[jf22]

There are a lot of variations of EM.

Think of an EM role as being like a moldable puzzle piece.

In your case, it sounds like EMs are molded to be project managers.

It's hard to know if that's right or wrong from your reply because we're missing the context of why the EM does spring planning.

If the EM needs to fill a project management void for reasons then that's what the EM needs to do.

Pods or verticle teams could work if they could work in your team or company. I know that sounds like a tautology, but it's true. There is no universally better team, process, or culture structure as it's all contextual to the people, team, company, and product you're creating.