What is the Data Science Product Manager Career Path?
Looking for a data science product manager career path? Keep on reading then.
The data science product manager is a new job that combines two separate but dependent roles. It’s rare to find data science product managers with experience and knowledge in both data science and product management.
That is why most data science PMs tend to grow into the role after spending ample time in a data science team. It’s easier for a data scientist to learn about product and project management.
However, it doesn’t mean that product managers don’t become data science PMs. Adopting the role becomes easier if a product manager learns and understands data science.
In this article, we look at five typical roles that a data science product manager goes through. That said, we focus on the transition from a PM role to a data science PM and beyond.
What does Data Science Product Manager’s Career Path Look Like?
As data science continues to become more relevant in each industry, it has become a necessity. That is why every product-based company invests in data science products too.
Meanwhile, dedicated startups have come up with new ways to incorporate data science. As new machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence software, and data engineering processes hit the market, companies continue to automate data pipelines and streamline insights.
As a result, many product managers dive into data science products. At present, both data product manager jobs, and data science product manager jobs are among the rising-demand jobs in the industry.
Here’s a guide for the data science product manager role, along with the skills you need to succeed. The data science PM’s career path starts with typical product management roles.
- Associate Product Manager
- Product Manager
- Data Product Manager
- Data Science Product Manager
- Director/VP of Data Science and Product
The final role varies for each industry and organization.
1. Associate Product Manager
The start of most product management careers is the associate product manager role. Think of the role as similar to a PM role but on a smaller scale.
Most associate product managers tend to shadow product managers, learning how to work on the product strategy and own the product roadmap.
As an entry-level role, the salary range is below that of the product manager. However, the good thing about the role is that a lot of companies don’t require official education. If you have a certification, sufficient knowledge, and a basic understanding of product management, you have a shot at landing the job.
Associate Product Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Since associate product managers aren’t responsible for the product and don’t own the product roadmap, they often manage task prioritization. In an agile environment, they are responsible for the backlog and setting up daily scrums.
They also do basic project management and user research, prepare data collected by researchers for internal stakeholders, and solve problems that PMs relay to them.
Furthermore, associate PMs also sift through market data to check whether customer needs and business objectives match. The idea is to see whether certain product features are relevant if you’re reaching the correct audience, and how they align with organizational goals.
When should you move to a Product Manager Role?
If you’re on top of the responsibilities above, there’s a good chance that you do certain tasks that are the PM’s responsibility.
Furthermore, another important thing is to build good relationships with the product teams, along with marketing, engineering, and other teams.
With all that along with a good understanding of product management you’re ready to move to the next role.
Looking to become a product manager? Enroll in our top-rated certification course to do just that:
2. Product Manager
The product manager role is the first position where you own your results. You also need at least a couple of years of experience to get to this point. It’s also a good idea to start thinking about what industry and scope you want to specialize in.
In this case, we gear towards data science. In any case, you only need a good understanding of product management concepts at this point. That includes knowing how to devise a product strategy, a basic understanding of product marketing, and an understanding of the product lifecycle.
Product Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Product managers need to make informed decisions by analyzing market data. They own the product strategy and work with the product owner and the product team to actualize it.
The following are some key responsibilities of PMs:
- Streamline the production processes and strategy through testing
- Utilize data to identify detailed requirements of new features
- Identify unique relationships between multiple product lines and align them
- Develop cross-functional teams to meet business needs
- Work with the product team, product owner, data science teams, data engineers, and other stakeholders
- Manage the user journey, focusing on long-term product affinity
Most organizations have additional duties and responsibilities for PMs based on the industry and products.
When should you move to the Data Product Manager Role?
Working with a data science team is crucial for moving towards a data PM role. Develop a basic understanding of data analysis and data management.
You don’t need technical knowledge but you need to understand how basic testing, analyses, and data products work.
3. Data Product Manager
A data product manager is someone who manages data products. Data product managers don’t need a technical understanding of the product but when managing data products they need a holistic view of existing products.
It’s where PMs learn more about data science products before moving to a dedicated data science PM position.
Data Product Manager Duties and Responsibilities
One key responsibility of a data product manager is analyzing market data to identify key product opportunities. Other duties include:
- Leverage warehousing strategies to inform product strategy
- Go over the output captured in statistical analyses to make informed decisions.
- Use data science techniques and hypothesis testing to improve products.
- Build data pipelines for a more robust analysis of data
Most data PMs learn market experimentation tests and multivariate tests to assist them.
When should you move to a Data Science Product Manager Role?
You already apply various data science techniques in the data PM role. At this point, there’s a good chance you’re someone who understands data science.
Learning statistical analysis, acquiring good analytical skills, and working with data scientists are bound to prepare you for the next role.
4. Data Science Product Manager
After understanding the nuisances of data, you are ready for the data science PM role. Your skill set needs to include advanced analytics, machine learning models, and understanding business cases of data science products.
You also need a good understanding of customer needs, business needs, and the data science product you’re managing.
