What comes after Builder, from a career perspective?

[throwawaybbq1]

Hi HN,

I used to be a hard-core, passionate builder/hacker. Would build stuff all the time. Post a PhD and many years of corporate life, I don't build directly myself. I have a team of excellent hackers that work with me (I am a line manager) and unlike other line managers in my company, I co-create, get into the weeds, provide ideas, feedback, intuition and experience.

So what am I? I don't know if builder is the right word. I still see myself as the creator .. I am the one who thought of a brand new idea, I came up with the blocks and I work with my team to do the actual "building".

I am asking because there might be a different word than builder that describes me. I don't know if product designer, architect or leader would be the correct word. Leader seems like the right word but I know great leaders that are super hands off.

[tyroh]

In my team, the role is a Lead who essentially leads the creation process, like you're doing. They do PoCs, R&D and technical requirements while also guiding the ICs in building out the product.

Seems like Director would be a good fit as well if you're in a more advanced stage of your career.