Being a Technical Product Manager — 1st Year (Dec 20' — Dec 21')
As I look back on my first year as a Technical Product Manager, it’s incredible to see how much I’ve grown and how many challenges I’ve overcome.
Starting on December 1, 2020, I embarked on a journey filled with learning, innovation, and accomplishments. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of my first year in this role.
1. A Delayed Project and a Fresh Start
One of my first tasks was taking over a delayed ecommerce project — a hyperlocal omnichannel ecommerce solution. The project was already behind schedule, and the pressure was on. Despite the odds, I was determined to turn things around.
2. Building a Team
With a project in hand, I assembled a team of developers — one front-end and one back-end, both with medium-level expertise. We were all in it together, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
3. Delivering Ahead of Schedule
In just three months, our hard work paid off, and the ecommerce site went live at the end of February. It was a significant achievement for our team, and it set the tone for what was to come.
4. Improving Internal Processes
Parallel to the project, I recognized the need for internal tools, starting with a CI/CD setup. Previously, builds were deployed directly on the server via git pull and FTP — a practice we had to change for efficiency and reliability.
5. Creating a Logging Tool
To streamline our internal projects, I developed a logging tool. This tool not only improved project management but also enhanced our overall productivity.
6. Venturing into New Territories
As my role expanded, I began working on a proprietary Ecommerce Search product for all our brands. This endeavor would test my skills even further.
7. Team Growth
The team continued to grow, with three more members joining my group. The collaboration and collective expertise were instrumental in achieving our goals.
8. Early Version of an Ecommerce SaaS Product
Six months into my role, a new challenge emerged — creating an early version of our Ecommerce SaaS product. We embarked on a one-month sprint to develop a functional beta version, a testament to our team’s dedication.
9. Continuous Improvement
We didn’t stop there. Over the year, we continually improved the product, adding and enhancing ecommerce features such as a DIY editor, cataloging, banner updates, coupons, and cart services.
10. Building the AWS Cloud Infrastructure
One of the most ambitious tasks of the year was building the entire AWS cloud infrastructure from scratch. This included everything from the initial user service to cart, admin, and all kinds of standalone services, following a service-oriented architecture.
Reflecting on this eventful year, it’s clear that the role of a Technical Product Manager is dynamic and ever-evolving.
The challenges we faced and the successes we achieved have laid a strong foundation for the years to come.
In my upcoming articles, I will share my experiences from the second and third years of being a Technical Product Manager, highlighting further growth, lessons learned, and the exciting projects that await.
Stay tuned for the next chapters in this journey!
To read about my second year journey, click below :
