“What Does a Project Manager Do?” Do you want an answer to this question? Project manager jobs are dynamic and varied, demanding a combination of leadership, organizational skills, and an ability for problem-solving. Hence, their leadership and organizational skills, combined with a deep understanding of the project’s complexities, ensure that the team works effectively to achieve success.
Therefore, here we will discuss the essential roles & responsibilities of a project manager. Keep Reading!
Make sure to check: 5 Best PMP Certification Online: Choose Right Certification in 2023
What is Project Manager?
A project manager is a professional responsible for organizing, planning, and executing projects while following limitations such as budgets and timelines. Hence, they manage teams, establish project objectives, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure project completion.
What Does a Project Manager Do?
What Does a Project Manager Do: A Project Manager plays a crucial role in planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed successfully.
Here are some of the core roles and responsibilities that define “What Does a Project Manager Do”
- Determining project objectives, requirements, and scope
- Creating, overseeing, and recording tasks at every stage of a project
- Guaranteeing the timely delivery of tasks, project deliverables, and materials
- Supervising all the resources required for project execution
- Maintaining transparent and efficient communication with project stakeholders in order to ensure they are updated on project developments
- Understanding and actively dealing with potential obstacles and risks
- Recording each project step using a variety of project management tools
- Ensuring exceptional quality and successful project outcomes
- Maintaining project documentation, including contracts, project plans, and other records, is important for tracking and auditing project progress
- They often conduct post-project evaluations to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in future projects
Essential Skills Required to Become a Project Manager
A project manager needs to possess both technical as well as soft skills. Here are some essential skills required to become a project manager:
1. Leadership:
Project managers must be able to lead and motivate their staff. Therefore, this includes setting a vision, providing direction, and managing conflicts.
2. Communication Skills:
Project managers need strong communication skills to interact with team members, stakeholders, and clients effectively. They must be able to convey ideas, requirements, and progress clearly and diplomatically.
3. Technical Skills:
Depending on the industry, project managers may need a solid understanding of the technical aspects of the project. This could include knowledge of software, engineering, or other specialized skills.
4. Interpersonal Skills:
Interpersonal skills enable collaboration, resolve conflicts, and maintain stakeholder relationships, ensuring a project manager’s success in complex projects.
5. Time Management:
Project managers must manage schedules, meet deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently. Good time management is essential to keep projects on track.
6. Organization Skills:
Strong organizational skills are required for an effortless workflow. Documentation, prioritization, multitasking, and breaking down difficult projects into stages are all essential components of organizational abilities.
7. Risk Management:
Understanding and managing risks is a key aspect of project management. Project managers should be able to assess potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
8. Negotiation Skills:
Negotiations with stakeholders, team members, and suppliers are common tasks for project managers. Strong negotiation skills can help in reaching agreements that benefit the project.
Qualifications for Project Managers
Qualifications for Project Managers can vary depending on the industry, organization, and specific project requirements. However, we can categorize these qualifications into two main areas: Education and Certification.
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business, engineering, IT, or project management, is often preferred. Some organizations may require a master’s degree such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Management (MSM).
Certification:
Many project managers pursue certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management), and PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) to show their knowledge and skills in project management.
Levels of Project Managers
Here are the different levels of project managers, each with different responsibilities and roles.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO):
The CEO is the highest-ranking executive in the organization and has ultimate authority over all projects. Hence, they may be involved in high-level decision-making and strategy.
Chief Operating Officer (COO):
They oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, which includes project management. They work closely with the Director of Project Management.
Director of Project Management:
The Director of Project Management is responsible for the overall management of the project management department. Therefore, they provide strategic direction, set departmental goals, and ensure that projects align with the organization’s objectives.
Senior Project Manager:
Senior Project Managers are experienced professionals responsible for managing complex projects. They often lead a team of Project Managers and ensure that projects are executed effectively.
Project Manager:
They are responsible for the planning, execution, and monitoring of individual projects. They work with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, and they report to the Senior Project Manager or the Director of Project Management.
Associate Project Manager:
They are typically less experienced project managers who assist in managing smaller projects or specific aspects of larger projects. They may be reporting to a Project Manager.
Assistant Project Manager:
Assistant Project Managers are entry-level professionals who provide support to Project Managers and Associate Project Managers. They may help with administrative tasks, coordination, and project documentation.
How Much Does A Project Manager Earn?
According to talent.com, the average annual salary of project managers ranges from $88,725 to $125,207 in Canada. Hence, The sectors with the highest pay are consultancy, resources, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage.
Job Prospects for Project Managers
As per PMI’s Job Growth and Talent Gap report, employers will need to hire 2.2 million new project management-focused positions annually until 2027. Job candidates with leadership and technical skills will be in high demand.
The PMI report predicts significant growth in project-related positions in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, information services, publishing, finance, insurance, and management/professional services.
You may also check: IT Project Management Jobs: Key Skills & Qualifications
Frequently Asked Questions
ANS: Yes, project managers are versatile and can work in various industries, including construction, IT, healthcare, and more.
ANS: Experience is helpful, but it’s not necessarily required. Hence, junior roles and internships are excellent ways for entry-level project managers to obtain experience while learning on the job.
ANS: A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing a project to ensure it meets its goals and objectives.
ANS: Common tools include project management software, Gantt charts, and communication platforms.
ANS: A Project Manager creates a project plan by defining goals, tasks, timelines, and assigning responsibilities.
