Hiring a Lead Product Manager is a significant step for many startups, especially those trying to bridge the leadership gap between a tech founder and a small team of product managers and designers.
In our experience building product teams for Series A startups, the first critical hire is often a Product Lead, followed by the eventual decision to bring on a Head of Product or VP of Product Management.
A Product Lead takes on many tactical and delivery responsibilities from the founders, freeing them to focus more on high-level strategy. For candidates, a Lead Product Manager role can be a crucial stepping stone toward their dream job of becoming a Chief Product Officer (CPO) at a tech company. But what exactly is a Lead Product Manager, and how should startups evaluate candidates for this key role?
What is a Lead Product Manager?
A Lead Product Manager oversees the development and success of a product—acting as the bridge between business, technology, and user experience teams. They ensure the product aligns with company goals and customer needs and their responsibilities often include product strategy, team leadership, and operational management.
However, the title of “Lead Product Manager” varies in scope from company to company, making it essential for founders to clearly define what they are hiring for.
Below, we outline 3 key ways to evaluate candidates for this critical role:
1. Define Whether You’re Hiring to Lead the Team or the Product
One of the most important questions to ask yourself when hiring a Lead Product Manager is whether you’re solving for the team or the product.
In many early-stage startups, especially those led by founders with engineering or business backgrounds, the Product Lead may be tasked with implementing product management processes, frameworks, and rigor that previously didn’t exist. They will not only take charge of the product itself but also mentor junior product managers and guide the team into new ways of working. In this situation, the Lead Product Manager is both a “hands-on” product manager and an organizational leader tasked with managing the delivery process and setting the tone for how the team functions.
In other cases, the Lead Product Manager’s role may focus more on the product than building a team or process. Some tech founders prefer to retain control over team leadership and operational processes and instead want the Lead PM to focus on solving specific product challenges, such as discovering unmet customer needs or addressing product-market fit.
Understanding whether the candidate will lead a team or primarily lead product development is essential to evaluating their experience and suitability for your specific needs.
2. Prioritize Product Domain Expertise or Product Management Expertise
Startups, particularly those led by passionate founders, may be tempted to hire someone who already has domain expertise and a deep love for the product, customers, or the problem being solved. While this can be beneficial, it’s important to remember that successful product managers often thrive in new domains.
Founders need to determine whether they need a Lead Product Manager who brings strong market or customer knowledge or one with a proven track record in product management itself. If you’re closing a gap in product management skills, hiring someone with experience in applying product principles across different industries might be the right fit. If it’s more important to have someone with deep domain knowledge, focus your search on candidates already familiar with the market.
By clearly defining whether you’re hiring a product management or domain expert, you can better filter candidates and invest time in those who will impact your business most.
3. Evaluating Soft Skills
Soft skills often distinguish high-performing Lead Product Managers from those who struggle to advance in their careers. Given the scope of the Lead PM role and the fact that it’s often the first of its kind in a startup, the individual hired will set the tone for future leaders in the organization.
Soft skills should be evaluated as carefully as product management skills and domain expertise. Look for candidates who can:
- Explain complex ideas in simple, clear ways
- Actively listen to team members and stakeholders
- Provide concise, actionable feedback
- Adapt their communication style to suit different audiences
These qualities are essential for a Lead Product Manager who must manage cross-functional teams and collaborate with founders and other stakeholders. In early-stage startups, where every decision can significantly impact, these interpersonal skills can make all the difference.
Bonus Tip: Craft Your Investment Plan
One question candidates for a Lead Product Manager role are likely to ask is whether the role has the potential to lead to a Director or VP position. Ambitious candidates often see this role as a stepping stone to senior leadership. However, if your startup is still in the early stages, committing to a specific career path may be difficult due to the many unknowns in your business.
Being ready to address this question will help you attract and retain high-quality candidates. Consider creating an investment plan that demonstrates your commitment to their development. This could include:
- Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions (PMs thrive on feedback loops)
- Learning and development budget to support their growth
- Opportunities for C-suite shadowing or cross-departmental rotations
By showing candidates you are invested in their long-term success, you increase your chances of finding a Product Lead who will grow alongside your company.
—
Hiring a Lead Product Manager is a pivotal decision for startups, especially as they begin to scale their product and team. You can make smarter hiring decisions by clearly defining what the Lead PM will focus on—whether team leadership, product development, or both. Prioritize the skills and expertise that align with your company’s needs, and don’t forget the importance of soft skills and development opportunities. A more targeted approach will help you find a Lead Product Manager who can drive your product’s success and contribute to your company’s growth.
Ready to find your next Lead Product Manager? Reach out to us today to start your search.