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Product management is not a one-size-fits-all role. Different organizations require different skill sets depending on their industry, business model, and product strategy.
Understanding these variations helps you align your career with the right opportunities.
Here are six common types of product managers in the digital technology space.
1. Technical Product Manager (TPM)
A Technical Product Manager (TPM) bridges the gap between product and engineering teams. They focus on building complex software or hardware products.
- Strong technical background, often with coding or engineering experience.
- Works closely with engineers, designers, and developers.
- Defines technical specifications and roadmaps.
- Oversees testing, quality assurance, and system architecture.
- Ensures the product meets technical standards and scalability needs.
TPMs excel in companies that build developer tools, SaaS platforms, AI systems, or infrastructure products.
2. Marketing Product Manager (MPM)
A Marketing Product Manager (MPM) focuses on product positioning, branding, and go-to-market strategies.
- Deep understanding of customer psychology and market trends.
- Works with marketing teams to craft messaging and campaigns.
- Conducts market research and competitive analysis.
- Develops pricing models and distribution strategies.
- Monitors customer feedback and adjusts positioning accordingly.
MPMs thrive in consumer-driven industries, where differentiation and storytelling impact sales.
3. Growth Product Manager (GPM)
A Growth Product Manager (GPM) focuses on scaling user acquisition, retention, and revenue.
- Uses data to identify growth opportunities.
- Runs A/B tests and conversion rate optimization experiments.
- Develops referral programs, onboarding flows, and engagement strategies.
- Works with marketing, sales, and engineering to drive adoption.
- Defines key growth metrics and continuously iterates.
GPMs play a crucial role in startups and subscription-based businesses where growth fuels success.
4. UX Product Manager (UXPM)
A UX Product Manager (UXPM) ensures the product delivers a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- Works with UX designers to create intuitive interfaces.
- Conducts usability testing and user research.
- Analyzes user behavior through heatmaps, surveys, and analytics tools.
- Develops accessibility and usability guidelines.
- Prioritizes features based on user needs.
UXPMs shine in companies where user experience directly impacts retention and engagement, such as mobile apps and e-commerce platforms.
5. Platform Product Manager (PPM)
A Platform Product Manager (PPM) focuses on building scalable systems that support multiple applications or services.
- Designs APIs, SDKs, and integration frameworks.
- Works with developers and third-party partners.
- Ensures platform security, scalability, and compliance.
- Develops monetization strategies for platform services.
- Aligns product vision with long-term ecosystem growth.
PPMs are critical in cloud computing, enterprise software, and B2B SaaS platforms.
6. Data Product Manager (DPM)
A Data Product Manager (DPM) focuses on leveraging data to build intelligent products.
- Works with data engineers and scientists to create data-driven solutions.
- Defines data governance, privacy, and compliance strategies.
- Develops machine learning models and AI-powered features.
- Identifies new data monetization opportunities.
- Translates complex data insights into actionable business decisions.
DPMs are in high demand in fintech, health tech, and AI-powered platforms where data is a core asset.
Final Thoughts
The best product managers understand their strengths and align their career path accordingly. Whether you specialize in technical development, growth, UX, or data, there’s a role that fits your skills and ambitions.
Want to succeed in product management? Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to emerging trends.
References
- Harvard Business Review – The Evolving Role of Product Managers
- McKinsey & Company – Product Management in Tech
- Product School – Types of Product Managers
- Forbes – The Future of Product Management
- Gartner – Product Management Trends
Dr. Oluwaseun Ogunmola
AI Evangelist | Product Manager | Project Manager
www.seunogunmola.com.ng
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