How to recruit exceptional product management

Recruiting the right product manager (PM) is one of the most impactful decisions a tech company can make. A great PM doesn’t just manage products—they drive innovation, align cross-functional teams, and ensure long-term business success. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, here’s how to find and hire the best talent for this critical role.

Why Product Managers Are Essential

Product managers are the linchpin of successful product development. They combine technical expertise, market insight, and strategic thinking to deliver products that meet user needs and achieve business goals. While startups often rely on founders or engineers to wear multiple hats early on, dedicated product management becomes indispensable as companies scale. PMs oversee everything from market research and feature prioritization to pricing strategies and roadmap planning, ensuring alignment across engineering, marketing, and sales teams.

Key Core Attributes of a Best-in-Class Product Manager

1.???? Strong Emotional Intelligence (EQ): PMs must break down silos and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. As Wharton highlights, building relationships with engineering teams (often protective of their work) and sales teams (focused on ambitious targets) requires empathy and diplomacy.

2.???? Self-Awareness: A great PM avoids projecting personal biases onto product decisions. Instead, they rely on data and user feedback to define features that truly meet customer needs. Data-driven decision-making is fundamental in modern product management. Proficiency in analytics helps PMs refine features and optimize user experiences.

3.???? Entrepreneurial Mindset: PMs should have the business acumen to identify growth opportunities and execute strategies that drive profitability.

4.???? Technical Knowledge: While not all PMs need to code, understanding software development principles and Agile methodologies is crucial for effective communication with engineering teams. For highly technical product solutions, engineers can make ideal product managers if they can also master the key non-technical skills critical to this role.

5.???? Leadership Skills: Beyond managing tasks, PMs must inspire cross-functional teams to work toward a unified product vision.

Steps to Recruit the Best Product Manager

1.???? Define the Role Clearly

2.???? Crafting a precise job description is critical. Specify whether you need a generalist for a startup or a specialist for a larger organization. Highlight required skills like market analysis, technical understanding, and leadership. Tailor the description to reflect your company’s unique needs.

3.???? Leverage Recruiting Expertise

??????????????? Partnering with specialized recruitment firms like Antal International will give you access to pre-screened candidates with niche expertise. These agencies streamline the hiring process by curating lists of qualified candidates and assisting with interviews.

4.???? Assess Candidates Holistically and go beyond resumes by incorporating:

??????????????? Behavioural Interviews: Evaluate how candidates navigate challenges like stakeholder conflicts or shifting priorities.

??????????????? Case Studies: Present real-world scenarios to test problem-solving skills.

??????????????? Soft Skills Assessments: Gauge their ability to communicate effectively and adapt to your company culture.

5.???? Highlight Your Value Proposition

??????????????? Attracting top talent requires more than just a compelling salary package so showcase your company’s mission and how the PM role contributes to impactful projects.

6.???? Close the Deal Quickly once you’ve identified the right candidate:

??????????????? Act decisively - top talent won’t stay on the market for long.

??????????????? Personalise your offer by aligning it with their career aspirations.

??????????????? Be transparent about expectations from day one.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right product manager is an investment in your company’s future. By focusing on emotional intelligence, technical knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit—and leveraging expert recruiting techniques—you can secure a candidate who will drive innovation and growth.

Are you ready to find your next product manager? At Antal International in Geneva we regularly recruit outstanding product management teams for some of the most innovative and pioneering tech companies rapidly growing in Europe and North America. Reach out to me via LinkedIn or write to me at [email protected] if you’d like expert advice on building your product team.