A product manager (or chef de produit in French) is a professional responsible for leading the design, development, and market launch of a product or service. Acting as the central link between technical, marketing, and sales teams, the product manager ensures alignment between user needs, business strategy, and technical feasibility.
In practice, the product manager conducts market analysis, defines the product roadmap, coordinates internal and external stakeholders, and monitors product performance after launch. This role requires a balance of strategic vision, analytical thinking, and operational skills.
In digital organizations, the position is often associated with the product management function, though some companies distinguish between the two roles. As the true “conductor” of the product lifecycle, the product manager oversees every stage from opportunity assessment to continuous optimization prioritizing features and managing communication with clients and stakeholders.
Main objective: to maximize user value and ensure the commercial success of the product.