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
Head of Product
Primary Role:
Top product leader (title varies by company size)
Reporting Relations:
Reports to CEO
Decision Making Authority:
Final say on product direction
Stratigic Planning
Owns product strategy
Team Management:
Manages Directors/GPMs
Meeting Involvment:
Executive leadership team
Project Management:
Oversees entire portfolio
Communication:
Board-level communication
Professional Development:
→ CPO
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