Product Lead vs. Product Manager

A product manager oversees the entire journey of a product. From the conception, development, creation, marketing, and then the selling of the product. A product manager is the person who makes the final decisions concerning a product. They gather information from the team working under them, including product analysts, and decide the specific plans for a product. They are also very involved in determining the target consumer base for a product.

Though the roles have many similarities, here are the key differences between a product lead and a product manager:

• A product lead takes an active role in determining the direction of a product or products

• A product manager oversees the entire journey of a product, from conception to selling

• Product leads may have several teams and product managers working under them

• Product managers never have product leads working under them

• Product leads tend to be more experienced than product managers

• Product leads have higher salaries than product managers

When it comes to responsibilities, both product leads and product managers play crucial roles in the product lifecycle. However, their focus areas and scopes of work differ significantly.

• The product lead is essentially a strategic role. They spend significant time understanding market trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape. They define the product vision and strategy, setting the direction for the product teams. They also prioritize which products or features to develop based on the company's business goals. This often involves making tough decisions about what not to do, as resources are always limited.

• In contrast, the product manager is more tactical. They work closely with cross-functional teams - including engineering, design, marketing, and sales - to execute the strategy set by the product lead. They are responsible for creating detailed product requirements, managing the product backlog, conducting user testing, and coordinating product launches. They are also in charge of tracking product performance and making necessary adjustments to meet business objectives.

• In terms of skills required, both roles require a deep understanding of customers and the ability to translate customer insights into product features. They both need strong communication and leadership skills to influence and coordinate with various stakeholders. However, product leads generally require more strategic thinking and decision-making skills, while product managers need more project management and problem-solving skills.

• Regarding career progression, many product managers aspire to become product leads. This is a natural progression as it allows them to leverage their product knowledge and experience while taking on more strategic responsibilities. However, becoming a product lead also requires demonstrating a track record of successful product launches and a proven ability to drive business results.