Project Manager
What is the work like?
As a project manager, it would be your job to plan and manage all kinds of business projects, and make sure they are completed on time and within budget.
You could work in almost any kind of industry, from overseeing a large building project to introducing a new computer system to a company. Your tasks would typically include:
- finding out what the client or company wants to achieve
- agreeing the timescales, costs and resources needed
- drawing up a detailed plan for how to achieve each stage of the project
- selecting and leading a project team
- negotiating with contractors and suppliers for materials and services
- making sure that each stage of the project is progressing on time, on budget and to the right quality standards
- reporting regularly on progress to the client or to senior managers.
Part of your work would involve using particular project management methods such as PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) or PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) to break down the project into stages and monitor its progress. You would also use specialised computer software to help with tasks like scheduling, costing, and risk analysis.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You could take various routes to becoming a project manager. Many project managers are qualified to degree or postgraduate level, either in project management or a subject relevant to their industry. Others become project managers on the strength of their experience – they might start as a member of the project support team, or manage smaller projects as part of another job.
A background in one of the following areas is likely to be especially useful for developing project management skills:
- business
- management
- construction
- engineering
- accountancy
- science and technology.
You may have an advantage with a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate qualification in project management. Other useful subjects include business and management, IT or construction management, particularly if your course included relevant work placements. Check the exact entry requirements with colleges or universities.
It can be an advantage to know PRINCE2 and specialist software like MS Project or Workbench before you apply for project management work, although this is not always essential if you can demonstrate enough relevant skills and experience.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually develop your project management knowledge and skills on the job. Your employer may provide some training in PRINCE2 or relevant software packages if necessary.
For information on PRINCE2 and where to get training, see the Association for Project Management and the Office of Government Commerce PRINCE2 websites.
You could work towards professional qualifications at various levels from one of the following organisations:
- Association for Project Management (APM)
- Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) – for project management in the IT industry.
See each organisation’s website for more information on their qualifications and training.
You could 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. If you hold NVQs at levels 4 or 5 you can apply for membership of APM.
There are NVQs at levels 3 to 5 for project management in construction or building services engineering. If you worked in the engineering or manufacturing sectors, you may find it useful to work towards NVQ levels 2 to 5 in Business Improvement Techniques.
Where can I go for more information?
Cottingham Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 1TT
Tel: 01536 204222
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 3AE
Tel: 0845 458 1944
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 depend on experience, the industry and the size and type of project. There may be extra bonuses for meeting deadlines.
- Earnings are usually between £25,000 and £50,000 a year.
- Top salaries can reach £80,000 or more.
- Freelance project managers may be paid around £300 to £400 a day.
Figures are intended as guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours may vary according to your industry and the type of project. Typical hours would be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you may occasionally need to work longer in order to meet deadlines.
You would usually be office-based, but may spend some of your time attending meetings or visiting contractors and suppliers. If working on building projects, you would visit construction sites on a regular basis. Some jobs may involve travel and spending time away from home.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
- logical thinking with creative problem-solving ability
- great attention to detail
- good communication and negotiation skills
- understanding of budget control
- the ability to work well with others and lead a team
- a good understanding of business
- technical skills relevant to the project
- good IT skills.
What opportunities are there?
You can work as a project manager in almost any industry, including construction, IT, sales and marketing, manufacturing and the public sector.
You could be employed directly by a company, or by a firm of project management consultants. Freelance contracts for each project are common, or you may have a permanent contract with your employer.
Jobs may be advertised in the local and national press, and in specialist publications and recruitment agencies for various industries.
With experience, you could progress into senior management or become a freelance consultant.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
Project Magazine
Project Recruit
PM Today
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