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How To Become A Project Manager: A Step-By-Step Guide

Updated: Apr 16, 2024, 10:41am

Project management is among the most valuable skill sets in the current job landscape, but a persistent talent gap in the field means that there are not enough candidates with the right skills to meet the global demand for project managers.

This indicates a talent gap in the project management field, meaning there are not enough candidates with the right skills to meet this high demand.

As such, competent managers who can oversee projects throughout their life cycles are at a premium in the modern workplace. Read on to learn more about how to become a project manager.

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What Is a Project Manager?

According to a 2021 report by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the main professional organization in the industry, employers must hire approximately 2.3 million project management professionals every year to meet demand by 2030. Let’s explore what it takes to succeed in this high-demand occupation.

Skills for Project Managers

• Analysis. Above all else, project managers are decision makers. They must make choices about staffing, budgeting and scheduling. It takes an analytical mind to make these decisions, as project managers must constantly evaluate and reevaluate a project’s unique circumstances to determine the best course of action.
• Communication. Project managers are also delegators who figure out how to best use each team member’s skills to achieve desired outcomes. As such, project managers must effectively communicate with employees and teammates. Effective managers can clearly articulate a project’s goals and each team member’s role in accomplishing those goals.
• Critical thinking. Critical thinking goes hand in hand with analysis. Managers must objectively analyze situations, consider all pertinent information and make the best decision for the overall project.
• Organization. Most projects consist of various moving parts. Project managers must feel comfortable juggling disparate components like scheduling, staffing, budgeting and payroll all while keeping one eye on the project’s ultimate strategic goals.
• People skills. Project managers spend their days interacting with clients, team members and employees. They must be able to motivate people to achieve a shared goal and have empathy to understand their team members.
• Problem solving. Throughout projects, problems inevitably arise. The best project managers can take these obstacles in stride and decide how to overcome them and move forward toward their goals.
• Time management. Project management is all about achieving the desired outputs within the agreed-upon timeframe. The best project managers can keep their projects on schedule even in the face of unforeseen obstacles and issues.

How To Become a Project Manager

Earn a bachelor’s degree.

A project management degree is not always required for jobs and certification in the field. However, it is much easier for bachelor’s degree-holders to earn PMI certification .

Common majors for project managers include bachelor’s degrees in project management , business and related fields. Aspiring project managers who plan to work in a specific field like health services or information technology often pursue a bachelor’s degree in that field.

Determine Your Specialization

Some project managers are generalists who work in all business-related fields and are comfortable executing projects for clients in a variety of industries. However, many project managers choose to focus on fields like construction, real estate, information technology, sustainability and transportation.

Having a defined specialization may make it easier to find jobs in the field.

Pursue Certification

PMI is the primary organization offering professional certifications in project management. The institute offers certifications in a wide variety of specialties.

Many entry-level project managers pursue PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® designation, which demonstrates a foundational skill set in the field.

In addition to the CAPM certification, many professionals pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, which demonstrates mastery and excellence in the field. Keep in mind that PMP certification requires 36 to 60 months of professional project management experience depending on your educational background.

PMI’s other certifications also have unique educational and professional requirements, so make sure to check the institute’s website for the most up-to-date information. Also check out our guides on how to get PMP certification and CAPM certification requirements.

Is PMI certification worth it ? For many, it is. According to a 2022 jobs report by PMI , PMP-certified professionals earn 16% more than their uncertified peers.

Project Manager Salary and Job Outlook

Project management specialists in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $98,580, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . PMI’s 2021 talent gap report projects that the global economy will have to add 25 million project management professionals to meet demand by 2030.

The talent gap report notes that the most drastic and rapid growth for project management-oriented employees will take place in software development, which can expect a 14% increase in demand for these professionals from 2019 to 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How To Become a Project Manager

What qualifications do i need to become a project manager.

In most cases, you can pursue entry-level project manager positions if you hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like business or project management. However, employers often prefer to hire candidates who hold PMI certifications, and PMI-certified professionals tend to earn higher salaries than their uncertified peers.

How long does it take to become a project manager?

The time it takes to become a project manager varies by position and by employer. Some companies require project managers to hold four-year bachelor’s degrees, and some don’t require degrees. Others prefer to hire managers with CAPM or PMP certification. PMP certification requires 36 to 60 months of professional project management experience.

Can I become a project manager with no degree?

Yes. You can earn the PMI’s PMP certification—widely considered the gold standard in the industry—with only a high school diploma. However, to qualify, you must have 60 months of professional project manager experience, while bachelor’s degree-holders only need 36 months. You also need either CAPM certification or 35 hours of professional development courses in project management.

