Software product manager
Oversee the overall success of a software product, from its initial concept to its launch and beyond.
Also known as: product manager
About the job
What it's like
As a software product manager, you’ll be responsible for the overall success of a software product. You’ll define the product vision, strategy, and roadmap and work closely with engineering, design and marketing teams to make sure that the product meets customer needs and business objectives.
Your tasks might include:
creating and managing the product roadmap and making sure it’s delivered on time
learning about your users
conducting market scans, researching competitors
collecting and analysing user feedback
producing reports on product performance
planning new features and changes to the product from user insight and feedback
presenting to stakeholders
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Network manager
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- verbal communication
- time management
- problem solving
- negotiating
- making decisions
- listening
- empathising
- developing a plan
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Economics
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Engineering Science
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English and Communication
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
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Information and Communications Technology - ICT
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Psychology
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Statistics
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English
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
For many roles, you'll need a degree qualification. Subjects related to business and marketing are very useful, such as:
Business
Business Management
Marketing
Digital Marketing Management
Business Analysis and Technology
What you need to enter a degree course will vary depending on the subject and university. For a Business degree, you'll likely need:
at least four Highers at C or better, including English and Maths
National 5 qualifications in at least Maths
Some universities will have higher entry requirements, these are what you'll need as a minimum. A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
For entry to a postgraduate course, you'll need an honours degree in a relevant subject.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Maths
English
Business
What you'll need for a college course will depend on the qualification level, subject and college.
Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are chosen as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 but include hands-on learning at a local employer or college. They are the same level as a Higher.
You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work based, that show a range of transferable skills.
It’s helpful to become a member of a relevant professional body and many employers find this desirable.
Some professional bodies include:
