The unveiling marks a major milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its operational capacity, enhance employee experience, and position the Group for accelerated growth across the technology and digital services landscape.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Olusegun Dada, chief executive officer of ITH Holdings, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that power Africa’s digital transformation.

“As a Holdings company, we are entering a significant phase of growth. IT Horizons is deepening its role as a leading enterprise infrastructure and managed services provider, supported by strategic investments in cloud, cybersecurity, and digital transformation capabilities. Zojatech continues to strengthen its engineering capacity and deliver enterprise-grade applications built for African markets, while Zojapay is scaling its digital payment solutions to enhance financial access for businesses and individuals. Across all our subsidiaries, we remain committed to talent development, innovation, and a customer-centric approach that drives long-term value,” said Dada.

Commenting on IT Horizons’ growth plans, Mr. Joseph Oloyede, chief business officer of IT Horizons stated that the company is entering a new phase of expansion, bolstered by its strong operational footprint in Nigeria, Ghana, and the United Kingdom.

“Our redesigned office reflects our ambition to scale our enterprise infrastructure, cloud, and cybersecurity offerings even further. As we continue to broaden our presence across multiple markets, our priority remains delivering reliable, world-class technology solutions that support our clients’ digital transformation journeys.”

Speaking about Zojatech, Ayomipe Olorunsola, product manager, said that Zojatech is strategically positioned to solve some of Africa’s most complex software and digital product challenges. “Our growth plan focuses on building stronger engineering capabilities, expanding our product suite, and deepening collaboration with enterprises that require scalable, secure, and locally relevant digital solutions. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation across the continent.”

On Mance, Olorunsola explained that the platform was built to drive strategic alignment and performance excellence across organizations.

“Mance is a strategy and performance management platform that ensures every employee’s output aligns with the organization’s strategic goals within a defined period,” he said. “It connects all levels of the organization, from top executives to entry-level staff so that everyone understands their role in achieving the company’s mission. Mance is designed to strengthen accountability, improve engagement, and ensure organizations move with unity, purpose, and measurable progress.”

According to Mr. Ekundayo Kiyesi, senior growth and Partnership Manager,

“we have relaunched as Nigeria’s leading reward-driven solution for everyday bills, subscriptions, and essential digital services, transforming routine transactions like electricity, data, internet, and cable TV into rewarding financial experiences. With cashback, discounts, subscription bundles, flexible loan options, a simplified interface, and secure transactions all in one app, Zojapay is helping Nigerians save more, access greater value, and experience true convenience. This new version of Zojapay is built to redefine financial empowerment across the country’s digital economy.”

“Our vision is clear, ITH Holdings is building Africa’s most reliable and future-ready technology group,” said Mr. Dada. “This new office environment enables our teams to innovate faster, collaborate more effectively, and deliver unmatched value to our clients across sectors.”

The redesigned ITH Holdings office features modern workspaces, upgraded technology infrastructure, expanded collaboration areas, and a refreshed brand experience reflective of the Group’s growth ambitions.

In line with best global practices, the new office also incorporates sustainable design elements to minimize environmental impact and promote long-term workplace wellness.

The post ITH Holdings Commissions Newly Redesigned Corporate Office appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In this interview with Techeconomy he Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi shared his story which is inspiring and with lots of lessons for budding techies:

Hello Ifeoluwa, just explain your job in simple words to a 5-year old

Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: My journey in tech is like a little child building block games, taking gradual steps, making little mistakes but picking back up until done. Instead of blocks in that little child’s context, my building materials are lines of code, impactful ideas, and collaborative efforts.

With each new project, I’m adding another block to my tower, learning from my mistakes, and facing new challenges.

And just like that little child, I’m proud of what I’ve built so far, and I’m excited to see what amazing things I’ll create next.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech, specifically as a Product Manager?

Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: Growing up, I have always been fascinated with the idea of having a tool I can use to solve problems not just locally but globally in my hand. As I grew older, my interest in technology only deepened. I pursued a degree in Information and communication Science and I was opportune to attend a lot of tech meetups and conferences during my stay in school.

One conference stood out for me because after a Lead product manager spoke at the conference , I told myself I will build my career not just as a Product Manager in Africa but as one who will make global impact, this has been my drive since then.

What skills do you think are essential for a Product Manager to succeed in the tech industry?

Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: To thrive in the tech industry as a product manager, you must have a unique blend of technical and soft skills which includes  being data driven, the ability to ensure customer’s satisfaction, being able to lead and communicate effectively with cross functional teams.

