Product owner
Discover the career of product owner: product management, strategy and the success of digital projects. Specialised programmes at EDC Paris Business School to excel in this role.
What is a product owner?
Definition of the role and function
The Product Owner (PO) is responsible for the product vision and for managing the backlog. They act as the link between stakeholders (customers, users, internal teams) and the development team, making sure that priorities are aligned with strategic objectives. They define and prioritise the features to be developed, write the user stories and ensure that the final product meets users' needs while maximising added value for the company.
The importance of the product owner in an agile team
They ensure that the development team's efforts are always aligned with the customer's needs and the company's strategic objectives.
As the guardian of the product vision, the PO makes sure that priorities are constantly reassessed and adjusted in line with user feedback and changes in the market.
They are also responsible for managing the backlog, writing user stories and making informed decisions about the direction of the product. Their role thus allows the development team to concentrate on high-value tasks, while ensuring clear communication between the various stakeholders.
What are the duties of a product owner?
Product backlog management
Product backlog management involves defining, prioritising and maintaining a list of the features and improvements to be made to the product. The Product Owner writes user stories, prioritises them according to their added value for the user and the company, and regularly adjusts the backlog in line with feedback and changes in the project. They ensure that the development team focuses on the most important tasks and that stakeholders' expectations are taken into account at every iteration.
Collaboration with technical teams and stakeholders
The PO acts as a bridge between users, customers and the development team, making sure that the product requirements are clearly understood and aligned with strategic priorities.
With the technical teams, they clarify user stories, answer questions and adjust priorities according to technical feasibility. At the same time, they communicate regularly with stakeholders (customers, managers, users) to gather their feedback, adjust the direction of the product and ensure that expectations are met throughout the project.
Tracking product evolution and user feedback
The PO continuously monitors product performance, drawing on data and user feedback to identify areas for improvement. They analyse user feedback to adjust backlog priorities and make sure the product remains aligned with market needs.
Qualities and skills needed to be a good product owner
Project management and communication skills
In project management, the PO is responsible for planning, prioritising and tracking deliverables throughout the product life cycle, while meeting the deadlines and objectives set. They use management tools such as Kanban boards or project management software to coordinate and track tasks.
In communication, the PO must be able to convey the product vision clearly to the technical teams and stakeholders, gather feedback, and maintain smooth collaboration between everyone involved.
Analytical skills and strategic vision
You need to be able to analyse data and user feedback to identify trends and understand market needs. This analysis makes it possible to prioritise the features that bring the most value to the product.
In terms of strategic vision, the PO must align product development with the company's long-term objectives. They make informed decisions to ensure that every product evolution contributes to the overall vision while meeting user expectations and business priorities.
Ability to prioritise and make decisions
The PO must constantly assess the various requests and product features according to their potential impact on users and on the company's objectives. This ability to prioritise means quickly judging the value of each task, while taking into account available resources and deadlines.
The PO must also be able to make strategic, sometimes difficult, decisions to balance stakeholders' expectations, technical feasibility and the added value of the product, thereby ensuring a clear and consistent direction throughout the project.
What are the advantages of being a product owner?
A key role in innovative projects
The PO is responsible for defining the features that meet users' emerging needs while ensuring that the solutions developed are aligned with the company's objectives.
In innovative projects, the PO must be able to navigate uncertainty, make quick decisions on the basis of limited data and continuously adjust the product in line with market feedback. They play a central role in managing expectations and coordinating teams, thereby ensuring that innovation remains relevant, achievable and genuinely adds value.
Opportunities for growth and a diversity of sectors
The PO role is cross-functional and is found in a variety of industries such as tech, finance, healthcare, e-commerce and industrial sectors.
Each sector presents unique challenges and opportunities to develop skills in project management, user needs analysis and product strategy.
In constantly changing environments, such as digital transformation or product innovation, a PO can thus contribute to the company's growth by responding to changing market needs.
Product owner: salary and career progression
Average pay and variation by experience
The average pay of a Product Owner varies according to experience, sector of activity and geographical location.
In France, a PO's annual pay is generally between €35,000 and €55,000 for a junior to mid-level profile (1 to 5 years of experience).
With more advanced experience (5 to 10 years), a PO can expect a salary of €55,000 to €80,000, or even more, depending on the size of the company, the level of responsibility and the complexity of the projects.
In specific sectors, such as tech or finance, salaries can be higher still, particularly for experienced or specialised profiles.
What should you study to become a product owner?
Recommended programmes for entering this profession
MSc Business Development & Sales Management
Additional skills to stand out in the market
Technical skills: An understanding of technologies and development tools (for example, mastery of project management tools such as Jira, Trello or Asana) can help a PO collaborate better with the technical teams and make more informed decisions.
Data analysis: Using data analysis tools (Google Analytics, Tableau, etc.) to assess user behaviour and adjust the direction of the product according to the metrics can be a major asset.
Knowledge of UX/UI: This enables the PO to design more intuitive products and to work more effectively with designers.
Customer relationship management : The ability to interact directly with customers to gather feedback and understand their needs enables the PO to better define and adjust the product.
Change management : Being able to manage the impact of changes of direction or product developments within an organisation is essential to maintain the buy-in of stakeholders and teams.
Agile certifications: Obtaining certifications such as Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or SAFe PO/PM can strengthen credibility and recognition in the market.