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
Startup Chief of Staff
Primary Role:
Strategic partner and advisor, aligning and executing organizational goals
Reporting Relations:
Reports to CEO, with a broader reporting structure
Decision Making Authority:
Significant, delegated authority for executive decisions
Stratigic Planning
Active in development and execution of strategic plans
Team Management:
Manages cross-functional teams and projects
Meeting Involvment:
Actively participating, presenting, and driving decisions
Project Management:
Oversees large, complex projects impacting the organization
Communication:
Represents the executive internally and externally
Professional Development:
Broadens strategic leadership and management skills