IT Project Manager
What is the work like?
IT project managers oversee the development of computer systems to meet a client's business needs, making sure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
As an IT project manager, you may work for a company specialising in IT, or for any organisation that relies heavily on IT systems. Projects can vary widely in size and type. Examples range from managing the installation of a new patient record system in a hospital, to upgrading the phone network in a call centre.
As an IT project manager your duties would include:
- finding out what the client wants from their IT systems
- planning project stages and assessing the business implications for each one
- putting together and coordinating the work of the project team, for example analysts and developers
- monitoring progress and making sure costs, timescales and quality standards meet agreed targets
- adjusting plans to cater for unforeseen circumstances
- making sure there is a smooth changeover from the old IT system to a new one
- keeping senior managers and clients up to date with progress
- signing off and evaluating completed tasks.
You would use various project management methods and software to put your plans into place.
As a senior project manager, you would work with management teams, shaping project strategy, managing large-scale and high-risk projects, controlling overall costs and managing relationships with project partners.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will usually need several years' relevant experience, preferably backed up with formal qualifications, such as a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate qualification in computing or project management. Qualifications in information systems or related areas would also be acceptable, as would a business-related degree with technical options.
You may be able to move into project management if you are already working as an IT professional and have taken on some responsibility for project development. You could also work in the IT field if you have project management skills from another industry and some technical knowledge.
You may find it useful to have an understanding of methods and tools, such as PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) or project management software, but it is not always essential. Experience of managing projects is usually considered more important by companies, as they can provide you with any specific training once you are working for them.
For information on PRINCE2 and software training, see the Association for Project Management (APM) and PRINCE2 websites.
See the websites for the APM, British Computer Society and e-skills UK for more details about this career, qualifications and training providers
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, the type of training you do will depend on whether you are already an IT professional or you have come from a business background with project management experience.
You could work towards professional qualifications at various levels from one of the following organisations:
- Association for Project Management (APM)
- Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB)
- Project Management Institute (PMI).
The PMI is a US based organisation that uses slightly different methods to the UK professional bodies. If you are working for a US company in the UK or EU you may be expected to take their qualifications. This also applies if you are looking to work in the US.
See each organisation’s website below for more information about their qualifications and training.
You could also choose to study part-time for a project management degree or postgraduate qualification whilst you are working, or you could work towards NVQs at levels 4 and 5 in Project Management or Business Improvement Techniques.
You will find more information about professional development options on the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website. This has been developed by industry bodies and employers and allows IT professionals to identify career skills and development options.
Where can I go for more information?
1 Castle LaneLondon
SW1E 6DR
Cottingham Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 1TT
Tel: 01536 204222
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 3AE
Tel: 0845 458 1944
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries for new entrants range between £24,000 and £29,000.
- For experienced managers this rises to between £31,500 and £40,000.
- Senior project managers can earn upwards of £45,000 a year.
Salaries depend on the type of role and the scale of the project. Additional benefits such as bonuses may be available based on successfully meeting completion dates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work normal office hours, Monday to Friday but overtime may be necessary depending on deadlines.
Your work would be mainly office based although there would be some travel to visit clients at their premises.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent organisational and leadership skills
- excellent problem-solving skills
- the ability to understand complex information and assess requirements
- a methodical and structured approach to projects
- excellent written and spoken communication skills
- excellent IT skills
- a flexible approach to work
- a good understanding of business demands
- the ability to work effectively with other professionals
- the ability to work within budget limits
- excellent time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
What opportunities are there?
Opportunities for IT project managers are growing as more companies use computerised information systems to manage and develop their operations. You can also find work overseas, especially if you are working for a multi-national company.
With further training and experience, you may be able to move into departmental management duties or progress to more strategic roles like operations management.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
ITJobsWatch
ComputerWeekly
Computing Careers
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