What does a project manager do?

A project manager oversees a program or project, ensuring it’s delivered successfully and on time. They don’t typically create the project vision. Instead, they carry out the one established by the company. This might include managing important elements, such as the timeline, budget, resources and project scope.

Much of the job involves planning and coordinating, which makes organization and problem-solving skills important. Project managers typically work with various collaborators to manage all aspects of the project. They also may manage quality control concerns and evaluate progress regularly to ensure optimal results.

What does a product owner do?

A product owner helps guide the development team by managing the product backlog. This professional understands what customers want and translates that into features for developers to create. They act as representatives for customers and keep the development process focused on the desired outcome.

Often used in the Scrum or Agile framework, a product owner helps establish the project vision and defines the specific details needed to satisfy collaborator requirements.

Product owners have a relatively narrow focus in the project management process. While they may have significant control over the product’s features, they don’t typically handle the broader project management tasks.

Differences between a project manager vs. a product owner

Both roles focus on making a project successful, but several differences define a project manager vs. product owner.

Salaries

A project manager makes an average annual salary of $90,223, according to Indeed Salaries. Product owners earn an average salary of $114,896 per year with a cash bonus of $7,500. Salaries vary based on location and the organization.

Job requirements

Both positions may require a formal degree and some project management experience. While certifications aren’t required, they’re encouraged. The type of position determines the ideal certification. Skills-based hiring can also help you find candidates with applicable abilities.

A common project management certification is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Product owners might earn a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) certification from various organizations.

Scope

A product owner typically has a narrower scope than a project manager. They primarily develop product features, while project managers’ duties are usually broad and span the project’s entire life cycle.

Purpose and goals

Product owners represent the customer’s voice and needs to maximize product value. They direct specific product features and guide the development team in creating them.

Project managers typically represent business collaborators. They oversee and coordinate all project details, striving to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Decision-making

Product owners influence the product vision and the product’s features. They typically have full authority over the backlog. Regarding the product itself, they often have significant control over its development and direction.

Project managers have greater control over the project process than the product itself. They usually don’t make decisions about the project’s vision or direction. However, they might make decisions about the timeline or resources.

Approach to the job

Because product owners work with product features, innovation and creativity are essential for developing a unique product that meets customer needs. They’re typically organized and detail-oriented, but they may have more flexibility in how they complete their jobs.

Project managers are often highly organized and meticulous, helping them keep the project on track.

Product owner vs. project manager: Deciding which to hire

After learning the differences between a project manager vs. product owner, you may have an idea of which role to hire. The following areas can further assist in making a hiring decision:

• Project management method: If you use a traditional project management method, a project manager may align that framework better. For agile companies, product owners are more common.
• Desired scope: Consider the scope of your new employee. Project managers typically have more tasks and are involved in five phases of the project management process. Product owners narrow their scope to customer needs and product features.
• Project focus: If you want to improve customer relationships, you may hire a product owner since they represent the customer’s needs. If your goal is protecting assets, a project manager can help you stay on time and within budget.
• Current team: Identify team members or departments that may need additional support and decide which role could help them.

When to hire a product owner

Hiring a product owner could work well in these situations:

• You use the Agile methodology.
• You want to improve customer satisfaction.
• Your development team needs more guidance.
• You want a visionary who brings innovation to your projects.
• You want help shaping the vision of the product.

When to hire a project manager

You might decide to hire a project manager when the following statements are true:

• You want overall guidance for your projects.
• Your focus is on your company’s success.
• Your team needs assistance staying on time and within budget.
• You need increased organization and structure during projects.

Frequently asked questions about project managers vs. product owners

Do project managers and product owners collaborate?

Project managers and product owners don’t typically work for the same company. The product owner position is part of the agile framework, which doesn’t use a traditional project manager role. Other agile team members typically handle the duties of a project manager. If a company hires both positions, they may collaborate frequently since they both work on the product development process.

What are good qualities to look for in product owners?

An effective product owner is generally innovative and detail-oriented. Their strong ethics guide the decision-making process, ensuring the product is optimized. Collaboration and communication skills are essential since the product owner works with various collaborators and team members. Finding a candidate with an optional product owner certification could increase the expertise they bring to your organization.

What should you look for in project managers?

When hiring for this role, develop project manager interview questions that assess organizational and prioritization skills. The candidate should display strong leadership skills since they typically manage several team members. It can help to have experience within your company’s industry, but this isn’t required. You might also look for candidates with project management certifications to show their knowledge of the field.