Roles of a Project Manager: What Does a Project Manager Do?

They say Rome wasn’t built in a day – but with an exceptional project manager, it might’ve been done more efficiently! While we can’t rewrite history, today’s exceptional project managers are reshaping the future. And according to PM stats, this kind of vision makes a project a success.

But what does a project manager do, exactly?

Do they navigate the tumultuous seas of corporate challenges like seasoned sailors charting a course through stormy weather and unpredictable currents? Do they function as the maestro of an intricate symphony, ensuring each section — from the softest woodwinds to the boldest brass — plays in harmony, achieving a masterpiece?

You could say that.

But if you need a little less poetic outline of the roles of a project manager, scroll a little further.

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What Does a Project Manager Do?

In the intricate web of a business project, the project manager is akin to the spider, deftly spinning and connecting every strand. Just as a spider sits at the center of her web, sensing every vibration and adjusting accordingly, a project manager stands at the nexus of vision and execution, transforming nebulous ideas into tangible outcomes.

Project managers oversee projects as they masterfully balance time, resources, and stakeholder expectations, skillfully navigating the intricacies of the project’s landscape to guide it toward its ultimate goals.

With a unique mix of technical acumen and interpersonal finesse, they’re the central node of the web, ensuring that every thread is taut, communication flows, and projects come to fruition.

And they do it all!

Project Managers Work and Duties

Just like Barbie, who’s donned countless hats ranging from astronaut to veterinarian, project managers embody versatility, juggling myriad roles and responsibilities in their multifaceted careers. Here are some of the duties of a great project manager:

• Setting Clear Goals: Much like a captain setting a course for a ship, a project manager defines the destination or end result of the project.
• Example: If the project is to launch a new website, the goal might be to increase user engagement by 50% in the next six months.
• Budget Management: Think of them as the treasurer of the project. They ensure money is spent wisely and keep track of every penny. Example: Allocating funds for website design, hosting, content creation, and marketing while ensuring the project doesn’t exceed its budget.
• Risk Assessment: Like a weatherman predicting a storm, they foresee possible challenges and prepare for them. Example: Identifying that a key software update might delay the website launch and planning a workaround.
• Team Allocation: Think of them as a coach, deciding which player plays which position. They assign roles based on team members’ strengths. Example: Assigning a creative writer for content creation and a tech-savvy person for website backend management.
• Feedback Implementation: They’re the middleman between the client’s wishes and the team’s actions. If the client isn’t happy, they figure out how to make it right. Example: If a client finds the website’s color scheme too dull, the project manager works with the design team to brighten it up.

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Decoding the Role of a Project Manager

In the dynamic landscape of project management, the project manager acts as the crucial middleman, bridging the gap between the client’s wishes and the team’s actions. If a client expresses dissatisfaction, say, finding a website’s color scheme too subdued, the project manager collaborates with the design team to add a splash of vibrancy. Their role doesn’t end there; much like a diligent school teacher ensuring assignments are turned in punctually, they maintain a strict timeline for the project.

Through measures like weekly check-ins, they guarantee that every phase, like a website’s development, remains on course for its target launch date. Before any project sees the light of day, the project manager takes on the mantle of the final inspector, meticulously combing through the end product—be it a website or any other deliverable—to identify and rectify any bugs or inconsistencies, ensuring it meets the highest standards.”

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The Skillset of a Successful Project Manager

Being a successful project manager requires a unique blend of both technical skills and knowledge and soft skills. While a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science or an industry-related field, provides foundational knowledge, continuous learning and upskilling are crucial.

The Art of Active Listening: Beyond just hearing what team members and stakeholders say, a project manager truly listens, discerning the unsaid needs and sentiments. Like a therapist, they decode what’s being communicated both overtly and covertly.

Foresight & Intuition: The best project managers often have an uncanny ability to predict potential pitfalls or disruptions. It’s almost as if they possess a sixth sense, guiding projects around unseen obstacles.

Empathy-driven Leadership: More than just managing tasks, leading with empathy means understanding individual team members’ motivations, challenges, and aspirations. This skill transforms a mundane project into a shared mission for experienced project managers.

Cultural Intelligence: In an interconnected world, projects often span continents. A project manager with cultural intelligence navigates diverse teams, ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Lifelong Learner’s Mindset: Beyond degrees and certifications, most project managers have an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Whether it’s a new software tool, a philosophical approach, or lessons from history, they’re always eager to learn and grow.

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Career Pathways in Project Management

The world of project management offers a plethora of opportunities. From IT to construction, the demand for skilled project managers is ever-present. Here are some options:

• General Project Management (Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Director of Project Management)
• Construction and Real Estate Project Management (Construction Project Manager, Real Estate Development Project Manager, Facilities Project Manager)
• Healthcare Project Management (Clinical Project Manager, Healthcare IT Project Manager)
• Energy & Utilities Project Management: (Utilities Project Manager, Renewable Energy Project Manager)
• Technical/IT Project Management (Technical Project Lead, Agile Project Manager, Scrum Master)

• Finance & Banking Project Management (Financial Project Manager, Mergers and Acquisitions Project Manager)
• Government & Public Sector Project Management (Public Sector Project Manager, Government Contract Project Manager)
• Research & Development Project Management (R&D Project Manager, Pharmaceutical Project Manager
• Non-Profit & Social Impact Project Management, Marketing Project Management, Event and Hospitality Project Management, and Consulting & Strategic Initiatives roles.

