Many professionals use the Product Manager v/s Project Manager roles interchangeably. Even though both roles often work together on the same business case or initiative, they have distinct roles and responsibilities. Is the Product Manager and Project Manager the same?
A business case undertaken will lead to creating a product or service or result, meaning creating a product that can be a tangible good, service, or system that solves customers’ problems and satisfies their needs, thus creating value. [ITIL4]
Product Manager vs Project Manager: Differences
In order to facilitate the creation or delivery of Product/Result/Service, the Product Manager – is responsible for the vision, strategy, and product goal. They look after the “what” and “why” part of the product. For example, what will the end product look like? What problem will it solve?
While the Project Manager focuses on the “How” & “When” of the Product delivery, how will the product be delivered? When will it be delivered?
While the Project Manager focuses on “How” & “When” of the Product delivery, how will the product be delivered? When will it be delivered?
“A product manager concentrates on product development and releases, while a project manager coordinates, supervises, and oversees project which enables to deliver desired Product/Result/Service.” The product manager deals with the “what” and “why” of the product. The project manager deals with the “how,” “when,” “where,” and “who.”
The main difference between product manager and project manager is the work or role
|
PRODUCT MANAGER |
PROJECT MANAGER |
|
Develops Product roadmap & Product vision |
Develops a Project Management Plan |
|
Responsible for preparation of Product specification |
Responsible for execution of project managed via delegation of tasks while accountability still remains with PM |
| Does Market Research | Communicates with the Team [Stakeholders Management] |
| Gathers Customer Satisfaction Data | Maintains Project Timelines [A milestone is a reference point that identifies an important event in a project. Project milestones are also knowns as stage gates, phase reviews, phase entrances, phase exits, skill points, etc.] |
| Organizes Product Launches | Implements Change Requests/CRs as per Product backlog priorities set [Change Management] |
| Controls Development Process [In the case of Agile-Scrum – The product owner/Manager defines Product backlog, defines Release Plan, etc] |
Identifying and Tracking Risks [Risk Management] |
| Skillset – Data analysis, Market review, Price modeling, Essential UX knowledge, Primary business knowledge/SME | Skill set – Understanding of project management approaches Risk management, Project management tools & products |
