5 Essential Skills Every Data Science Product Manager Needs

The field of Data Science continues its growth and develop, the job of a product manager has become more significant. A product manager for data science is accountable for the creation and delivery of products based on data that satisfy the requirements of customers and others. To succeed in this job there are five key abilities that every product manager must possess.

Source: medium.com

I. Capabilities in Verbal and Written Communication

Strong communication is one of the most crucial talents necessary for a data science product manager to possess. It can be challenging for stakeholders who are not technically trained to comprehend the complexities of data-driven goods because data science is a highly specialised area. A data science product manager needs to be able to effectively convey complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders, such as company leaders, customers, and business partners.

In addition to this, a data science product manager needs to be capable of having clear and productive conversations with technical stakeholders, such as data scientists and engineers. This involves the ability to provide clear direction and feedback, ask the appropriate questions, and understand the technological obstacles and constraints.

When it comes to data science product management, some examples of good communication include utilising language that is clear and concise, use visual aids to describe complicated topics, and actively listening to stakeholders to ensure that their requirements are being met.

II. Comprehensive Knowledge of Data Science:

To be able to efficiently manage products driven by data and data science, a product manager should be able to comprehend the basic principles and practices in data science. This involves being aware of the different types of data, like structured and unstructured data and the techniques to gather, storing and analysing the data.

Furthermore, the product manager in data science has to be familiar with a variety of data science tools and platforms like Python, R, and SQL. This means having a good knowledge of how to manage workflows and pipelines for data, and also how to work with data within the tools.

Product manager of machine-learning instruments in Google along with the head of product management for machine learning and artificial intelligence on Amazon are two instances of data science products that have been successful managers with a solid technical understanding.

Source : medium

III. Business acumen While technical expertise is essential, a data science product manager must also have a thorough understanding of the context within where the software is created. This means understanding current trends in the market and competitive landscape as well as the needs and goals of the stakeholders and customers.

A product manager for data science must be able to align data science projects with the goals of business and make choices that balance technical viability with the business impact. This requires a profound understanding of the company's overall strategy, and an ability to relay this strategy to the technical stakeholder.

Some examples of the ways in which business expertise has been instrumental in helping data science product managers succeed include Apple's product manger for Siri who was able identify and prioritize features that could improve the user experience. the Netflix product manager responsible for recommendations algorithms and utilized data science to improve the customer's loyalty and engagement.

IV. Strong leadership skills managing products that are driven by data requires excellent leadership skills which include the ability to lead teams across functional lines and lead projects through to the point of. A product manager in data science must be able to motivate and inspire team members, establish objectives and goals that are clear as well as provide direction and guidance throughout the process of development.

Furthermore the product manager in data science needs to possess strong problem-solving and decision-making skills and the ability to handle multiple needs and priorities. This requires a thorough understanding of the technical issues and their limitations, as well being able to work in tandem with other stakeholders to find prioritizing solutions.

Examples of data science products that have been successful managers with excellent leadership abilities includes Microsoft's manager of product for tools in data science who was able to facilitate collaboration and innovation across teams, and IBM's manager of product for Watson who was able develop and launch products that provided the best benefit for customers.

V. Adaptability and Flexibility:

Data science is an ever changing field and product managers in the field of data science require a capacity to adapt and flexible to stay current with the latest technologies and methods. A product manager in data science should be prepared to adapt and learn new platforms and tools, and be able to change direction quickly to meet the changing business or market requirements.

This requires the willingness to risk and play with new methods as well as the ability to collaborate with technical experts to find and implement solutions.

Examples of product managers for data science who have shown flexibility and adaptability includes the product manager for Google Analytics, who was successful in reorienting the product to machine learning and AI-driven insight and the Salesforce product manager responsible in Salesforce's Einstein AI platform, who was capable of successfully integrating AI in Salesforce's core offerings.

In the end, a science manager performs an essential role in the design and delivery of products based on data. To succeed in this position the product manager should be able to demonstrate a range of abilities, such as strong communication, deep technical expertise and business acumen, exemplary leadership, and the ability to adapt and ability to change. By acquiring and developing these abilities the data scientists product managers are able to assist their companies stay ahead of the curve in a changing and ever-more competitive environment.