Data Science Product Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Data science PMs need to adopt a technical and data-first approach to solve problems. Other than that, they:
- Manage data collection parameters to ensure there’s enough data
- Run machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence models for better insights
- Help product teams manage the product roadmap and strategy
- Research data science industry trends using regular market oversight
- Work on the product vision
- Manage the product backlog of ideas and tasks in data systems
- Improve user experience by working with customer teams
- Develop API integration systems to improve product value
- Drive product development throughout the lifecycle
The detailed requirements of a data science PM job vary depending on the kind of data science product you work with.
When should you move to a Data Science Product Manager role?
At this point, it’s a matter of your overall experience and how many data science products you have been working on.
Other factors include the total amount of time with the organization and product.
5. Director/VP of Data Science and Product
At this point, you won’t manage the hands-on activities and the product development process. The director, senior director, or VP is responsible for making sure that the entire data analytics and science product set aligns with the organizational vision and goals.
Every company has a different title for this role; you see varying names for the job.
Director/VP of Data Science and Product Duties and Responsibilities
Typical duties and responsibilities at this level include:
- Making sure the product strategy decisions align with organizational objectives
- Ensuring adequate budgeting
- Mediating healthy communication and collaboration among teams
- Conducting in-depth competitive analysis to improve data quality
At this level, you work with the CEO, CPO, and other senior directors and stakeholders. However, you also manage the data science PM teams, overseeing their actions, strategies, and decisions.
When should you move to a Director/VP of Data Science and Product Role?
You should move to a director or VP of Data Science and Product manager role if:
- You’ve excelled in your current role, consistently delivering outstanding results, and demonstrating a deep understanding of both data science and product management.
- You have significant experience leading teams, mentoring junior members, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- You possess a clear and strategic vision for how data science can drive business value and how products can meet market needs and exceed customer expectations.
- Your expertise extends beyond technical skills to include strategic planning, market analysis, stakeholder management, and business acumen.
- You have built a robust network of industry contacts, mentors, and peers who can support your transition into a higher leadership role.
- You are recognized as a thought leader in your field, with a reputation for driving innovation and delivering impactful results.
- You are motivated to lead at a higher level, guiding the company’s data science and product strategies to achieve significant business outcomes.
- There is an opportunity for you to fill a critical gap in the leadership team, bringing your expertise to drive growth and innovation.
If you find yourself aligning with these indicators, it might be the right time to pursue a Director/VP role in Data Science and Product.
Data Science Product Manager Jobs: Key Takeaways
The data science product manager career path in today’s market also starts with a data science career. If you’re a data scientist aspiring to become a data product management veteran, join product management boot camps, complete courses, and get relevant certifications.
Get a headstart in the data science PM career path if you have a data science background. A great and quick way to get a lot of product management experience is to join a startup.
You grow with the product and you get to witness the entire product development cycle. That gives a good outlook on product management, setting you up for success as a data science product manager.
FAQs
Here are answers to the questions about product management:
Can a data scientist become a product manager?
Yes, a data scientist can become a product manager by leveraging their analytical skills, understanding of data-driven decision-making, and technical background. Transitioning might also involve gaining experience in product management practices and methodologies. They need to develop additional skills in market analysis, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management.
What is the career path of a data product manager?
A data product manager typically starts with a background in data science or analytics, transitioning to roles that combine technical expertise with product strategy.
They may begin as data analysts or data scientists, move to roles like product analysts or associate product managers, and eventually become data product managers.
With experience, they can advance to senior product management roles or executive positions.
Who earns more, a data scientist or a product manager?
Senior product managers often earn more than data scientists due to the broader scope of responsibilities and strategic impact. Salaries for data scientists and product managers can vary widely based on industry, location, and experience.
However, highly specialized or experienced data scientists can also command high salaries, especially in tech-driven companies.
How to switch from data science to product management?
To switch from data science to product management, start by gaining a solid understanding of product management principles and methodologies. Networking, mentorship, and possibly earning relevant certifications can also facilitate the transition. Seek opportunities to work on cross-functional projects, collaborate closely with product teams, and develop skills in market analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder management.
Which is better, a data analyst or a product manager?
The choice between a data analyst and a product manager depends on your interests and career goals.
Product managers, on the other hand, oversee the development and strategy of products and need skills in leadership, market analysis, product management capabilities, and cross-functional collaboration.
Data analysts focus on interpreting data to inform business decisions, requiring strong analytical and statistical skills.
Do product managers earn more than data analysts?
Generally, product managers earn more than data analysts, especially as they gain experience and move into senior or executive roles.
However, compensation can vary widely based on industry, location, and individual expertise.
Salaries for product managers can be higher due to their broader responsibilities, including strategic planning, team leadership, and market analysis.
What is the highest job salary in data science?
The highest job salary in data science is for a Chief Data Scientist or VP of Data Science. These positions have salaries of $200,000 to $300,000 per year, depending on the company and location.
If you are new to product management and are looking to break into your very first senior product manager or role, we recommend taking our Product Management Certification Courses, where you will learn the fundamentals of product management, launch your product, and get on the fast track toward landing your first product job.
