Is product operations a good career in 2024?

As we look ahead into 2024, the landscape of jobs is continuously evolving, and for those interested in product operations, there's a lot to be excited about. Product operations, or ProductOps, is a field that has been gaining traction and is poised to become even more significant in the coming years. Let's explore what this means for job seekers and how you can get started in this promising career.

The Rise of Product Operations

Product operations is a specialized area that focuses on the "how" of product development and delivery. It's a role that complements product management by streamlining processes, enhancing cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring that product goals are realized. As companies increasingly recognize the value of efficient and effective product development, the demand for skilled ProductOps professionals is growing.

Job Market and Opportunities

The job market for product operations is robust, with an estimated yearly increase in product management jobs, including ProductOps, at 30%-40%. This growth is a clear indicator that opportunities in this field are expanding. Moreover, the role of product managers is expected to evolve, with a greater emphasis on creating value rather than just managing feature teams, which further supports the need for ProductOps expertise.

Skills and Qualifications

To succeed in product operations, you'll need a mix of technical know-how, strategic thinking, and strong data analysis skills. People skills are also crucial, as the role often involves liaising with various departments within an organization. While many companies look for candidates with an MBA, it's possible to enter the field with a BA or another undergraduate degree, provided you have relevant experience or product management certification.

Competitive Salaries

Salaries in product operations are competitive, with an average salary of around $91,113 per year and potential total compensation reaching $99,896 per year in the United States. This financial incentive, combined with the strategic importance of the role, makes ProductOps an attractive career choice.

Getting Started

If you're looking to break into product operations, here are some steps you can take:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the product development lifecycle, familiarize yourself with the latest tools and technologies, and understand the key metrics and data analysis techniques used in ProductOps.
2. Gain Experience: Look for opportunities to work on cross-functional projects, even if it's not in a ProductOps role initially. This can provide valuable experience and insight into how products are developed and delivered.
3. Network: Connect with professionals in the field through online forums, social media, and professional networking events. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities and potential job leads.
4. Build Your Resume: Highlight any relevant experience, even if it's from a different role, that demonstrates your ability to manage projects, analyze data, and work collaboratively.
5. Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and predictions, such as the integration of AI in product management and the rise of data analytics as a decision-maker5. This knowledge will be invaluable in interviews and on the job.

Finding a job

We have a ton of consultants and people looking to join a company and companies looking to hire; if you're looking for a product operations person or if you're looking to join a company, feel free to email: hireops@buildbetter.ai and we'll send over current people and companies we hear from at BuildBetter.ai - the AI Product Ops tool used by 19,000 teams.

If you want to see what most people look for in this role, please read out Product Operations Job Description: https://blog.buildbetter.ai/product-ops-job-description-2024/

Job Search Platforms

1. Indeed: A leading job search engine, Indeed lists a wide range of product operations jobs. You can find positions by searching for "Product Operations" and filter results by location, salary, job type, and more. This platform is a great starting point for anyone looking to understand the breadth of ProductOps roles available across different industries, find jobs here: https://www.indeed.com/m/jobs?q=Product+Operations
2. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is not only a networking platform but also a powerful job search tool. Companies often post job openings on their LinkedIn pages, and the site's job search functionality allows you to search for product operations roles specifically. Additionally, LinkedIn allows you to network with professionals in the field, which can lead to job referrals or insights into companies hiring for ProductOps.
3. Glassdoor: Glassdoor offers job listings, including for product operations manager positions, along with company ratings and salary information. This can be particularly useful for getting a sense of the company culture and expectations before applying: https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/product-operations-manager-jobs-SRCH_KO0,26.htm
4. ZipRecruiter: Another job search engine that lists a variety of roles, including product operations. While the site requires JavaScript and cookies to access job listings, it's known for its user-friendly interface and personalized job alerts: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Product-Operations
5. Specialized Job Boards: While not directly related to ProductOps, these platforms highlight the importance of industry-specific job boards:
   1. ProductHQ: https://producthq.org/product-jobs/
   2. Mind the Product: https://jobs.mindtheproduct.com/
   3. ProductHired: https://producthired.com/
   4. SimplyHired: https://www.simplyhired.com/search?q=product+manager
1. Lenny's Newsletter: https://lennys-jobs.pallet.com/
6. Company Career Pages: Many companies post job openings directly on their careers page. If you have a list of target companies you're interested in working for, it's worth checking their websites regularly for new ProductOps roles.

Networking and Conferences

• Professional Networking Events: Attending industry conferences, workshops, and meetups can be a great way to meet other ProductOps professionals and learn about job openings. Networking can lead to referrals, which are often one of the most effective ways to land a job.
• Product Operations Summits: Conferences specifically focused on ProductOps, like the Product Operations Summit9, offer a concentrated opportunity to network with peers, learn from industry leaders, and discover companies that are investing in ProductOps roles.