Do you want to know how to become a technical product manager and what they do? This blog post will explain everything you need to know about this fascinating position, regardless of whether you’re just starting out in the tech industry or want to develop your present abilities. At Checkmate ITTech, we assist aspiring IT leaders like you in obtaining the education and employment opportunities required to thrive in the cutthroat tech sector of today.
What Is a Technical Product Manager?
Technical execution and business objectives are connected by a technical product manager (TPM). A technical product manager contributes a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of the product, whereas a conventional product manager concentrates more on client demands and product strategy.
Consider them as someone who works closely with engineers to ensure that the product is not only functional but also scalable and efficient, and who has a thorough understanding of how software or systems are constructed.
They frequently operate in hectic settings where meeting deadlines and maintaining technical accuracy are equally crucial.
Product Operations Manager vs. Technical Product Manager
The distinction between a technical product manager and a product operations manager is frequently confused in the tech sector.
This is how they are different:
What to build and how to build it are the main concerns of a technical product manager. They guarantee technical viability, collaborate with developers, and specify product features.
In contrast, a product operations manager concentrates on how to make the product function properly. They manage the tooling, documentation, workflows, and analytics that support the product team’s improved performance.
Both positions are essential, and their duties may overlap based on the size of the business. The TPM path is for you if you like working with engineers to solve problems and are more interested in the technical side of things.
A Technical Product Manager’s Primary Duties
Technical product managers play a strategic and practical function. Here are a few of the main duties:
- Work together with data analysts, UX designers, and software engineers.
- Convert business needs into technical requirements.
- Sort product attributes according to market viability and demand.
- Make and oversee product roadmaps.
- Keep an eye on the product development process.
- Make sure the technical implementation and client needs are in line.
- Share developments with interested parties.
In contrast to a standard product manager, the TPM must comprehend the inner workings of databases, APIs, infrastructure, and systems.
The Competencies Required to Work as a Technical Product Manager
A combination of business acumen, soft skills, and technical abilities are needed to succeed in this position. You must work on the following:
1. Technical Understanding Fundamentals of Programming (Python, JavaScript, or SQL)
- Lifecycle of software development (SDLC)
- System architecture and API
- Platforms for cloud computing (AWS, Azure)
2. Business savvy
- Competitive analysis and market research
- Development of business cases
- ROI computation
- Management of Stakeholders
3. Leadership and Communication Presentation Skills
- Cooperation among the team
- Conflict resolution
- Making decisions under duress
For this reason, a lot of businesses employ senior product managers with technical know-how for this position. A senior product manager can assume complete responsibility for the product’s vision and delivery since they usually already comprehend the wider business impact.
Are Production Management and Technical Product Management the Same Thing?
The distinction between technical product management and production management is another common source of misunderstanding.
The planning, coordinating, and controlling of manufacturing processes in industries that produce tangible goods is commonly referred to as production management. It is more prevalent in industries like FMCG, textiles, and automobiles.
A technical product manager, on the other hand, deals mainly with digital platforms, apps, and products in the software or tech sector.
Therefore, even though the titles may sound similar, the industries and areas of focus are very different.
Career Path: Technical Product Manager Career Path
Our specialty at Checkmate ITTech is training people for in-demand positions like technical product manager. To get there, follow these steps:
Step 1: Obtain a Technical Background
A degree in computer science is helpful, but not required. To grasp fundamental ideas, you can also enroll in technical certification programs or coding boot camps.
Step 2: Acquire Knowledge about Product Management
You’ll need to comprehend product development approaches like Agile, Scrum, and Kanban. Our training programs at Checkmate ITTech address all of this in detail.
Step 3: Gain Hands-on Experience
Try working on side projects or accept internships where you may interface with both technical teams and product stakeholders.
Step 4: Get Certified
- There are specialist certifications like:
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
- Pragmatic Institute’s Product Management Certification
- SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)
- These will make your resume stand out and prepare you for interviews.
Step 5: Apply for TPM Roles
Once you’re trained and confident, we help you with CV building, mock interviews, and job placements.
Why Choose Checkmate ITTech?
At Checkmate ITTech, we offer end-to-end support for your journey toward becoming a technical product manager:
- Industry-aligned training courses
- Individual guidance from seasoned senior product managers
- Real-world initiatives to develop a portfolio
- Help finding a job with leading IT companies
Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to advance into a TPM or product operations management role, our programs are designed to meet your learning preferences.
Expectations for Pay and Employment Prospects
Technical product managers rank in the top 10 highest-paying tech occupations, per industry studies. An approximate representation of the pay ranges in several locations is provided here:
- USA: between $110,000 to $160,000 annually
- £60,000 to £100,000 in the UK
- ₹20 to ₹35 LPA in India
Senior product managers can make a lot more money, particularly if they work for software behemoths like Google, Amazon, or Meta.
With businesses increasingly seeking TPMs with the ability to lead complex technological solutions in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), finance, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, the career future is likewise bright.
Leading Organizations Seeking Technical Product Managers
Here is a list of businesses that are now recruiting TPMs in case you’re wondering where you could work:
- Microsoft
- Web Services by Amazon
- Salesforce
- IBM
- The Stripe
- Shopify
Fintech, edtech, and healthtech startups
Additionally, keep in mind that Checkmate ITTech collaborates with a number of these firms to place our skilled applicants in actual positions.
Concluding remarks
Being a technical product manager is a fulfilling career that offers many opportunities for learning. You have the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding engineers, shape product direction, and develop solutions that have an impact.
Now is the moment to take action, whether your goal is to move from a product operations manager to a more technical leadership position or to shift from a background in software development.
Checkmate ITTech’s training and placement programs are developed to help you get there more quickly. Are you prepared to embark on your adventure? Get in touch with us right now, and together, let’s create your ideal product management job.