The First Product Manager: A Vital Step for Startup Founders

As a Product recruiter, I regularly have conversations with startup founders who are interested in the Product Management function but are unsure if the timing is quite right. Startup founders are often the first product managers in their business. As the business grows, the demands on a founder’s time and attention can become overwhelming. Hiring the first product manager can be a significant challenge, yet it is a crucial step towards sustainable growth. Founders need to look beyond themselves and be open to new ways of managing their product development. Here is why hiring a product manager can bring invaluable benefits to a startup: 

1. Speed 

As a startup scales, a founder’s plate becomes increasingly full. This can slow down their ability to respond to new opportunities and challenges. A product manager can help re-stimulate that speed by taking over the day-to-day management of the product. This allows the founder to focus on high-level strategic decisions, accelerating the overall pace of the business. 

2. Defining Goals and Desired Outcomes 

A product manager can help define clear goals and desired outcomes for the product, along with realistic timelines. This structured approach ensures that the team knows what they are working towards and when they need to achieve it. This clarity helps in aligning efforts and resources, making sure that everyone is moving in the same direction. 

3. Prioritisation 

With numerous tasks and projects competing for attention, prioritisation becomes crucial. A product manager brings the expertise to evaluate and prioritise tasks based on their impact and urgency. This helps in focusing on what truly matters, ensuring that critical tasks get the attention they deserve, and that product goals and company goals are aligned. 

4. Gaining Company Buy-In 

A product manager can act as a bridge between different departments, helping to get company-wide buy-in for the product vision and strategy. They facilitate communication and collaboration, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. This cohesive approach fosters a unified effort towards common goals, enhancing overall productivity and morale. 

5. Excel in Areas Beyond the Founder's Strengths 

Founders are often visionaries with a unique set of skills, but no one excels at everything. A product manager can complement the founder’s strengths by bringing expertise in areas where the founder may lack. Whether its data analysis, user experience design, or project management, a product manager can fill these gaps, driving the product towards success. 

In summary, hiring the first product manager is a significant milestone for any startup. It requires founders to trust someone else with their vision and be open to new ways of working. However, when done right, the benefits are substantial. A product manager not only alleviates the pressure on founders but also brings structure, prioritisation, and a fresh perspective to the product development process. Many of these fears and anxieties can be alleviated by working with a trust recruitment partner who can help navigate the startup landscape and identify the right profile for your business. 

If you are ready to take your startup to the next level by hiring your first product manager or want to discuss the possibility of hiring a product manager, connect with me on LinkedIn or send an email to nick@productgrowthpartners.com