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Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

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If you’re looking to join a fast-moving, in-demand industry, a career in project management can be a great fit for you. With the Project Management Institute (PMI) recent jobs report projecting a need for 88 million project management professionals before 2027, there’s never been a better time to explore a career as a project manager. Read on to learn more about project manager career paths, educational opportunities, and job titles.

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Top Project Management Careers

*Salary information sourced from Glassdoor, as of October 2023

Why Choose a Career in Project Management?

A career in project management can be an exciting career path for individuals who enjoy coordinating project details, managing team members, and strategizing high-level organizational efforts. According to the PMI Project Management Growth Report, each year approximately 214,000 new project management-related jobs will be created in the United States, with the market requiring over 88 million additional PM jobs before 2027 to meet demand. 

Overall, careers within the project management career field are growing faster than the global average, making it an appealing choice for young professionals and those who are looking to make a career shift. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a project management specialist is $95,370 per year , 60% higher than the average national salary of $59,428.

Top Project Management Job Titles and Responsibilities

Project coordinator.

Project coordinators typically report to project managers, organizing key project details and coordinating teams, essential resources, and stakeholders. While their day-to-day tasks may vary, their essential goal is to ensure that the project is moving forward smoothly while making the process as easy as possible for everyone involved by managing all of the “moving parts” that make a project happen. 

Some of their key responsibilities include: 

• Taking ownership of project scheduling, budget, and organizational details
• Coordinating team activities, meetings, and activities
• Maintaining and organizing project documents and records

Assistant Project Manager

Assistant project managers report to the project manager and provide support to the project team in a variety of ways, including conducting research, performing administrative tasks, and maintaining meeting notes. Throughout the project lifecycle, assistant project managers provide support in a variety of ways, at the discretion of the project manager.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

• Emailing key stakeholders and team members as needed to facilitate communication
• Conducting admin tasks, such as maintaining meeting notes
• Organizing crucial project documentation for the project manager

Project Manager

The job of the project managers involves taking ownership of the project lifecycle overall by guiding teams and staff, facilitating communication between stakeholders, and monitoring progress toward project goals. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the project manager to ensure that the project is completed successfully and provide support as needed to team members and stakeholders as they complete essential tasks. 

• Establishing and pitching a clear project execution plan, complete with milestones and goals
• Coordinating and executing team meetings and stakeholder discussions
• Holding team members and staff accountable to goals and providing leadership along the way

Program Manager

One of the top project management careers , program managers focus on managing a group of projects within an organization that all aim to meet similar goals, called a project program. In the larger hierarchy of an organization, program managers serve as advisors to project managers within their department, guiding them as needed and providing support. The program manager’s ultimate responsibility is to ensure that projects conducted within their department address larger organizational goals effectively. 

• Coordinating activities and programming across multiple projects within the organizational program
• Monitoring project progress across the program
• Supporting project managers within the program and helping clear project obstacles

Portfolio Manager 

While often confused with program managers, portfolio managers focus on the totality of all projects going on within an organization at a given time, analyzing relationships between them and ensuring their importance to organizational goals. Portfolio managers have the highest level of responsibility in project management careers. While they don’t often have a hands-on role in the completion of projects, they spend a great deal of time relaying information about projects to organizational leadership. 

• Analyzing high-level trends of projects across the organization at large, tying projects back to goals specifically
• Creating a pipeline of future projects and programs
• Communicating the ROI of projects based on the successes and outcomes of organization-wide projects and programs

Read more: What Is a Project Coordinator? Job Description, Skills & Salary

Example of Career Progression for Project Managers

There are a variety of reasons why a project manager might choose to specialize within a specific industry, such as higher pay, preexisting experience, or even just the opportunity to explore a new and exciting field. Specialty project managers focus their experience within a niche field, honing their skills to meet the needs of that particular industry. Here are some of the most notable, fastest-growing industries for project managers: 

Healthcare is the fastest-growing sector for project management jobs, with 17% growth since 2017, according to the Project Management Institute. 

• Healthcare project management professionals frequently work closely with the administrative team within doctors’ offices and hospitals to ensure that the organization is operating at peak efficiency while prioritizing patient well-being.
• Common objectives or projects that project managers undertake within the healthcare industry include: optimizing operations within a hospital, decreasing patient wait times, etc. 
• The average salary of a healthcare-specific project manager is $96,011, according to Glassdoor, 2.59% higher than the average salary for a non-specialized project manager. 

Construction

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7.6% employment growth for construction managers between 2021 and 2031.