How do you measure the success of a product, and what metrics do you use to inform product decisions?

Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: As a Product manager, I measure the success of a product by considering both the qualitative and quantitative metrics which includes its ability to meet customer needs and drive business outcomes.

These Key metrics include customer acquisition and retention rates, revenue growth, and user engagement. I also prioritize qualitative feedback and user research to inform product decisions.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the tech industry?

Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: I regularly read industry blogs and news, attend conferences and meetups, and engage with other professionals on social media.I believe networking would enable easy access to other professionals in the space and other related trends. I also prioritize continuous learning and self-improvement, whether through online courses or mentorship.

What are the challenges you have faced being a product manager in the fintech space?

Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: I have faced quite a number of challenges but to mention a few, I will say one of the challenges I have faced In the Fintech industry is managing customer’s risk tolerance.

Many of the times, customers are not well educated about the potential risks and managing their expectations can sometimes be challenging.

Another problem is banking penetration and the lack of banking infrastructure in rural areas which accounts for the largest number of the unbanked population, despite our efforts towards financial inclusion.

Lastly, Fintech is a heavily regulated industry, with laws and guidelines varying across countries and regions. Ensuring compliance with these regulations while innovating and delivering products to market quickly has been a significant challenge.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the tech industry as a Product Manager?

Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: My advice would be that it’s essential to have an in-depth knowledge in tech, it is not always easy, in fact there are many times you will go through some challenges, just have it at the back of your mind that it is part of the process.

Network with other professionals, seek out mentorship, and be willing to take calculated risks. Also, don’t focus on just having technical skills, soft skills are also essential to be a successful product manager. Lastly, stay curious, be humble, and always be willing to learn.

What’s next for you in your career as a Product Manager?

Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: I’m excited to continue growing and learning as a Product Manager. In the near future, I’m looking to take on more leadership responsibilities, mentor other Product Managers, and explore new opportunities in emerging technologies.

The post Building Career in Tech as Product Manager: A conversation with Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Today, good product choices come from understanding user behaviour, testing assumptions, and measuring how changes really perform. Moving from gut feelings to data-backed plans is what makes a product amazing.

Reuben Nkemjika Obasi, a respected product manager, is great at this. He champions a data-focused way of doing things.

Reuben doesn’t just create products; he shows they’re good. He uses data to guide choices, making sure the product strategy is based on proof, not just a hunch, and designed for real results. His work joins what users do with the product’s goals.

Reuben uses product analytics tools like Mixpanel and Amplitude a lot. He doesn’t just look at basic dashboards. His team uses these tools to really study how users act. They answer questions like: Which features are people using?

Where do they get stuck? What does their experience with the product look like? This data gives the team the information it needs to know how a product and its users are doing.

Reuben also uses behavioural funnels to find problems and ways to improve things. A funnel is a series of steps a user takes to do something, like sign up or buy something.

By watching these funnels, Reuben sees where users stop using the product. This helps his team make focused fixes to the user experience, instead of guessing what’s wrong. That way, a hard process becomes easy.

A key part of his plan is to have every team focus on a North Star Metric. This is one key measurement that shows the product’s main value and pushes growth for a long time. For a social network, it might be monthly active users.

For a streaming service, it could be total hours watched. Reuben connects every product choice back to how it might affect this goal. This helps teams stay aligned and focused on what’s most important.

His work shows that A/B testing at scale is needed. Netflix is a great example. With its testing system, Netflix can do many A/B tests at once, testing everything from button placement to wording. Reuben does the same thing.

He makes sure that data from tests supports every change to a product’s look or features. This removes guessing from product work, letting the team improve things bit by bit based on how users really act.

Reuben’s true worth isn’t just in the data he tracks. It’s in the way he creates a culture. By adding data and testing to the product team, he helps everyone make better choices. His leadership makes sure that success comes from smart, data-backed plans.

The post Data-Informed Product Decision-Making vs Gut Feelings appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, being a multi-skilled product manager can be a game-changer. Product managers are responsible for designing and managing products from inspiration to launch, and possessing a wide skill set can help them flourish in their roles.

In this article, we will cover the advantages of being a multi-skilled product manager, focusing on abilities such as sales, marketing, and growth management.

Sales Skills

To effectively market their goods to clients and stakeholders, product managers must be proficient in sales.

