Product Manager vs. Project Manager

Positions in product management are in high demand today for job seekers and companies alike, and yet there is much confusion in the market about what, exactly, this role is and does. Many conflate product management with project management, a much more familiar role. This ebook explains the distinction between product and project management for executives and hiring managers, including how these two roles often overlap and complement one another.

Bruce McCarthy, CEO of UpUp Labs and President of the Boston Product Management Association, explains that while project managers are responsible for marshalling resources to deliver products on time and on budget, product managers are responsible for the entire lifecycle, from initial research to final product—including market analysis after the product is released.

This ebook examines the responsibilities, skills, and expertise that define and differentiate product management and project management, and provides guidelines to help you determine which position best fits your needs.