roles
Product Lead
Primary Role:
De facto head of product in small org or startup
Reporting Relations:
Reports to CEO/Founder
Decision Making Authority:
Full product decision authority
Stratigic Planning
Owns company product vision
Team Management:
May manage 1–3 PMs/designers
Meeting Involvment:
Executive team participant
Project Management:
Owns all product initiatives
Communication:
Internal + external (customers/investors)
Professional Development:
→ Head of Product / VP
Product Strategy Lead
Primary Role:
Focuses on long-term product direction, market positioning, and growth bets
Reporting Relations:
Reports to VP/CPO
Decision Making Authority:
Influences major investment decisions
Stratigic Planning
Owns 1–3 year product strategy
Team Management:
None or small team
Meeting Involvment:
Executive strategy forums
Project Management:
Leads 0→1 initiatives
Communication:
Investor/board narrative input
Professional Development:
→ VP / CPO
Lead Product Manager
Primary Role:
Leads a product area and coordinates other PMs without formal people management
Reporting Relations:
Reports to Director
Decision Making Authority:
Final call on roadmap within area
Stratigic Planning
Drives planning within product area
Team Management:
May coordinate 1–2 PMs (informal)
Meeting Involvment:
Facilitates roadmap reviews
Project Management:
Manages multi-stream launches
Communication:
Primary cross-functional voice
Professional Development:
→ GPM / Director