They must be able to describe how their products may address clients’ demands and pain concerns. Product managers with sales abilities may generate engaging product narratives and convey their value to consumers and stakeholders, resulting in improved sales and income.

Marketing Skills

Marketing abilities are also vital for product managers since they need to establish successful go-to-market plans and ensure that their goods are effectively positioned in the market.

Product managers with marketing expertise can perform market research, identify target markets, and design customer-resonating messages and branding. This can lead to greater market share and brand recognition, which are crucial to a product’s success.

Growth Management Skills

Product managers must also be skilled in growth management, as they are responsible with developing and executing strategies to increase user growth and retention. Product managers with growth management abilities may discover growth possibilities, create strategies to gain and keep users, and evaluate the performance of their growth projects.

This can lead to improved user engagement and revenue growth, which are vital for the long-term success of a product.

Technical Abilities

Product managers must also possess technical expertise in order to successfully oversee the development of their products. They must comprehend the technology underlying their goods and be able to effectively communicate with developers and engineers.

Product managers with technical expertise can efficiently oversee the development process, ensuring products are delivered on time and on budget and resolving any technical issues that may emerge.

Leadership Qualities

In order to effectively manage cross-functional teams and stakeholders, product managers must possess excellent leadership qualities. They must be able to inspire and encourage teams, efficiently allocate work, and manage any conflicts. Product managers with leadership abilities may establish a culture of collaboration and teamwork, which is vital to a product’s success.

In today’s fast-paced corporate climate, it is extremely advantageous for product managers to possess many skills. Product managers that possess sales, marketing, growth management, technical, and leadership abilities may effectively oversee the development and launch of new products, resulting in improved revenue and market share.

In order to flourish in their professions and ensure the success of their products, product managers should prioritize the development of a varied skill set.

About the writer:

Akintunde Opawole is a product management and marketing expert that has built an impressive career with over 8 years in the IT industry. A certified brand manager and experienced Product Manager, he is noted for leading, managing and collaborating with high-performing teams of marketing, brands, engineering and business analysts to deliver highly cutting-edge technologies/products.

The post Why Being a Multi-Skilled Product Manager is Crucial for Success in Today’s Business Environment appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

So, how did Akintunde Opawole (AO) find himself in the field of product management?

AO: This might sound like a cliché but I would say that I’ve been doing products without knowing I was doing product management. Over 10years ago, I worked on a product with a startup called V-campus solutions. Where I helped the startup to build a CBT application and then worked on some product videos at the time. I was the product lead on that project, and that was how my journey into product management began. At the time, I didn’t know that this was me setting a path for myself for a career in product management. When I got into Sidmach technologies, I was really interested in our products even though I was in marketing at that time.

I was heavily invested in specific products which I was championing, and that was how I got to develop a huge interest in product management. Over time after so many years and a series of training in brand management, and all that, I got to see that product management was the path for me and that was how I went full-time into it when there was an opportunity in Sidmach at that time.

ALSO READ: Why Zoho CRM is an Essential Tool For Businesses Aiming for Success- Ogundare

There was a product where we partnered with a company in the UK to launch into the Nigerian market. I was asked if I would like to lead the product at that time and I jumped right on it. That moment was how my product management journey started officially.

What is a typical day in the life of a product manager like?

AO: It depends on the organization, the role, size of the team, just to mention a few. Although, in between all of these variations, we still have some bit of similar typical day in life.

Well- depending on the day of the week, I start with-

• Planning and Documenting

First is, keeping tab on the Product Vision, developing and updating my Sprint/Kanban board to make sure it reflects my current priorities and progress and ensure we are well aligned with the vision of the product.

Then update my Product Roadmap to ensure product timeline is on track and all stakeholders are well updated by communicating through different channels such as product councils, end of the week updates on Slack channels, Sprint reviews amongst others. Also, refining the product backlog in preparation for sprint planning, and setting the sprint goal.

• Meetings and Communication

As a product manager, 70% of the time you will find us having series of meetings with different stakeholders at different point in time, ranging from meetings with your Development team, Product Team, Support, QA, Marketing and Sales amongst others. briefing and debriefing stakeholders.

• Researching & Analyzing

As a PM, we don’t stop learning. Consistent research and learning of customer behaviour, track metrics and key performance indicators, find bugs, gather user stories and customer feedback, collect data from the market, talk to your stakeholders and see what you can do to improve things.

