What Is a Vice President of Product? How to Become One, Salary, Skills

A chief product officer, or CPO in short, is the highest product-related position in a company. Also called «head of product» or «VP of product» (vice president) in some companies, the CPO is to the business’s product what the CTO is to technology. They focus on aligning the product strategy with the strategy and vision of all other parts of the business. The CPO isn’t just working with the product team — they are a key member of the executive leadership team.

Product Leadership Traps That Can Derail Your Career

Still, depending on company’s size, complexity, and product focus, many would benefit from one. Additionally, being an effective leader requires you to cultivate a genuine caring attitude for the people you want to lead, whether you like them or not. It means that you’ll have to deal with people issues on a regular basis, help and support the individuals who are on your team, constructively address problems and offer advice. The Chief Product Officer position is expanding, with many C-Suite positions being added to organizations worldwide. Whether or not your business follows suit could have a significant impact on potential revenue and growth in the future.

Data Product Manager

It all comes down to your skills, preferences, and career goals, as well as the needs of the organization. You will need to be able to demonstrate significant experience at the level you are aiming for. Startups typically have limited resources compared to established companies.

2 History of the Role

• Like we explored in our section on how to become a CTO, the CTO is responsible for making sure a company’s technology aligns with a company’s overall goals and mission.
• They’re also more responsible for the career development of the people in their teams.
• They push for rapid prototyping, frequent testing, and fast pivots when necessary to keep the product mix relevant and competitive in the market.
• A CPO provides the knowledge and insight to develop a product team that meets the organization’s needs.
• They ensure that all the individual product efforts align with the company’s broader business goals and customer needs.
• The chief product officer (CPO) leads all the product development activities of an organization, while the chief marketing officer (CMO) is in charge of marketing those products.

Another challenge is maintaining a balance between innovation and business goals. Startups must be innovative to stay competitive, but they must also generate revenue to survive. The Head of Product must ensure that the innovation aligns with business goals, providing value to customers while creating revenue-generating products. It should also demonstrate a deep understanding of the customer and the market, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. In a larger company, however, these usually refer to different positions within the product management hierarchy.

How to Leverage Conflict in Product Management

The first step to becoming a director of product management is to assess your current skills and gaps. You need to have a solid foundation of product management skills, such as market research, user feedback, prioritization, roadmapping, testing, and launching. You also need to develop strategic skills, such as defining the product vision, aligning with the business goals, and communicating with stakeholders. Additionally, you need to demonstrate leadership skills, such as managing and mentoring a team of product managers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and influencing senior executives. For those wondering if they should pursue this role, consider your passion for both strategic and tactical aspects of product development.

In essence, the Director of Product Management is accountable for making sure that the company is building the right products, in the right way, to meet business goals and customer expectations. It’s a role that combines big-picture strategic thinking with day-to-day leadership and coordination. In some companies, this title might also be known as “Product Director” or even fall under “Head of Product” (especially if the company doesn’t have a Vice President of Product). For example, you might decide that as an intermediate step, you aim to manage a larger product and use this opportunity to develop your leadership skills and understanding of product roles. The Head Of Product will oversee the entire product lifecycle, from identifying market opportunities and defining product vision to execution and post-launch analysis. This includes working cross-functionally with engineering, marketing, and sales teams to deliver products that meet customer needs and drive business growth.

Books that Should be in your Library if you’re a Product Manager

Effective risk management and compliance oversight further enhance operational stability, protecting the company from market uncertainties. As demand for skilled business development leaders continues to rise, professionals in this role must embrace continuous learning and strategic adaptability. A Head of Business Development drives a company’s growth by identifying new market opportunities, forming strategic partnerships, and expanding revenue streams. They conduct in-depth market research to analyze industry trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to develop effective business strategies. By leveraging strong leadership and negotiation skills, they secure high-value deals that align with the company’s long-term vision. If you are an aspiring leader in the product domain, you might be wondering how to become a head of product operations.

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Glassdoor bumps those numbers a bit higher, noting an average of $193,636 annually, with top earners bringing in around $312,00 per year. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals. Where you work, and the industry you’re in can significantly affect what you make. CPOs in tech-heavy industries, like software or biotech, often command higher salaries than those in more traditional sectors. Additionally, location matters — CPOs in states like California and New York tend to earn more than those in smaller markets due to higher demand and cost of living. According to Salary.com, most CPOs earn between $263,480 and $327,480 per year, but salaries can go as high as ≈$358,000 or dip to around $236,000 at the lower end.

They collaborate with key stakeholders to adopt sustainable supply chains, carbon-neutral initiatives, and ethical business practices that future-proof the company. Sometimes, a product-led organization will hire CPO to build out its product department. A CPO provides the knowledge and insight to develop a product programmer skills team that meets the organization’s needs. Moreover, they serve as the intermediary between product and executive stakeholders. You might be tempted to make compromises but it’s always right to wait for the right candidate.” urges Aviad.