let’s break down their responsibilities into different areas.

a. Defining the Technical Roadmap

First and foremost, a technical product manager is responsible for creating the technical roadmap. This roadmap lays out the key milestones and goals for the product’s development from a technical perspective. By doing this, they ensure that the engineering team understands exactly what needs to be achieved at each stage of the product’s lifecycle. Moreover, the technical roadmap must align with the business objectives. This means the technical product manager constantly balances both business and technical requirements.

b. Liaising With Cross-Functional Teams

A technical product manager doesn’t work in isolation. They work alongside engineers, designers, marketers, and sales teams. Their role is to ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page, with a keen eye on the technical side of things.

Every project must be technically feasible, and the technical product manager’s job is to ensure that the product can be built within the set parameters. In this way, they also act as translators, turning business goals into actionable tasks for the development team.

c. Balancing Customer and Technical Needs

In addition to managing technical execution, a technical product manager must always keep the customer’s needs in focus. By doing so, they make sure that customer requirements are incorporated into the product design without overlooking technical constraints. Balancing these needs requires strong communication skills and a deep understanding of both business and technology. Furthermore, a technical product manager ensures that product features deliver maximum value without causing technical bottlenecks.

d. Managing Cross-Functional Teams

Finally, managing cross-functional and operational teams is a critical part of a technical product manager’s role. These teams can include marketing, customer support, and sales. Since the technical product manager is at the intersection of technology and business, they frequently communicate with various departments. This ensures that everyone involved in the product development process is aligned. Ultimately, this coordination leads to better product launches and more successful customer adoption.

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What is the Difference Between a Product Manager and a Technical Product Manager?

It’s important to understand that a technical product manager differs from a general product manager. Although both roles are crucial for product success, the main distinction lies in their focus areas. Here’s a comparison to make it clearer:

Clearly, a technical product manager takes on a more engineering-focused role, ensuring that what gets built is technically sound and scalable.

At What Level is a Technical Product Manager?

The level of a technical product manager varies depending on the size and structure of the organization. However, they typically occupy mid-to-senior management roles. Let’s explore these levels in more detail.

1. Mid-Level Technical Product Manager

Typically at this level, a technical product manager is responsible for managing specific features or components within a larger product. They ensure that these features are technically sound and aligned with the overall product strategy. Furthermore, mid-level technical product managers typically report to senior product managers or heads of product. Their day-to-day tasks revolve around technical execution rather than long-term strategy.

2. Senior Technical Product Manager

A senior technical product manager, on the other hand, takes on much broader responsibilities. They oversee entire product lines or systems and guide cross-functional teams. Additionally, they take ownership of the technical roadmap and ensure it aligns with the company’s long-term business goals. Senior technical product managers often report to C-level executives or department heads, influencing major decisions related to the product’s technical direction.

3. Director or VP of Product (Technical Focus)

At the highest level, a technical product manager can become a director or VP, overseeing multiple product lines and technical teams. This role requires strong leadership skills and deep technical knowledge. Directors or VPs are often responsible for setting the strategic direction for entire product portfolios and ensuring that technical innovation is driving the company forward.

Technical Product Manager Salary in India

The role of a technical product manager is highly sought after, particularly in the tech industry. As a result, the compensation for this position is quite competitive. According to recent data, the average annual salary of a technical product manager in India is ₹26.5 lakh (1). This salary reflects the high level of responsibility and technical expertise required for the role. Additionally, professionals in this field often receive bonuses and stock options, making it a lucrative career choice for those with the right skill set.

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How to Become a Technical Product Manager

Becoming a technical product manager requires a blend of technical and business skills. Here’s  how you can get started on this career path.

1. Build Technical Expertise

The first step to becoming a technical product manager is to develop technical expertise. You should have a strong background in areas like software development, coding, system architecture, and cloud technologies. This technical knowledge is crucial because you need to understand the engineering aspects of the product you are managing. Many professionals start their careers as software engineers before transitioning into product management roles.

2. Gain Product Management Experience

In addition to technical skills, gaining experience in product management is essential. Working in a general product management role will help you understand the business side of product development, including market research, customer feedback, and business strategy. Once you have both the technical and business experience, you will be well-positioned to take on the role of a technical product manager.

3. Pursue Relevant Education and Certifications

Furthering your education is a great way to enhance qualifications. Many technical product managers hold advanced degrees in computer science, engineering, or business administration. 

Moreover, pursuing certifications can be beneficial. For example, the MIT xPRO Building AI Products and Services Program is a great option for those interested in AI-driven products. This program provides hands-on experience building AI products and services. Not only does it equip you with technical expertise, but it also gives you insights into product management strategies that can be applied across industries.

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Bridging Business and Technology as a Technical Product Manager

The role of a technical product manager is therefore key to navigating the complexities of modern product development, balancing both business and technical demands. If you are aiming to enter this field, now is the time to sharpen both your technical and product management skills. 

Their expertise in these areas is essential for successful product launches and long-term growth. If you are looking to take your skills to the next level, consider exploring educational opportunities that can equip you with both technical knowledge and leadership skills. So, sign up with Emeritus and excel in your journey as a technical product manager, positioning yourself for success in the evolving tech landscape.

Write to us at content@emeritus.org

Sources:

1. AmbitionBox