You know, it’s usually a rollercoaster but as a product manager how I would sum up a day in life is being a nexus between stakeholders, working with the engineering team, ideating and thinking strategically on the product, and of course, balancing chaos.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

AO: It’s the fact that I am working on something, ideating on something, or improving on something that can change lives, the way people work and the way people do things. That joy is limitless.

The fact that you can see your product in the market, somebody is using it and then you’re like Wow! Getting to hear from your users on how the product has helped them and played a significant role in their activities, is something that really gives me joy.

There is nothing more beautiful than you ideating something, bringing it to life, seeing what you thought about, seeing features that you thought about, and then you see it come alive.

Not just come alive and then see people use it and give you feedback (good and bad). Such things give me immense joy.

For me, it’s also seeing the wow factor anytime I am demoing a product. There is this particular amazing feature, and when I share it with everyone and they are like ‘Wow, the product’ can do this?

That wow factor releases lots of dopamine in my head (chuckles) and it gives me joy. That is something I love the most about my profession.

Did you come to Sidmach Technologies with a computer science background?

AO: I didn’t come to Sidmach technologies with a computer science background. I didn’t even study computer science as a matter of fact.

I studied microbiology but I knew even while I was in university that I wasn’t going to practice microbiology. I had started developing websites at that time using Joomla, Drupal, HTML, and CSS back in the day so that was my background that got me into Sidmach. It was because I could build something.

What is Akintunde Opawole ‘s favorite memory as a product manager?

AO: My favorite memory as a product manager would be when we had planned to build a data analytics product. We were to build the MVP in 14 weeks. We showed the prototype to the client, and the client loved the prototype so much that the client said that the product needed to be ready in 3 weeks. This is a B2B product.

The client insisted that they’d love to launch the product in 3 weeks and it was a final call. There was nothing we could do about it and I tried as much as possible to see how we could make that happen.

It’s my favorite memory because it was like impossible. 14 weeks for MVP, and then pinning that down to 3 weeks was a huge task for me. Again, because my team and I got to bond together for 3 weeks in the same location working day and night to make that happen. That is one of my favorite memory as a product manager because it brought us all together to see a goal that we all bought into and then make it happen.

What was your favorite project so far?

AO: I would say there are two products that are my favorite so far:

One is a workflow management product. I love that product because it involved us solving a need internally for the company. Then building it, tailoring it to the needs of the company, and then seeing it in use. It’s mind-blowing!

The second is a data product. Building a product with 150 million rows of datasets and then bringing it to life. Those two are my favorite so far. That’s Approval flow and Edustat.

Has Akintunde Opawole witnessed any moment as a product manager which he wished never happened?

AO: The sun-setting of a product that had so much potential and I was really passionate about due to dissolution of contract with a critical partner.

We have seen Product Managers (PM) being described as the CEO of a product…what are the qualities a PM must have??

AO: In no particular order of hierarchy, they are

• Excellent communication Skills
• Leadership abilities
• Strategic thinker
• Empathy
• Time-Management
• Passionate
• Ability to Analyze and Prioritize

How viable is the field of PM today?

AO: The field of Product Management is really viable as their many jobs in demand today. Product Managers are also relatively well paid and are very important stakeholders in any organization.

Thank you Akintunde Opawole for this opportunity to learn from you.

AO: It is my pleasure.​

The post Q&A with Akintunde Opawole: “As a Product Manager, You Don’t Stop Learning” appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

====

As a young girl fresh out of university with a degree in mass communication, I was eager to see what the world had for me. I went to serve in Osun state, Nigeria for my NYSC and that was where I crossed paths with the technology space.

I started out learning digital marketing skills like writing, website design and social media management but I figured there was more.

One of the skills I also came across was product management. In this post, I will share my experience transitioning from a communication field to starting a career in product management.

Why Product Management?

For starters, it is a highly sought-after job role because global corporations and startups will keep building tools and technologies to make every aspect of living, working and playing seamless. Secondly, it is one of the roles in tech that you can easily transition to.

Product management is the process of defining, developing, and delivering a product to market. It involves a variety of activities, including market research, product planning, pricing, promotion, and distribution. Product management involves both business and technical skills.

As a product manager, you need to understand the market and customer needs as well as the technical capabilities and limitations of the product. It is a hands-on role that requires strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.

In my experience as a product manager, I have come across different job roles in the product management field and this largely depends on the kind of product you are working on, your skillset and your field. Let me take you through some of these job roles.

