Project Manager Job Description

The project manager job description includes planning, executing and wrapping up projects that may be outside the scope of regular company business. Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project and must supervise all employees assigned to the task. The ultimate goal of any project is to complete the task on time, on budget, and fulfill any other criteria the company sets. Projects may involve analysis of internal company operations, a special construction project outside the scope of normal operations, or involve informational technology. Most successful managers undergo certification and project manager professional (PMP) training because many of the goals and procedures for successful projects follow an identifiable pattern that can be successfully taught.

Quality control and change management are inherent demands all managers must face when managing a project. Managers must strive to compensate when unforeseen circumstances threaten a project’s timetable or budget. Such changes could include personnel problems, rate hikes by suppliers, changes requested by clients, or natural disasters. The project manager job description assigns these events as manager responsibilities, and managers must make every effort to minimize disruptions changes may require in the scope of a project.

A Detailed Project Manager Job Description

Administrators have complete oversight on all aspects of the project. Managers are usually brought into the planning stage, but they could be assigned projects that are already planned and must be implemented. The following are some of the duties managers routinely perform.

• Managers must oversee project development from the planning stages to completion, including analysis afterward.
• Managers supervise all personnel assigned to the task, and they must ensure that people are assigned productively.
• Project administrators must respond to changes to identify alternate suppliers, reassign personnel, or cut the budget in other areas to compensate for cost overruns.
• Administrators must communicate effectively with personnel and upper management on a regular basis to explain the progress being made.
• The project manager job description requires administrators to negotiate for additional personnel or resources if absolutely necessary.
• Managers must plan interim timetables to ensure projects remain on schedule.
• Most project administrators must work with project-managing software, including software for implementing changes. This software helps identify what effect changes in one area will have on other aspects of the undertaking.
• Managers must deal with clients on occasion and reassure them that satisfactory progress is being made.
• Administrators must deal with personnel problems by coaching, mentoring and supervising company personnel and outside contractors.

PMP Careers Provide Rewarding Challenges

Management professionals might lead thousands of people to accomplish a multimillion dollar project, or they could be assigned a simple task such as ensuring bathrooms stay well-stocked at all times. All projects should be approached as jobs that can have a positive effect on careers. The project manager job description includes opportunities for advancement. When projects run efficiently, administrators benefit.

Good managers must exhibit many skills, and the result of success is career advancement. Managers might be assigned to more demanding projects in the future or secure a supervisory position over many projects. Skilled administrators can easily command salaries of $100,000 annually or higher.

PMP Qualifications

Project management training is solid career advice. Administrators must have good communication skills, and must have the knowledge and skills relevant to the project. Some fields require a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree, but others do not. Experience on the job is often the most important characteristic. Modern projects often involve information technology, and a solid background in IT can enhance the resume. Computer savvy and experience with many software applications are also a tremendous benefit.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers an exam that is globally recognized as the standard for certification of project administrators. The project manager job description finds that certification proves that personnel have the training, education, experience and general competency to administer complex projects. Certified personnel are paid on average 10-percent higher salaries than non-certified employees.

People who wish to sit for the project management exam must have a four-year degree and three years of experience in managing projects. People without a degree may qualify with greater on-the-job experience, but must have a high school diploma or GED equivalency certificate. People unable to meet these requirements can study for an associate’s degree in project management.

Training for the certification exam can be taken in person or online at the student’s own pace. Even managers who qualify may benefit by taking classes to update their skills and prepare them for the complex exam. Preparation for the exam involves studying the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) textbook. The book is updated regularly to incorporate new knowledge and techniques relevant to the field. The project manager job description states that managers must be fully prepared to lead and manage people to accomplish projects on time and within the allotted budget. Training can benefit any manager by increasing the skills needed for successful project completion.