Project Manager

Think of a good project manager as the glue holding together the chaos of a busy organization. They ensure that projects are not just dreams, but tangible results delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Effective project management is the key ingredient that drives efficiency, mitigates risks and keeps everyone—from stakeholders to team members—aligned in thinking.

It's important to know that projects now make up 20-25% of the global GDP (US$25 trillion), meaning if you're not in project management yet, you likely will be soon!

So, what exactly does a project manager do? Picture them as the conductor of an orchestra, but instead of instruments, they're orchestrating tasks, timelines, budgets and resources. A project manager plans, executes, and closes projects, making sure every element aligns perfectly to hit the project's goals. They're the go-to person who keeps everything on track, solves problems, and ensures everyone is in sync.

So, what’s on a project manager’s to-do list? Here are the core responsibilities that make their job both challenging and rewarding:

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Coordinate and manage project resources and team members.
• Monitor project progress and performance, ensuring adherence to plans.
• Identify and manage project risks and issues.
• Communicate with stakeholders, providing regular updates and reports.
• Ensure quality standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Close projects, ensuring all objectives are met, operational handover is completed and stakeholders are satisfied.

To juggle all these responsibilities, a project manager needs a toolbox packed with a variety of skills. Here’s a look at the must-haves:

• Leadership: Project managers are tasked with inspiring and guiding multidisciplinary teams towards achieving project goals.
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and expectations to stakeholders and team members is fundamental. Handling conflict? That's just another day at the office for them, seamlessly resolving issues as part of their core responsibilities.
• Organisation and Time Management: Project managers require stellar organizational skills—working smoothly with other departments, hitting deadlines, delegating tasks, and managing projects in a fast-paced setting.
• Problem-Solving: Proactively tackling challenges and finding effective solutions is crucial. The goal is to prevent issues before they arise and continuously improve areas pre-emptively.
• Risk Management: An exceptional project manager can identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. They also need to assess and evaluate situations, making solid, risk-free decisions grounded in sound reasoning. They use logic to challenge ideas and assumptions lacking evidence.

A successful project manager is more than just a technical skillset; they embody certain traits that set them apart. Here are some characteristics that make a project manager truly stand out:

• Adaptability: Being flexible and open to change.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in project activities.
• Decisiveness: Making informed decisions promptly.
• Empathy: Understanding and addressing the needs of team members and stakeholders.
• Integrity: Maintaining honesty and ethical standards.
• Patience: Remaining calm and composed under pressure.
• Resilience: Overcoming setbacks and maintaining momentum.
• Vision: Keeping the big picture in mind while managing project details.

Before we explore the differences between project and programme managers, let's first clarify the difference between a project and a programme. A project is like baking a cake—it has a clear start and end, specific ingredients (resources), a recipe (plan), and a finished product (deliverable).

A programme, on the other hand, is more like running a bakery. It involves overseeing multiple related projects to achieve long-term business goals. Programmes are all about strategic alignment and delivering continuous value over time. For a comprehensive comparison of project vs programme, you can refer to APMG’s article on The Difference Between a Project and a Program.

While a project manager focuses on the success of individual projects, a programme manager looks at the bigger picture, ensuring all projects align with the organization's strategic objectives.

• Project Managers need to concentrate on the deliverables of their project and project team, ensuring that they are achieved within specific cost, resource allocation and time constraints.
• Program Managers should be comfortable with being less hands-on and must have a clear vision of the benefits the program will achieve.

The key to successful program and project management practices within an organization is for everyone to recognize and understand the unique pressures experienced by their coworkers.

So, if you're a Project Manager, we recommend diving into the world of Program Management—you'll gain a whole new perspective. And Program Managers, take a moment to walk in the shoes of Project Managers; it'll give you invaluable insights into their day-to-day challenges. This mutual understanding and technical know-how is the key to a harmonious and effective team.

Now, let's change things up with a bit of project management lingo. A Project Manager approaches an Agile project like a surfer, riding the waves of change with agility and finesse.

Agile project management delivers projects in small, iterative cycles, leading the team with a light touch and not imposing detailed project plans on the development process. They embrace a facilitative style, guiding the project with a gentle hand rather than an iron fist. This approach allows for flexibility, quick adjustments, and continuous improvement.

In contrast, traditional project management is more like running a marathon, sticking to a well-planned, linear path from start to finish. Traditional projects thrive on a "command and control" approach to success, meticulously laying out tasks and processes. With a focus on upfront planning, they aim to craft a detailed project blueprint right from the start. The Project Manager role in traditional projects revolves around task distribution and keeping a close eye on individual contributions, ensuring every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly and continuously aligns to the original plan.

For a deeper dive into the Agile Project Manager role, check out our blog on what does an agile project manager do.

Let’s talk numbers. According to the Association for Project Management (APM), the UK average project manager salary holds steady at £47,500 (US$60,000). As the cost of living has surged in recent years, some argue that these salaries are losing real value. To attract and retain top talent, there's a growing need for higher compensation. 

London currently offer the highest salaries for project manager jobs. Notably, the number of project professionals in the South-East earning over £70,000 (US$88,500) now rivals those in the capital.

APM states that despite the stable average salary, 65% of project managers saw a pay increase in 2022. This underscores project management's appeal as a rewarding career choice, with the percentage of high earners (£70,000+) rising slightly from 20% to 22%. Additionally, average salaries for apprentices and trainees have seen an impressive 11% uptick.

So, you’re thinking of becoming a project manager? Great choice!

Typically, this journey involves a mix of education, experience, and certifications. Many good project managers will start with a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field. If that's not your background, don't worry. Gaining hands-on experience in project management roles and pursuing relevant certifications can significantly boost your career prospects.

Do I really need a certification? Certifications are a powerful way to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, positioning you as a standout candidate for your next career move. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[NK1]  forecasts a 6% growth in project management jobs from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the average for all occupations. With approximately 68,100 new openings for project management specialists in the US expected annually, now is the time to secure some of the most recognized APMG certifications to enhance your resume:

• AgilePM (Agile Project Management): Prepares participants to adopt and apply the world's leading framework for managing Agile projects.
• Praxis Framework: A modern certification, offering an all-encompassing framework that integrates knowledge, methodology, competence, and capability.
• Half Double: A cutting-edge approach that emphasizes impact, flow, and leadership to drive exceptional project results and value.

To explore a more extensive list of project manager certifications, take a look at our article on what is the best project management certification.

For those who prefer learning visually, APMG has released a series of insightful project management videos through their “Level Up” series. In this video, we dive into the world of project management, covering everything from entry-level roles and soft skills to certifications and PM communities. Aspiring project managers will find a treasure trove of practical tips and insights. For those interested in certifications, be sure to check out the section at 00:24:30 It's packed with valuable advice.