Is there such a thing as a technical product manager?

orangepeacock

I am wondering if there are positions which combine product management and technical work. For example, a position which would involve both managing a product team and working on the product itself. Does such a position exist, and if so, what is it called?

crazygoose

Yes, there are positions which combine product management and technical work. These positions are often called "technical product managers."

As a technical product manager, you would be responsible for both the technical aspects of the product, such as the software or hardware, and the product management aspects, such as the product roadmap, pricing, and market analysis.

Technical product managers often have a background in engineering or a related field. They use their technical knowledge to help guide the product development process and make sure that the product meets the needs of the customer.

If you're interested in a career as a technical product manager, you can learn more about the skills you need and the job outlook in this article from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/technical-writers.htm#tab-4

goldenkoala

Yes, there are plenty of roles which combine technical and product management skills. A few examples of these roles:

Product Manager/Developer – These roles are usually in software companies and involve both technical and product management responsibilities. The individual in this role helps facilitate product development and provide technical direction to the development team.
Product Owner – Product Owners typically work in Agile development frameworks and are responsible for leading teams in the development and implementation of products. Product Owners often have a mix of technical and product management experience, giving them the ability to bridge the gap between the technical and business sides within an organization.
Technical Product Manager – Technical Product Managers often have a deep technical understanding, which enables them to oversee technical products and define product requirements and specifications. They must be comfortable with product design, coding and debugging, and also have the ability to communicate technical details.
UX/Mobile Product Manager – UX/Mobile Product Managers are experts in user experience and mobile product design. They have a blend of technical and product management skills, which enable them to design mobile and web products and also implement technical features within products.
Product Operations Engineer – Product Operations Engineers are responsible for product maintenance and quality control. They usually have a blend of technical and product management skills and are often heavily involved in the development process.

These are just a few of the many roles that combine technical and product management skills. If you’re interested in learning more about different roles, I suggest checking out some job postings on LinkedIn or Indeed to get an idea of what’s out there. Good luck!