Product Owner:

A product owner is responsible for defining and prioritising the features and requirements of a product. They work closely with the development team to ensure that the product is delivered on time and meets the needs of the target market. 

Product Manager:

A product manager is responsible for the overall strategy and direction of a product. They work with the product team to define the product roadmap and ensure that the product is delivered on time and within budget.

Product Marketing Manager:

A product marketing manager is responsible for positioning and promoting a product to the target market. They work closely with the sales team to develop marketing campaigns and materials, and they often conduct market research to understand customer needs and preferences. 

Technical Product Manager:

A technical product manager is responsible for the technical aspects of a product, including the design and development process. They work closely with the engineering team to ensure that the product is technically feasible and meets the needs of the target market.

UX Designer:

A UX (user experience) designer is responsible for creating a seamless and intuitive experience for users of a product.

They work closely with the product team to design wireframes, prototypes, and user flows, and they conduct user research to understand user needs and behaviours. 

Business Analyst:

A business analyst is responsible for analysing data and market trends to inform product strategy and decision-making.

They work closely with the product team to identify opportunities for growth and improvement, and they often use tools such as financial models and market research to inform their recommendations.

You have to understand that each of these job roles plays a crucial role in the product development process, and they often overlap and work closely together to ensure the success of a product. In my job as a product manager, I have worked with a UI/UX designer because they have to design the interface of the product that we are looking to launch. I have also worked with software developers, UX writers and product marketing managers. Together, we all work to bring our product to market successfully.

Getting into the product management space has been interesting, challenging yet rewarding. Being responsible for defining and driving the direction of a product was a huge task and so I knew I had to take the right process to transition fully and learn as much as I could to deliver results.

The first thing I had to do was to take a program in product management. I didn’t stop there. I also had to learn some marketing, management, and business skills because product management also involves these. As soon as I got my certification, I applied for an internship with a company called Influensah in 2016.

In three months, I was made an associate product manager and this was how my journey literally began. As an associate product manager, I worked with my team on idea mapping, research, and creating product requirement documents. I had to create the user flow and worked with the UI/UX designer for the initial sketch of the product.

Product management is a hands-on role, so it’s important to have practical experience in the field and I also advise you to do the same. Write to a startup, volunteer or intern with them to hasten up your learning and build your portfolio.

At that time, and I still do, I placed a premium on networking and constantly learning to stay at the top of my game. This helped me to get access to senior managers who served as mentors and shared resources with me. I was invited to join communities that served as a safe space for me to ask questions and seek advice. I also volunteered to work on some of their products in my free time.

Working with my team helps me bring to the fore what I learnt in class about being a product manager. As a product manager, I am responsible for defining the product vision and strategy. This means that I have to clearly define and communicate the direction and goals of our product.

This involves understanding the target market, conducting market research, and identifying opportunities for growth and differentiation. After that, I will then create and prioritise the product roadmap that outlines the key features and milestones for the product. I also have to prioritise features and ensure that the development team has a clear understanding of what needs to be delivered and when.

Considering that I work with a variety of teams, including development, design, marketing, and sales, to ensure that the product is delivered on time and meets the needs of the target market, I am the hub for communication and coordination, and I ensure that all team members are aligned on the product vision and goals.

Bearing this in mind, measuring and analysing product performance is important. On my job, I use a variety of metrics and tools to measure the performance of our product and identify areas for improvement. This analysis includes user data, conducting market research, and working with the development team to implement changes and updates.

Product management is a slice of every pie and you can imagine what a tasty treat that can be. I can say that my job has helped me build relationships with other product managers that helped me learn about the industry potentially opening doors to job opportunities. I will also encourage you to consider joining communities for product managers, attend industry events, or connect with product managers on LinkedIn.

Another thing that came up during my course of work, as I mentioned earlier, was managing people. As a product manager, you are the mini-CEO of that product and this means that you lead the team. It is not all about learning about wireframes and PRDs, there are varieties of soft skills that you must possess. Skills like strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership. Beyond learning them, you must have practical experience.

While you are interning or volunteering, make sure you create your resume, review your LinkedIn profile and have a strong online presence.

With the online space, you never can tell who is watching. Share your work, contribute to product conversations on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, network with industry leaders, and reach out to startup founders pitching yourself and the value you can contribute to them and the company.

Make sure you highlight your relevant experience and skills. Be sure to include any internships, side projects, or relevant coursework on your resume. Most importantly, always publish and/or talk about your work. That can never go out of style.

