The Product industry has grown rapidly over the past few years, and so have the expectations of top-tier Product Managers. As a recruitment agency working closely with product talent across tech, SaaS, and digital-first businesses, we’re in daily conversations with candidates about what truly matters to them when considering their next move. Spoiler: it’s not just about salary.
If you’re hiring in Product, here’s what the best talent is looking for right now – and how you can stand out as an employer of choice.
Clear Product Vision and Autonomy
Top Product Managers want to know: What’s the long-term goal of the product? Who owns the roadmap? Will I be trusted to shape it?
Increasingly, candidates are prioritising companies with:
A strong, well-communicated product strategy
Buy-in from leadership and cross-functional teams
The autonomy to challenge, improve, and build – not just execute
If your team works in a feature factory environment, be ready to answer questions on how decisions are made and how empowered your Product team really is.
Competitive Salaries (But It’s Not Everything)
Yes, salary still matters – especially in a market where Product salaries are rising. But candidates often tell us they’re willing to trade a slightly lower base for:
Strong equity packages
Bonus structures tied to product success
Career progression and clear promotion pathways
Make sure your compensation aligns with market benchmarks, and that you can clearly explain the value of your full package.
Career Growth and a Seat at the Table
Product Managers are strategic thinkers. They want a role where they can grow – not just in title, but in impact.
What they’re asking for:
A path to Head of Product or CPO
Opportunities to mentor or lead junior PMs
Involvement in commercial conversations or investor decks
If your business can’t offer vertical growth just yet, consider how you can offer lateral development, new challenges, or ownership of new features or markets.
Remote Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
The shift to hybrid and remote work has permanently changed candidate expectations. The most in-demand Product talent want:
Flexibility (without guilt)
A culture of trust and async collaboration
Clear boundaries – no expectation of always being “on”
Companies offering truly flexible work – not just a vague “hybrid” policy – are seeing stronger engagement and retention.
Purpose, Diversity & Impact
Today’s top Product talent want to work for businesses they believe in. This includes:
A clear company mission and meaningful product goals
A commitment to DE&I at every level – not just a statement on the website
Products that solve real problems and improve lives
Candidates will check your leadership team’s diversity, Glassdoor reviews, and social impact initiatives before they accept a role. If you’re making progress in these areas – shout about it!
If you’re hiring Product Managers and want to know how your roles stack up against market expectations, we’re happy to help. Get in touch for salary benchmarking, job spec support, or help building your next Product team.