What are the Different Product Manager Careers?

Product managers often develop and market products to meet evolving market demands and encourage brand recognition. These professionals often have knowledge of social and Internet trends so as to understand consumers’ purchasing behaviors. Many industries around the globe are likely to pose opportunities for product manager careers. Hospitality work, for example, often needs product managers to market services and food products, while software development firms often rely on these professionals to define what customers need. Advertising consulting firms may use product managers for clients’ eCommerce sectors, and manufacturing may offer multiple opportunities for managers to generate product concepts and ensure their profitability.

Product manager positions are likely to be found in an array of industries. These positions often combine strategy with tactics to market new and existing products. In this sense, product managers often bridge communication lines between consumers and executive managers. They are likely to research social and Internet trends, evaluate competition and develop effective promotional campaigns. A product manager job description may also require candidates to track sales, learn what customers want and position a product for strong brand recognition.

Hospitality and restaurant businesses often utilize product managers to market new services or foods. In a hotel, for example, product manager careers may focus on customer relations, such as developing improved reservation systems and new applications for business guests. Product managers may also manage customer relationships and implement quality standards through all hotel departments, including housekeeping, room service and amenities facilities. These positions may further be responsible for creating a positive hotel image throughout the community.

In restaurants, the concept of customer service is likely to prevail, but product management careers often market food products rather than guest services. Restaurants of many varieties, from fast food to family-style venues, often develop new dishes to accommodate evolving customer preferences. Product managers may thus test dishes and plan for new menu launches. These roles are further likely to coordinate with advertising professionals and food suppliers to target specific market segments.

Product management careers may also exist within software development companies. Responsibilities in these positions often pertain to identifying client requirements and developing solution-based platforms. Determining feature priorities, performing frequent market analyses and providing customer advocacy are likely ways in which managers will find niches for their software products. Software development usually requires strategic releases of new products as well.

Advertising consultants may guide corporations with regard to a specific business aspect, such as eCommerce. Product manager careers in such a capacity may thus help clients develop online identities. They are likely to manage all aspects of a product’s Internet presence and also find ways to enhance the customer experience. Tools like end-user communications, delivery options and customer feedback are likely to be supervised by product managers as well.

Manufacturing is another industry that is likely to offer product manager careers. Toy producers, for example, often release new additions to existing toy lines or different products altogether. The product manager may therefore generate toy concepts with the aide of designers and marketers. This position may also ensure product manufacturability in line with cost and profit margin goals. Participation in every phase of the toy development cycle, from design to production, is a likely requirement.

Those who choose to pursue careers in manufacturing facilities may need knowledge of raw materials, general manufacturing processes and quality control programs. They may also need knowledge of current toy and lifestyle trends among families and have market-appropriate experience. Educational requirements may include four-year degrees in computer design, business or manufacturing technology.

Product manager jobs are likely to have substantial influence on a company’s operations. Many candidates, except those in manufacturing, may thus need Master’s degrees in business administration or marketing. In some cases, employers may accept those applicants with bachelor’s degrees who also have relevant work experience.