What role operates throughout a product's entire life cycle and has a more strategic function than project managers?

The role that operates throughout a product's entire life cycle and has a more strategic function than project managers is the product manager. Product managers are responsible for defining the vision of a product, creating a roadmap, and ensuring alignment across various teams such as marketing, development, and sales. They focus on the long-term success and market fit of the product, which requires a deep understanding of customer needs and market dynamics. This strategic role involves decision-making related to product features, pricing, and positioning, ensuring that the product evolves effectively from conception through development and into its market presence, addressing user feedback and changing market conditions over time.

In contrast, while project managers primarily focus on the execution of specific projects within defined time frames and budgets, product managers maintain a broader perspective that encompasses both the current and future states of the product. They are integral to guiding the product's direction by interpreting market research and prioritizing features that align with business objectives, which is why their role is more strategic compared to that of project managers. Other roles, such as end-users, scrum masters, and architects, contribute to the process but do not hold the overarching responsibility for the product's entire life cycle and strategic positioning.