Hiring a Series A Product Manager isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about setting your company up for success. At this stage, your startup is growing fast, tackling new challenges, and navigating the complexities of scaling. The right PM can steer your product in the right direction and help your team thrive.
Let’s dive into the unique challenges of hiring a Series A Product Manager and the strategies that can help you find the perfect fit.
What Does a Product Manager Actually Do?
Before you kick off the hiring process, knowing what a great PM brings to the table is paramount. Product Managers are like the glue that holds everything together—they connect stakeholders, users, and developers. They make sure everyone is aligned and moving toward the same goals.
They typically handle:
- Identifying and leveraging market trends
- Defining the product’s vision and strategy
- Overseeing the entire product lifecycle (and avoiding common product development pitfalls)
- Collaborating across teams for launches and GTM strategy development
In short, they’re your product’s quarterback and own a product’s success. They make the tough calls and ask ‘why’ more than any other employee—they also have to be brave and know when to say no!
What Makes a Great Series A Product Manager?
Hiring for a Series A is very different from hiring for a big public company. You’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, often chaotic environment.
Here are a few key traits to look for:
- Adaptability: Startups are ever-changing. The right PM can roll with the punches and pivot strategies as needed.
- Strategic Thinking: They’ll need to balance long-term goals with the daily grind, all while keeping a sharp eye on market trends and customer needs.
- Technical Savvy: While they don’t need to be engineers, a solid understanding of technology helps them communicate with developers and make smart decisions about the product.
- Customer-First Mindset: The best PMs are laser-focused on solving real problems for users.
- Collaboration Superpowers: They’ll be working across teams, so strong communication and teamwork skills are a must.
How to Find The PM Persona For Your Product
Now that you know what to look for, here’s how to find and hire the right candidate:
1. Get Clear on What You Need
Start by defining what your ideal PM looks like. What experience, skills, and personality traits will make them a great fit for your team? Write a job description that reflects your startup’s unique story, culture and growth opportunities.
2. Team Up with a Niche Recruiter
Specialized recruitment firms like The Product Recruiter can make your search easier. They have a deep understanding of the product management world and access to candidates who check all the right boxes—from technical chops to emotional intelligence.
3. Post on Targeted Job Boards
Skip the generic job boards and go where the PMs are. Platforms like ProductHired, MindTheProduct, and Wellfound cater specifically to product management pros and startup enthusiasts.
4. Prioritize Soft Skills in Interviews
Technical skills are important, but soft skills are what make a PM shine. Use situational questions to see how candidates think on their feet. Ask about times they’ve tackled tough challenges or how they handle competing priorities.
5. Involve Your Team
Hiring a Series A Product Manager is a team effort. Bring in the people they’ll be working with to help with interviews. This ensures everyone’s on the same page and gives you a well-rounded perspective on the candidate.
6. Offer More Than Just a Paycheck
Startups might not always compete on salary, but you have other perks to offer—equity, flexible schedules, and a chance to make a real impact. PMs are also life long learners so offering education credits / budget will go a long way to securing talent and helping them deliver more value for your team.
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Hiring a Series A Product Manager is a big deal. The right PM will do more than just manage your product—they’ll help shape your company’s future. By understanding the traits you need and using strategies like partnering with niche recruiters or tapping into specialized job boards, you can find someone who’s ready to dive in and make a difference. Remember, the right PM isn’t just another team member—they’re a game changer.
Looking for a standout Series A Product Manager? We can connect you with exceptional talent you need to scale.