Develops new software product concepts, designs, and/or enhancements to existing product design that reflect market and user requirements.
Conducts research and develops a good understanding of the customer's needs, new technologies, trends in the market, and competitors. Develops requirements documents, functional specifications, and mock-ups to clearly illustrate product ideas and concepts. Participates in all phases of the product development lifecycle, including analysis, design, testing, and integration of products as well as the introduction of products to the market. Member of a cross-functional team that translates customer needs and technology directions into product definitions. May participate in the creation of documentation or user guides for new products.
Salary.com identifies five increasing levels of proficiency for each skill/competency. Some jobs require only a relatively low level of proficiency in each skill/competency, while other jobs will require a more advanced level of proficiency in the same skill/competency. These levels rate the degree of proficiency (skill level, expertise) we expect the incumbent to perform in the given skill/competency for the given job. Note that we intentionally do not associate timeframes or years of experience in performing the skill/competency because that can be misleading. Proficiency levels identify what the incumbent knows and can do rather than how long they have been doing it. Also, note that the proficiency levels are cumulative, e.g., a level 4 proficiency implies the ability to perform all the behaviors at the lower levels.
Check each Product Manager I skill and competencie below to view definitions.
Skill definition-Designing, implementing, and managing software product lifecycle from inception to delivery to maximize revenue and meet user experience.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites examples of the tools and solutions used in overseeing software products.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Collects software release notes to identify product updates on the software development lifecycle.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Checks and test software products to meet design specifications and quality management limits.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Ensures and implements correct prioritization of enhancements to maximize customer value delivery.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Adopts best practices in product management to enable strategic prioritization in optimizing software quality.
Skill definition-Knowledge of software product market and ability to identify and incorporate the market trends and user requirement for the design and development of software product.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites the organization's objectives when designing and developing a software product.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in quantitative market research to better understand the end users' requirements.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Contributes to the ideation phase by formulating solutions and design features that can fulfill the end user's needs.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Analyzes upgraded or newly engineered software product performance and compliance with objectives.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Creates and presents software product goals to relevant stakeholders to promote organizational clarity.
Skill definition-Analyzing an organization's structure, process, technology, and capabilities to determine information systems changes needed for achieving organizational goals.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites examples of best practices used in analyzing an organization's technology infrastructure.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Applies appropriate analysis techniques to identify the needs of each business unit.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Implements best practices in identifying changes needed in the enterprise architecture.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Drives continuous process improvement initiatives to achieve long-term business goals.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Designs and develops software programs to improve our business operations.
Skill definition-Gathering information about a business's potential customers to determine the feasibility of a new product or service.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Compares the difference between quantitative and qualitative market research.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in developing short-range market research plans to achieve our stakeholder's project goals.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Communicates with clients to identify and understand their needs.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Directs all aspects of market research and analytics methodologies across our business.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Authorizes and approves business proposals based on presented market research results.
Skill definition-Insight into our organization's business, goals, and values. Ability to design and implement initiatives that facilitate successful outcomes.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes how our business makes money and our key business objectives.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in designing business models and operating plans.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Applies technical expertise, business sense, and product knowledge to manage the product lifecycle effectively.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Consults on the selection and adjustment of the go-to-market strategy.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Builds strong business partnerships internally and externally to drive "win-win" business successes.
Skill definition-Analyzing hypothetical situations or abstract concepts to compile business insights.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Demonstrates the ability to draw conclusions and inferences from data.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Creates a unique solution by finding abstract connections.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Applies the best practices of leading companies to improve their operations.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Creates order out of chaos and solves problems.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Completes organizational models and frameworks.
There are 9 hard skills for Product Manager I, Software Product Management, Software Product Business Knowledge, Software Product Technical Knowledge, etc.
4 general skills for Product Manager I, Business Analysis, Market Research, Product Development, etc.
10 soft skills for Product Manager I, Business Acumen, Conceptual Thinking, Analytical Thinking, etc.
While the list totals 23 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Product Manager I, he or she needs to be proficient in Business Acumen, be proficient in Conceptual Thinking, and be proficient in Analytical Thinking.
