From One to Many: How to Build a Product Operations Team That Actually Works

Many Product Operations functions begin as a solo effort—a single person juggling data, processes, and stakeholder requests. Starting small and focused on high-impact pain points is the key to demonstrating value and gaining support.

One leader tackled the chaotic annual planning process by introducing a clear cadence and prioritization framework, earning quick wins that built credibility. With executive sponsorship secured, the team expanded thoughtfully.

Choosing the right team model is crucial. Embedded Product Operations roles work closely with individual product teams, enabling rapid feedback and alignment. Shared service models provide centralized expertise and consistency across multiple teams. Hybrid approaches blend these benefits depending on company size and culture.

Role specialization follows growth. Dedicated data analysts manage instrumentation and dashboards, customer insight leads handle research and feedback, and process managers oversee governance and operating models. Hiring cross-functionally ensures broad coverage of Product Operations pillars.

Continuous evaluation keeps the team agile, adapting to evolving challenges. Product Operations is a force multiplier, amplifying product teams’ impact and enabling better decisions.