The Different Types of Product Managers

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Did you know that there are different types of product managers? It’s clear what a PM’s key responsibilities are in a company but the scope of work for the role is vast. There’s no one-size-fits-all job description for a product manager. 

As someone who has just or is about to start their PM career, knowing what is expected of you can be challenging. If you don’t know that product managers come in different forms, you run the risk of applying for PM job openings you’re not qualified for.

It’s important to understand where your specialization and current skillset fall within the different types of product managers. It could lead you to better chances of success and more opportunities as a PM.

What are the Different Types of Product Managers?

We’ve listed down six different types of product managers, categorized according to skill and qualification. 

1. Technical Product Manager (TPM)

A TPM focuses more on the technical aspects of product development. Although the role doesn’t require focusing solely on tech issues, a TPM mainly works with the engineering or coding team to fulfill business goals.

In a nutshell, technical product managers translate business requirements into technical ones. They are hired for their in-depth knowledge of a specific industry and their background in engineering or computer science.

While the role of a TPM and regular PM can sometimes overlap, there are stark differences between the two in terms of the degree they hold, the areas they focus on, the types of research they conduct, and so on. 

To know more about what sets the two roles apart, read our blog here.

2. Data and Analyst Product Manager (DAPM)

Companies that deal with data products will most likely need a Data and Analyst Product Manager who will design products and features based on data-driven insights. 

Just like a regular PM, a DAPM will also have practical responsibilities within the product development process. But the main difference between the two is a DAPM will base the decision-making purely on data.

If you’re good with numbers, this might be the kind of product management that’s right for you as you will be determining how you can leverage the data you have to your product’s lifecycle. 

Over time, a Data/Analyst Product Manager can become one of the most influential people in an organization since data, especially real-time data, is very valuable.

3. Growth Product Manager (GPM)

The GPM position, in most cases, is not an entry-level position because you are going to deal with growth as well as the best way to do it.

The job responsibilities will differ from company to company but the main focus is growing a specific metric. 

Rather than owning a product, a GPM will own a particular metric or commercial goal. For example, a Growth Product Manager can concentrate on new user acquisition. On the other hand, a GPM can also focus on customer retention. 

Again, every company has a different goal but the metric a Growth Product Manager will work on will correlate to any point of the user journey. 

Every company has a growth problem which is why there’s a rising demand for GPMs in the last five years. If you would like to further understand what a growth PM does, you can read our blog post here.

4. API Product Manager (API-PM)

An API Product Manager is the one in charge of producing, developing, and managing APIs (Application Programming Interface) within a tech company.

An API is a software intermediary that allows two applications to connect. In our everyday lives, we use APIs daily. Paying with PayPal, seeing weather snippets, and logging in using X, Y, and Z (as in, logging in using Google, Facebook, and Twitter) are all APIs.

It is the API-PM’s responsibility to ensure the success of the company’s API product. The position is highly involved in every stage of the API product lifecycle from development to retirement.

To qualify for this position, you would need a degree in product management or computer science. A candidate should also have five or more years of experience as a PM or API Developer.

5. Hardware Product Manager (HPM)

By the name, an HPM manages hardware products like chips, boards, screens, etc.

When compared to the Product Managers that deal with software, there are processes an HPM does differently. For one, there is no A/B Testing involved. Also, products’ lifecycles are shorter. They have only about 3 to 5 years. 

Typically, bigger hardware companies that are B2B will need an HPM in their team. A candidate should have experience in hardware systems and components, product development methodologies, and, most likely, analytical tools.

6. AI Product Manager (AI-PM) 

More companies are leveraging AI and machine learning to create and improve products and systems. 

Companies are going to need a skilled PM that speaks this kind of language to ensure the success of products, solutions, or services powered by AI, machine learning, or deep learning technologies.

To become an AI-PM, you’ll need to have familiarity with the artificial intelligence basics, technical skills like Python, SQL or data visualization, and project management experience.

Summary

Although we may not have listed every type of product manager there is, you may still be wondering, “Where do I fit in within all of these types?” 

Take a look at the skills you already have and cross-check them with the descriptions of the different types of PMs. Do your research if your skillset doesn’t fit any of the above types.

If you’re aiming to be a Product Manager with a specific specialization, it’s a plus to gain experience. You should also be focusing on honing your skills within your category to better your chances of success in your PM career. 

When you already have the skills and experience, the next step to take is to prepare for the job interviews to come. To get you started, we listed over 2500+ product manager interview questions you can refer to improve your chances of getting hired. You can also check out the Product Management Exercises Blog for some helpful PM career advice.