Technical Product Manager
Also known as: Technical PM
Sets the product direction of a software product, weighs technical feasibility against customer value and works closely with development teams and stakeholders.
The technical product manager combines product strategy with enough technical depth to assess architecture choices made by development teams. Unlike a product owner who manages a single team's backlog, they look across multiple teams and releases at the longer term product direction. Selection often looks at product vision, while rejecting a technically appealing solution that solves no customer problem is what distinguishes them in practice from a product manager who gets carried away by technology.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract and figural reasoning | N5 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Unravels problems without a known example, formulates a new ordering and shapes it so that peers can build on it. |
| Accuracy and attention to detail Competency (50-framework): Accuracy | N5 | Big Fifty, 360 Feedback | Personality questionnaire | Sets the standards for completeness and correctness, has samples checked and addresses teams on structural sloppiness. |
| Working independently Competency (50-framework): Independence | N4 | Big Fifty, 15PF, Competency Check | Personality questionnaire | Determines own approach for a full work package, consults colleagues purposefully when unclear and delivers on time without reminders. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Problem analysis | N5 | 5 | yes | Assessment centre |
| V | Programming | N5 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Software design and architecture | N5 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Defining and managing requirements | N5 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| A | Abstract and figural reasoning | N5 | 4 | no | Cognitive ability test |
| G | Accuracy and attention to detail | N5 | 4 | no | Personality questionnaire |
| T | Version control and collaboration workflow | N5 | 4 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Software testing and quality assurance | N5 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | API integration | N5 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Value proposition development | N5 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
See all 24 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
Structured interview
Behavioral interview with a fixed structure
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
Communication Styles
Preferred communication style
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