At Amazon, what’s the Difference between the three roles: product manager product manager - technical technical product manager what are program managers Called at Amazon?
Thanks papman. Can you give an example of a project that a product manager would drive and one that a Product Manager Technical would drive? Is one role considered better than the other?
A PM might run demand generation initiatives for their product or own the launch of a "product" that is more of a operational program than a discrete technical solution. PM-Ts generally own a discrete technical product or feature and have to consider technical implementation details or run business type projects for technical products like AWS. PM-Ts are compensated more and have more traditional PM type work.
Product Manager: Sales in a certain category is not performing as expected. Identifies the trend looking at BI data, analyzes the reason for this trend and proposes a solution that may include speaking with vendors to improve product quality, change pricing, etc. PMT: An internal leader (svp, vp, director, legal, internal hackathon project) has identified a revenue generating idea based on some research. PMT is assigned to study the market and analyze exisiting systems to develop new feature requirements. PMT Talks to SDE's /TPM and designs a system. TPM identifies all the technical dependencies, identifies corresponding dependent system owners and obtains an eta of completion to build launch plan. PMT monitors the requirements risk and TPM monitors the technical risks and together ensures project meets the deadline. Both role offers exciting opportunities but ultimately depends on background skills and interests. PM focuses on external communications and PMT focuses on internal communication. PMTs are generally paid more than PMs.
Excellent answer. Thanks 🙏
Your definition of a PMT implies the role is an order taker. This is not correct. Read the internal calibration and comparison guides for the two roles. PM and PMT both have identical responsibilities from a product strategy, roadmap, and business expertise perspective. The PMT role has additional technical expertise requirements, which is why this role Is paid more.
How do I get Amazon to see my resume and interview me for TPM role? I think I have a knowledge and experience.
Dont go amazon. There are better companies
At amazon, you can be both TPM and PMT at the same time depending on circumstances, which is a nice thing, as the bottom line is you can get something implemented and make good impact
Product Manager: Identifies business problem and implements a solution by working with BI folks to solve it. Not technically sound. Product Managet Technical. Understands technology and business. Identifies the business problem, works with engineers (SDEs) and TPM to implement a solution. Technical Program Manager: Technically very sound. Based on business opportunity identified by PMT builds technical systems with help of engineers to launch systems.
Hi, I’m an swe but I want to get away from coding. I feel talking, communicating, being the spokesperson. Do you think technical program manager could be a good role for them? Also, is it please possible to refer me to any such roles in New York area?
Being a spokesperson is a skill that must be developed. I know rock solid SDEs that produce stunning code at the same time are great at communication. Articulation is an asset for TPM/PMT but I have seen many folks that are not great spokesperson. I don't know what teams work in NYC area but linkedin recruiters and send them a personal note - the reason you are passionate about TPM or PMT. Don't come across million other candidates seeking for job but tell them why you are the best. Easier said than done but that is a great way of show casing your spokesperson skill.