• Construction project managers work alongside engineers and superintendents to ensure construction projects run smoothly and on budget.
• Common objectives or projects that project managers undertake within the construction industry include: completing the renovation of an apartment building, planning the construction of a new building on campus without disrupting existing structures, and outlining the construction of a new neighborhood with a home contractor.
• The average salary of a construction-specific project manager is $111,515, according to Glassdoor, 19.29% higher than the average salary for a non-specialized project manager.

Technology & Software Development

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, new jobs for computer and information systems project managers will grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030.

• Technology and software project managers help manage projects within the information technology and software development industries, ensuring that technical teams have the room to innovate while delivering products to key stakeholders on time.
• Common objectives or projects that project managers undertake within the software development industry include: ensuring that a new software product is delivered on time, overseeing team progress as edits to an existing application are rolled out, and coaching team members throughout the ideation phase of developing a new video game.
• The average salary of a project manager in the technology and software development industry is $114,805, according to Glassdoor, 22.81% higher than the average salary for a non-specialized project manager.

Read more: Scrum Master vs. Project Manager: What’s the Difference?

Common Traits & Skills of Project Managers Professionals

While project managers’ specialties and areas of expertise may vary based on industry and individual project type, project managers as a whole share specific traits and skills:

Strong Leadership Capabilities

Project managers must possess leadership skills to properly guide the teams they oversee, understanding that each unique project requires a different leadership style. Remaining flexible is a key competency while simultaneously prioritizing a servant leadership approach and understanding that the true metric of success as a project leader is the success and confidence of your team members.

Clear Communication Skills

Communication is key when it comes to managing projects, regardless of size or scope. Especially in hybrid and remote teams, prioritizing clear communication should be a top priority for effective project managers. Establishing pre-determined meeting times and facilitated check-ins is a great way to ensure that the flow of two-way communication continues throughout the project lifecycle. 

Thorough & Organized

It goes without saying that an effective project manager needs to be thorough and organized when it comes to staying on top of project details, communicating with key stakeholders, and staying ahead of potential roadblocks. Utilizing note-taking solutions, project management software, and workflow automations can make it easier to stay on top of projects from start to finish. 

Well Versed

Project managers need to understand the full scope of project management methodologies and their potential applications. Having the knowledge and experience to know when and how to deploy a particular project management methodology is essential to running successful projects or managing a multi-project portfolio. 

Agile Problem Solver

Throughout the project lifecycle, things can change in the blink of an eye. A strong project manager is agile, able to adapt to changing situations, and responds quickly in the best interests of the team and the project itself.

Most Common Project Management Certifications

1. certified associate in project management (capm).

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is an entry-level certification administered by the Project Management Institute that’s appropriate for new graduates, new project management professionals, and those making a transition into project management for the first time. While the CAPM certification may prepare you for an entry-level position in project management, it can also prepare you to sit for the PMP exam.

Prerequisites and Requirements: 

• Have a secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, GED (general educational development), or global equivalent
• Have at least 23 hours of project management education completed before the exam (PMI’s online Project Management Basics course can help fulfill this requirement)

2. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, administered by the Project Management Institute, is widely recognized as the premier certification for project managers worldwide. The PMP certification is best for any project management professional looking to advance their career while highlighting a mastery of key project management concepts. 

Prerequisites and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 36 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification
• High School or Secondary School Diploma
• 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years

3. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)

Compared to other certifications, the PfMP certification is best for seasoned project management professionals, and, accordingly, requires the most extensive prerequisites of any project management certification. The Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) certification, administered by the Project Management Institute, is a certification for executives and senior project managers who are looking to expand their experience in multi-project portfolio management. 

• All applicants must possess a minimum of 96 months of professional business experience within the last 15 years AND
• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
• 84 months of portfolio management experience
• Four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent)
• 48 months of portfolio management experience

Read More: Top Project Management Certifications

Qualifications of Project Managers

To become a project manager, you will need a variety of hard and soft skills, professional experience, project management certifications , and education. According to Zippia, 68% of project managers have a bachelor’s degree, 14% have a master’s, and 11% have an associate degree. However, there are a variety of ways to become a project manager, including obtaining certifications to make a career pivot.

Project Management Exam Preparation

Project management certifications are a critical aspect of a successful career in project management – but obtaining those certifications requires dedicated exam preparation. Depending on your personal experience, the type of certification you’re seeking, and the prerequisites required to apply for the exam itself, it can take anywhere from one to six months to properly prepare for a project management certification exam. 

Each individual project management certification exam follows a unique format with specific question groups, making guided study programs and certification-specific study resources an essential part of exam preparation for project management professionals. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of qualified exam preparation vendors that offer courses tailored specifically to each certification. 

Master of Project Academy is one of the top providers of project management certification exam prep, with students in over 180 countries and an average first-time pass rate of 99.6% in the certification exams.

