Bijan Shahrokhi 
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It doesn’t matter if you’re breaking into the product management field or looking for your next opportunity, you’re likely to ponder this question: what industries hire product managers?
While there’s no “one size fits all” answer to this question, you may be surprised to find that it goes well beyond big-name tech companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google.
Understanding the industries that most commonly hire product managers will allow you to transition into the PM role that best suits your career goals.
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What You Need to Know
A quick search for product manager jobs on LinkedIn will open your eyes to just how many companies are hiring for this position. Check this out:
There are two key takeaways from this screenshot:
- There are more than 224,000 results.
- The companies hiring for the position of product manager vary by industry and employer size.
For example, Docker doesn’t have as many employees as the Apple’s and Microsoft’s of the world, but they’re constantly on the lookout for product managers to help manage and accelerate growth.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the industries that hire the most product managers:
1. Digital Consumer Companies
This is where you’ll find the largest number of PM job openings. It’s where some of the biggest brands in the world fit in, such as:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Uber
But remember, it’s not just well-known brands on the lookout for top PM talent. It’s almost any digital consumer company that’s in the process of building a new product or adopting technology in some way.
2. SaaS Companies
Software as a service (SaaS) companies also have a need for talented product managers. These employers vary by size and niche, with some of the largest enterprise SaaS companies including Salesforce and HubSpot.
There are also small to medium size SaaS companies that are growing rapidly with visions of becoming the next unicorn. After all, Salesforce and HubSpot weren’t always the giants they are today. They got to the top in part by hiring the best talent.
3. Ecommerce Companies
Many retailers employ a large product management team, with companies like Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify leading the charge.
In addition to the world’s biggest retailers taking advantage of the ecommerce boom, there are many more startups getting in on the action. Here’s a list of up-and-coming ecommerce companies, many of which are hiring product managers.
As more retailers move resources away from physical storefronts, the demand for PMs within the ecommerce industry will continue to skyrocket.
Vertical Industries
Think about vertical industries that sit within the digital consumer and SaaS spaces.
For instance, the financial industry is going through a major transition with Fintech companies taking the lead.
(Source: Statista)
Every bank now has a digital division. Challenger banks are using technology to compete with longer-established traditional banks. And of course, consumers are looking to technology to best manage all aspects of their financial lives.
Other verticals with unlimited near-term growth potential (especially for PMs) include:
- Medical
- Crypto
- Virtual reality
Think about it this way. If there’s a user interface for consumer products, there’s a need for product managers. And with these verticals growing fast, it’s only natural for the demand for PMs to follow closely behind.
Summary
These industries and verticals are just the tip of the iceberg. An all-inclusive search — based on the industries in which you have the most interest — is sure to turn up other opportunities. And with those opportunities, you’re able to apply for PM roles that closely align with your skills, knowledge, and career goals.
As interview offers roll in, you can rely on the community at Product Management Exercises to help you prepare. From 100+ hours of course material to thousands of PM interview prep questions, we’ve got you covered.
