What is the primary job of the Product Manager when considering the Architectural Runway?

The primary job of the Product Manager concerning the Architectural Runway is ensuring that sufficient capacity is allocated to Enablers. This responsibility is crucial because Enablers represent the technical work necessary to support future user stories, and they enable teams to extend the architecture, improve infrastructure, and build the capabilities needed for future features.

By ensuring that adequate capacity is allocated to Enablers, the Product Manager helps maintain a balance between delivering new features and keeping the system robust and adaptable. This strategic approach allows development teams to avoid technical debt and ensures that the architectural components are in place to support evolving customer needs or business requirements.

This allocation of capacity supports a steady flow of work through the Agile Release Train (ART) and allows teams to address foundational needs without disrupting the delivery of valuable features. In doing so, the Product Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the health and longevity of the system while enabling the organization to innovate and respond to market changes effectively.