Product managers are responsible for identifying customer needs and larger business objectives that a product or feature will fulfill, articulating what success looks like for a product, and rallying a team to turn that vision into a reality. They set the strategy and roadmap for the product, working with cross-functional teams to define and execute its success. Specific responsibilities vary depending on the size of the organization, but generally include:

• Prioritizing ruthlessly
• Building product roadmap
• Evangelizing the product vision
• Working on optimizing the business outcomes and return on investment on the products
• Searching out, gathering, handling, and prioritizing customer needs and wants
• Collecting and interpreting customer feedback
• Determining product features
• Analyzing the market and competition
• Crafting a product vision that delivers unique value to customers and the business
• Managing the entire product lifecycle and product roadmap

Product managers are highly collaborative and cross-functional, working with researchers, analysts, marketers, developers, designers, and other stakeholders to gather input and manage the day-to-day execution of a product. They hold teams to deadlines and provide reality checks on what’s possible within budgets and timeframes, and they mitigate conflicts among stakeholders. They also stay on top of business and consumer trends and behaviors that directly or indirectly affect the product or company.