SAFe Product Owner and Product Manager (POPM)
The SAFe Product Owner (SPO) and Product Manager (POPM) roles are key positions within the Scaled Agile Framework. The SPO is primarily focused on the day-to-day management of the product backlog and working with development teams to deliver features incrementally, the POPM takes a broader view of product strategy, alignment with business goals, and long-term market considerations. Both the SPO and POPM roles are crucial for ensuring that the organization's agile development efforts are aligned with strategic objectives and that the products and solutions delivered provide value to customers and the business.
SAFe Product Owner (SPO): The Product Owner in SAFe is responsible for defining and prioritizing the features and user stories that make up the product backlog. They work closely with customers, stakeholders, and development teams to ensure that the product's requirements and priorities are well-understood and properly executed. The SPO is a member of the Agile Release Train (ART) and plays a crucial role in ensuring that the product or solution meets customer needs and delivers value. They are responsible for making decisions regarding the content and priority of the product backlog, ensuring that the team is working on the most valuable features.
SAFe Product Manager (POPM): The Product Manager in SAFe has a broader strategic role and focuses on the overall strategy, vision, and market direction of the product or solution. They work with stakeholders to define and communicate the product's vision and strategy and make sure that the product is aligned with the organization's objectives. The POPM is responsible for defining the roadmap and high-level features, which are then elaborated upon by the Product Owner. They collaborate with Product Owners to ensure that the product backlog aligns with the strategic goals of the organization.