roles
Principal Product Manager
Primary Role:
Most senior IC; defines product direction in critical business areas
Reporting Relations:
Reports to VP/CPO
Decision Making Authority:
Sets direction for major product bets
Stratigic Planning
Co-defines annual strategy
Team Management:
No direct reports; informal leadership
Meeting Involvment:
Frequently presents to exec team
Project Management:
Oversees strategic initiatives
Communication:
Board/exec-level clarity
Professional Development:
→ Director / VP
Director of Product
Primary Role:
Leads multiple product teams; responsible for execution and people development
Reporting Relations:
Reports to VP/CPO
Decision Making Authority:
Budget + roadmap authority within domain
Stratigic Planning
Owns annual planning for org slice
Team Management:
Manages GPMs/PMs
Meeting Involvment:
Core leadership team member
Project Management:
Oversees delivery across teams
Communication:
Executive reporting responsibility
Professional Development:
→ VP of Product
Product Lead
Primary Role:
De facto head of product in small org or startup
Reporting Relations:
Reports to CEO/Founder
Decision Making Authority:
Full product decision authority
Stratigic Planning
Owns company product vision
Team Management:
May manage 1–3 PMs/designers
Meeting Involvment:
Executive team participant
Project Management:
Owns all product initiatives
Communication:
Internal + external (customers/investors)
Professional Development:
→ Head of Product / VP