Final Opinion

Just like me, you can start a career in product management. I have met product managers from a variety of backgrounds and education levels. Remember that the job role of a product manager is multifaceted and requires a range of skills and experience.

We play a crucial role in the success of a company by defining and driving the direction of a product and ensuring that it meets the needs of the target market. By following these steps and putting in the necessary work, you can start a rewarding career in product management.

Author’s Bio

Joy Eneghalu is a skilled product manager who is passionate about building and launching products that delight customers and drive business success. She is open to exploring new opportunities to put her skills to work. She has a strong background in product development, with a focus on driving growth and revenue.

The post My Journey: How I delved into product management | by Joy Eneghalu appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

======

There are product managers and there are those who stand out amongst the many. There are currently over 1.2 million product managers on LinkedIn alone; and with more probably not registered on the platform, the numbers are higher.

As long as a company has a product, it requires a product manager. However, it goes beyond having a full resume to being not just a good product manager, but a great one. With many startups being birthed ever so often and innovations in technology, there is a constant need for people to fill this role.

A great product manager must possess a litany of skills- both hard and soft, to stand out.

So per adventure you are a CEO of a startup or a recruiter or really just trying to become a great product manager, here are 7 things that from my experience in product management, can help you distinguish a great product manager from a basic one.

1. Good Research skills

Product discovery is a vital part of the product development cycle and the product manager is a key player in the system. No good product can be built without research. The ability to properly conduct research/ customer interviews to understand the target customer, the customer’s pain points, the demand for the product, and the competitive landscape is a must-have for a product manager.

2. Strategic/Critical Thinking skills

Product managers need to exercise critical thinking at every stage of product development. A product manager is often the go-to person for questions or product feedback.

They are expected to remain objective and assess the product on behalf of the potential end user and the overall business objectives. This often requires market research and integrating customer feedback into the product vision and roadmap.

A product manager is a mini-CEO of sorts. He needs to understand the current product strategy and how it aligns with the overall company strategy. He needs to know the product vision, how it will generate customer value, and what is the differentiating advantage over its competitors. Product managers are problem solvers and must be quick in making customer and product-centric decisions.

3. Emotional Intelligence

A good product manager may know the dos and don’ts of a customer interview, but the best product manager has the ability to empathize with customers in that interview, is tuned in to their body language and emotions, and can aptly identify and understand the pain points that the product or feature will address.

A product manager who possesses a high EQ has strong relationships within their organization and a keen sense of how to navigate both internal and external hurdles to ship a great product.

4. Collaborative leader

Building a product is a collaborative process and it takes a product manager with a collaborative nature to pull it off. Product requirements come from various cross-functional groups and customers and they all are considered important by those contributing to them. In such an environment, a product manager cannot be dictatorial. He/She needs to clearly communicate decisions, e.g. why a particular feature was chosen over another one for the current release. At the same time, confidence, assertiveness, and charisma are necessary.

5. Analytical skills

Product managers need to conduct data analysis to make educated product decisions. Once market research has been completed, the product manager needs to extract insights from the data in order to inform the entire product roadmap. Can the product manager identify customer needs, and use their analytical skills to ensure the product is solving those pain points?

This should be one of the strong points of a great product manager. 

6. Execution

Product managers must be able to execute everything planned in the product development cycle. They need to get things done. In order for a product to be shipped there are hundreds of things to get done and a product manager should be able to get down and dirty to get them done. A product manager needs to do anything needed to make the product a success.

7. Technical skills

Lastly and one of the most important things to look for in a great product manager is technical skills.

Product managers would always benefit from a good knowledge of basic technical skills — such as design, coding languages, and even sales/marketing. A good product manager is almost a “know it all”.

At the end of the day, product managers need to make things happen. Getting great results is the goal.

About the writer:

Maureen Ogwu ​is currently a technical sourcing specialist with Meta, one of the largest tech companies in the world. Previously, she worked with GlobalCharge ltd as both Product Manager and Digital Marketing expert leading the engineering and marketing teams. Prior to that, she served as a Product Marketing trainer and mentor with Utiva. She has also served as a Paid Marketing Specialist at Digital Marketing Skill Institute, an EdTech Company. She has been recognised for her extensive experience leading digital transformation initiatives and managing the development of highly innovative tech product marketing. She holds an MBA degree from the University of East London.

The post 7 Things to Look for When Hiring a Great Product Manager appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.