The role of product managers is expected to expand with the rise of AI. As AI becomes more adept at coding, some engineering tasks could become redundant, increasing the need for product managers to bridge the gap between what customers want and what the tech can do. Despite the criticism and challenges, product managers are gaining recognition, with a 2020 report from McKinsey highlighting the importance of a comprehensive product-management function for business growth.
Key takeaways:
- The role of product managers in the tech industry has become increasingly influential and controversial, with some viewing them as essential bridges between different departments, while others see them as unnecessary or obstructive.
- Despite criticisms, studies have shown that formalizing the role of product managers in companies leads to projects being completed closer to deadlines and with more predictability.
- Some tech companies are reconsidering the need for product managers, with Airbnb combining the role with product marketing and Snap laying off 20 product managers to speed up decision-making.
- Despite these changes, some predict that the role of product managers will expand, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, as they will be needed to understand what customers want from this new technology.