# Product manager vs program manager

Concept · [Product](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/product)

Also called: product manager, program manager, PM, PMs, product management, project manager

Both are called PM. A product manager decides what to build and why, based on customers and business goals. A program manager coordinates the timing and teams to deliver large [efforts](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/effort).

**For example:** The product manager picks the next feature; the program manager makes sure three teams ship their parts on the same date.

## Connects to (3)

- [Roadmap](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/roadmap): A plan that shows what you intend to build and in roughly what order.
- [Product requirements document](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/product-requirements-document): A document that explains what a product or feature should do, for whom and why, so the team agrees before building.
- [Backlog](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/backlog): The running list of new abilities, fixes and ideas waiting to be worked on, usually in order of priority.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/product-vs-program-manager