How to Find Remote and Part-Time Product Management Jobs
For those trying to gain exposure to PM or who require more flexibility in a role, this article will walk you through five ways to search for remote and/or part-time product management positions.
Posted April 12, 2024
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Product management is a field that is only becoming more and more in demand. It exists at the intersection of many different business functions, including engineering, design, and operations, among others.
There are an increasing number of established product management programs. For those who have recently graduated from university, associate product management (APM) programs are very popular for their high levels of prestige and compensation, as well as interesting work.
However, these programs usually require a lengthy time commitment and have specific qualifications for hires. One way to gain product management experience in a more flexible way is to find remote and/or part-time PM roles. These can be tricky to find, though, so we’ll walk you through some of the best methods for finding ones that fit your candidacy.
Interested in becoming a PM? Read The 25 Best Entry-Level Associate Product Management (APM) Programs. Also, put in your email below and we’ll send you a free PM resume guide, complete with sample resumes from product managers at top companies like Salesforce, Meta, Apple, and more.
With that, let’s jump in.
Product Management Resume Guide
Download our free PM resume guide with real examples from product leaders at top companies.
5 Ways to Find Flexible PM Roles
#1: Network
Arguably, the absolute best way for you to find product management jobs is to leverage your personal networks. This doesn’t necessarily mean only the people you know right now; LinkedIn and other networking tools will allow you to find people you are related to through others or who have a similar background. Use these tools to connect with those in a PM field you are interested in, who are at a company that you’d like to work for, or who you’d think could have valuable information.
Bear in mind that when you are trying to gain exposure to a new industry, it can be beneficial to start small. For example, you may find that interning or volunteering for a start-up will provide you with direct PM experience in a more intimate setting. You’ll learn more direct and relevant skills, gain experience to put on a resume, and make connections. For this reason, networking can be even more valuable because you’ll find out about positions that aren’t listed on any job site.
If you’re a more experienced PM and are looking for remote work, ask those in your network if their companies are hiring and what the location flexibility looks like.
So, how specifically do you go about networking to find these roles? Start with a general LinkedIn search for “product management.” Immediately, you’ll find a “People” section that shows all the first through third connections who have PM listed on their profiles. You’ll be able to see the companies that they work for as well.
Look through them and see if there are any who are working with something you find interesting. Spend time researching the companies you’re unfamiliar with, especially the first and second connections with whom you’ll have an easier time getting in the door. If there is someone working for a company whose product you like or who is in a more leadership role, ask to have a short conversation. Then, you can see if they have any open part-time positions or could use a few hours of help a week.
#2: Job Boards
The more obvious way to find these kinds of roles is on job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, Upwork, LinkedIn, etc. Many of these now have advanced filters that will help you narrow search results to your specifications. For example, below we have selected only remote and part-time roles. You can also choose your experience level, salary estimate, and more.
This option is a good choice for more traditional candidates, especially those with relevant experience who will have a better chance of applying within large pools of candidates.
Product Management Coach Recommendations
The best way to prepare for any product management application, interview, networking event, etc. is to work with an expert who has already gone through the process. On Leland, we have 250+ career coaches who will help you reach any of your personal or professional goals. Below are some of our top PM coaches, who have worked at Facebook/Meta, LinkedIn, and Square, but you can browse all of them here.
#3: Career Centers
If you’re still in school–either undergrad or graduate–one of the best ways to find a PM role is to go through your institution’s career center. Often, they will have inside access to opportunities that aren’t available to outside candidates.
Some centers also offer work experiences through the school for class credit. Most of the time, these are remote as well to accommodate your class schedule. Set up an appointment with your designated career counselor as they will have the most up-to-date information on potential opportunities.
#4: Coworking Spaces
Nowadays, coworking offices like WeWork, Impact Hub, Spaces, Regus, MindSpace, etc… are very popular for startups and smaller companies. If you have one in your area, ask to advertise your availability with them. There is a high likelihood that one of the companies in that space could use some extra hands.
#5: Build a Product
One of the best ways to learn about a product is to own one. Have you had a business idea swimming around in the back of your mind? Or, maybe you have a friend who’s thinking about building a product? Whatever the case, by starting from scratch, you’ll learn about every part of a product’s lifecycle, gain real product management experience, and have something very unique to put on your resume.
Now, depending on your personal situation, this may not be possible. However, this idea doesn’t need to be as high of stakes as you’d think. Imagine a more “lemonade stand” idea, something small that you can work on in your free time, that isn’t useless but also doesn’t need to be the next billion-dollar product.
What’s Next?
Once you’ve found a potential role, depending on its formality, you may have to go through the interview process. See our coaches who can help with case interview prep here. Also, read Tips from an Expert: How to Prepare For Your Product Management Interview.
