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
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