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
Staff Product Manager
Primary Role:
High-leverage IC solving complex, ambiguous problems across domains
Reporting Relations:
Reports to Director/VP
Decision Making Authority:
Influences roadmap across multiple teams
Stratigic Planning
Shapes strategy at portfolio level
Team Management:
None formally; mentors PMs
Meeting Involvment:
Executive-facing contributor
Project Management:
Drives complex cross-functional programs
Communication:
Communicates with execs and senior stakeholders
Professional Development:
→ Principal PM / Director
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