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Types of Project Management Professional Roles

Want to know more about the type of role that enables project managers to work and do well in the field? Here are some of our top pics for specific shoes that good project managers often fill.

Software Development Project Manager

In the realm of software development, a project manager oversees and guides the software development process from concept to completion. They’re responsible for understanding project requirements, assembling the right team, allocating tasks, and ensuring that milestones and deadlines are met.

By acting as a bridge between technical teams and stakeholders, they help ensure that the software meets the desired quality and functional standards. Additionally, they manage budgets, anticipate and mitigate risks, and handle any issues or changes that arise during the development process.

Average salary of a Software Development Project Manager: $80,000 – $120,000

Construction Project Manager

A construction project manager is the orchestrator of construction projects, ensuring they transition smoothly from blueprint to finished structure. They are pivotal in understanding project blueprints, assembling the right crew, setting timelines, and ensuring that all stages of construction meet quality standards. Acting as a conduit between architects, engineers, and on-ground construction teams, they guarantee that the building aligns with design intentions and client requirements.

Average salary of a Construction Project Manager: $70,000 – $110,000

HR Project Manager

An HR project manager oversees human resources initiatives, ensuring they’re executed efficiently and align with company goals. They design and implement HR-related projects, such as recruitment drives, training programs, or benefits rollouts. Acting as a bridge between human resource teams and other departments, they ensure projects stay on track and meet set timelines and budgets. In essence, an HR project manager is pivotal in streamlining HR processes and fostering positive change within an organization.

Average salary of an HR Project Manager: $65,000 – $100,000

Marketing Project Manager

In the dynamic world of marketing, project managers oversee campaigns, product launches, and other marketing initiatives. They coordinate with creative teams, advertisers, and other stakeholders, ensuring that marketing projects achieve their desired objectives and reach the target audience effectively.

Average salary of a Marketing Project Manager: $60,000 – $95,000

IT Project Manager

IT project managers are at the forefront of technology projects. Whether it’s implementing a new IT infrastructure, rolling out a new technology solution, or ensuring cybersecurity, they ensure that IT projects are executed without hitches and deliver maximum value.

Average salary of an IT Project Manager: $85,000 – $125,000

Healthcare Project Manager

In the healthcare sector, project managers play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare projects, be it research, hospital management, or patient care initiatives, are executed seamlessly. They liaise between medical professionals, researchers, and administrative staff, ensuring that projects align with healthcare standards and regulations.

Average salary of a Healthcare Project Manager: $75,000 – $115,000

In the dynamic world of project management, roles and responsibilities might differ, but the potential for competitive remuneration remains a constant. Project manager salaries often mirror the expertise, experience, and specific demands of the sector. As businesses increasingly recognize the pivotal role project managers play, their compensation packages have become more attractive.

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Tips to Become a Project Manager

Embarking on a career in project management is both challenging and rewarding. As businesses across various industries recognize the importance of structured project management, the demand for skilled project managers is on the rise. Here are some tips to guide you on your journey to becoming a successful project manager:

1. Pursue Relevant Education

While many project managers come from diverse educational backgrounds, having a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business management, computer science, or an industry-related field, can provide a solid foundation. For those looking to further bolster their credentials, pursuing a master’s degree in project management or a related discipline can be beneficial.

2. Gain Practical Experience

Theory and practice often go hand in hand. Before stepping into a project manager role, it’s beneficial to gain experience in roles that are closely related. This could be as a team lead, a project coordinator, or even a team member on a project. Such experiences provide insights into the day-to-day challenges of managing projects.

3. Obtain Certifications

Certifications, especially from reputed institutions like the Project Management Institute (PMI), can significantly enhance your credibility in the field. Certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) are globally recognized and can open doors to a plethora of job opportunities. To ensure you get your certifications on your first try, you should consider getting one of the best PMP prep courses that will pay for itself quickly once you are certified.

4. Develop Essential Skills

Beyond technical knowledge, a project manager must possess a blend of soft and hard skills. Communication skills, leadership skills, and conflict resolution are just as crucial as understanding project management software or methodologies.

5. Network Actively

Building a strong professional network can be invaluable. Joining organizations like the Project Management Institute, attending seminars, workshops, and networking events can provide opportunities to meet industry experts, learn about the latest trends, and even discover job opportunities.

6. Stay Updated

The world of project management is ever-evolving. Whether it’s new methodologies, tools, or best practices, staying updated is crucial. Regularly attending training sessions, webinars, or even online courses can help in this regard.

7. Seek Mentorship

Having a mentor, especially someone experienced in project management, can provide guidance, insights, and even introduce you to industry best practices. They can offer valuable advice, share their experiences, and guide you through the challenges of the profession.

8. Cultivate a Problem-Solving Mindset

Project managers often encounter challenges and unforeseen issues. Cultivating a problem-solving mindset, where you proactively identify potential risks and devise strategies to mitigate them, is crucial for project success.

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