What does an IT project manager do?
Published on 24 July 13
William
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The term "project management" is something that is more or less ubiquitous in modern business. It covers a range of disciplines and is considered essential to the smooth running of contract deliverables. Despite this generally accepted description, there is often a degree of confusion about what constitutes a project manager's role.
In actual fact, the basics are quite simple. A project manager will oversee the running of a specific project, ensuring that every aspect of it is completed from start to finish to the employer’s satisfaction. Project management is a role that is often seen on job boards for IT vacancies. The project manager will need to have knowledge of a number of different aspects of business such as finance and marketing as well as knowledge of IT and the systems being used.
Individual tasks for the project manager
The type of work to be carried out will depend upon the type of project, but could include features such as integration management, which deals with the direction the project is taking, scope management which covers the planning aspect of the project; and time and cost management as the individual concerned will also be responsible for a budget.
During a typical working day the project manager will need to wear various metaphorical hats. These include HR manager as they will be responsible for the staff working with them and quality manager as the quality of the whole process will rest with them. The manager will need to be working to identify any risks in the project and have contingency plans in place to ensure that the work will not be stopped unnecessarily at any point in the process.
Project managers are not expected to do all of the work by themselves - although if things go wrong they can be held accountable. There is specific training available in project management and qualifications can be helpful when applying for positions through IT recruitment agencies, although previous experience is invaluable. A combination of the two is the best option.
Within the IT industry, project management could include overseeing the installation and commissioning of new IT systems, the move to new offices and other large-scale events within a company. For any company it is important to have an experienced person on hand who can take control of every aspect of a project and bring it to fruition.
Potential earnings for the project manager
For the project manager, technologies industries such as IT have great potential when it comes to earnings. The average starting salary for a project manager in the IT industry (June 2013) was -£52.5k. A small proportion of project managers could expect to earn in excess of -£70k each year. As the project manager has many different responsibilities the salary will reflect this.
Project management is a very good skill to have and there is an increasing demand around the country. It showcases a diverse range of abilities and a successfully delivered project reflects well on the individual in charge of it. IT recruitment agencies are seeing a large number of roles becoming available and the opportunities for progression are ideal for those who want to move forwards with their careers.
This article was written by Richard Deeley , a former Projects Director for an IT Company and now works as a freelance consultant for Randstad UK.
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