Product Owner (PO) VS Product Manager (PM)
- Mar 29, 2025
- Product Management
- Product Management Product Owner Product Manager
- 3mins
- 97 Views
Watch Full Youtube video on: https://youtu.be/7FZwLIUspJ4?si=i2RJPK90m-vj42B-
Product Owner (PO) and Product Manager (PM) roles differ in a simple, non-technical way:
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Product Manager (PM) = Restaurant Owner
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Decides the overall vision: What kind of restaurant it will be (Italian, fast food, fine dining).
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Understands customer needs: Talks to diners to know what they like.
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Plans the long-term menu and strategy.
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Makes sure the restaurant stays profitable and competitive.
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Product Owner (PO) = Head Chef
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Works with the team (kitchen staff) to prepare the dishes.
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Focuses on daily execution: Which dishes to cook today, what ingredients to use.
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Ensures quality: Makes sure the food meets customer expectations.
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Adjusts based on feedback but follows the overall vision set by the owner.
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5 Main Roles of a Product Manager (PM) – The Restaurant Owner
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Vision & Strategy – Defines the long-term goal of the product.
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📌 Example: Decides whether the restaurant should focus on fine dining, fast food, or expand into delivery.
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Market & Customer Research – Understands customer needs and market trends.
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📌 Example: Conducts surveys, studies competitors, and identifies demand for vegan dishes.
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Business & Revenue Goals – Ensures the product is profitable.
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📌 Example: Sets pricing for dishes, negotiates with suppliers, and explores new locations.
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Stakeholder Collaboration – Works with executives, marketing, sales, and investors.
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📌 Example: Discusses expansion plans with investors or works with marketing to attract more customers.
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Roadmap & Future Planning – Plans for long-term growth and product evolution.
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📌 Example: Decides when to introduce seasonal dishes, open a new branch, or add online ordering.
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5 Main Roles of a Product Owner (PO) – The Restaurant Manager
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Backlog Management – Decides what features (or tasks) should be done first.
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📌 Example: Prioritizes adding new dishes based on customer demand.
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Requirement Gathering & Clarification – Works with the team to ensure everyone understands the tasks.
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📌 Example: Explains to chefs how to prepare new dishes and ensures they meet quality standards.
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Sprint Planning & Execution – Works with the team to deliver features efficiently.
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📌 Example: Ensures the kitchen operates smoothly and orders are served in the right order.
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Feedback & Iteration – Collects user feedback and ensures improvements.
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📌 Example: Adjusts recipes or portion sizes based on customer complaints.
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Collaboration with Development Team – Acts as a bridge between business goals and the technical team.
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📌 Example: Ensures chefs and waitstaff (developers and support teams) understand daily priorities and customer needs.
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Key Difference 🚀
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The Product Manager (Restaurant Owner) focuses on long-term strategy, business growth, and customer trends.
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The Product Owner (Restaurant Manager) focuses on daily execution, team coordination, and product delivery.