Can I shift careers to a role as a project manager?

Believe it or not, you can shift careers into a successful career in project management without going back to school. Many professionals don’t even realize that they have project management experience, from implementing team ideas to managing budgets and other tasks that are lesser-known contributors to project management experience. By attaining certifications, such as a CAPM or PMP certification, and supplemental experience, for example, you can successfully pivot into a new role as a project manager.

What are the best college majors to become a project manager?

While having a bachelor’s degree isn’t a must-have to work as a project manager, it can make becoming a project management professional much easier, as most key certifications require fewer prerequisites for applications with a four-year degree. Some universities have even begun offering project management as a major, with majors such as business administration, accounting, economics, and marketing standing out as top majors for future project managers.

Are there free resources for career project managers?

There are numerous free resources available to support project managers throughout their careers, from free trials of top project management solutions to free seminars and even free certificate test prep courses. Currently, PMI is one of the top providers of free resources, offering users a free KICKOFF course that covers essential PM concepts and even free test prep for PMI-sponsored certifications, such as CAPM and PMP.

How long does it take to become a project manager?

Depending on your level of experience, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to become a project manager. If you have pre-existing experience or highly transferable skills, your transition into project management may take less time compared to someone who is new to the industry. Regardless of your level of experience, obtaining a project management certification can help speed up the process.

Is a Scrum Master a project manager?

While Scrum Masters can be project managers and project managers can be Scrum Masters, the two terms cannot be used interchangeably. Project managers oversee the entirety of the project lifecycle, guiding teams and ensuring a smooth process as tasks are completed, whereas Scrum Masters are responsible for ensuring that teams are adhering to Scrum principles. 

Scrum Masters are also only present within teams operating under the Scrum methodology, whereas project managers can operate within a wide variety of teams implementing any number of project management methodologies and frameworks.

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How to become a project manager: the 2024 guide

Discover the essentials of becoming a project manager in 2024 with our comprehensive guide, covering skills, certifications, and practical tips.

Now that you know why project management is so important and you understand what a project manager actually does , you might be wondering how you can become a project manager yourself.

Project management is a rewarding career that gives you an opportunity to make a real difference to a company’s bottom line. And there’s massive, growing demand in project manager jobs: the Project Management Institute projects (heh) that employers are going to need to fill 2.3 million new project-oriented roles each year through 2030.

2.3 million.

That’s a heck of a talent gap.

No wonder more and more people are exploring the project manager career path and looking to learn how to become a project manager.

Whether you plan to go the traditional route and get certified as a project manager, or you’re one of the thousands of “accidental project managers” doing the work without formal experience or credentials, this definitive guide is for you.

Table of Contents

2 pathways to becoming a project manager, roles and responsibilities of a project manager, important soft skills and hard skills project managers should have, tl;dr: the steps to becoming a project manager.

As mentioned above, nowadays, there are two types of project manager positions:

The “traditional” project manager: Someone who intentionally embarked on the project management career path and has a degree or qualification in project management.

The “non-project-manager” project manager: Also known as an “accidental project manager.” These are the people who never set out to become project managers but who find themselves managing projects as part of their daily work anyway. NPMPMs can be anyone: marketers planning a campaign , product managers coordinating the development of a new product, web designers creating a new website. They walk among us.

For anyone wondering how to become a project manager, this is good news: it means that there are more ways than ever to get on that project management career ladder.

Let’s start with the NPMPM or accidental project manager route.

Pathway 1: How to become a project manager without a qualification

Earlier in this guide, we talked about how more people are already project managers than they realize.

Most work involves projects. And most projects involve lots of moving parts — like research, planning, budgeting, coordinating, managing resources, and much more — that all need to be managed and overseen correctly to make sure that your project stays on track.

That means even if your organization doesn’t hire dedicated project managers, it still has people doing the work of project managers and project coordinators . Accidental or unofficial project managers are everywhere, leveraging their critical thinking skills, people skills, and years of experience in other roles into project-related duties.

If you’re starting to find that you love the thrill of the project management side more than any other aspect of your job, here’s how to break into project management without a bachelor’s degree or formal certification in the field.

1. Learn where the gaps in your project management knowledge are

Whatever role you’re currently in — marketer, designer, developer, whatever — you’ve likely been honing your project management skills all along.

According to the Project Management Institute’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (or PMBOK Guide), there are 10 key project management “knowledge areas”:

Integration management

Scope management

Schedule management

Cost management

Quality management

Resource management

Risk management

Communications management

Procurement management

Stakeholder management

Think about the projects you’ve been on lately. Which of these areas have you been involved in?

Maybe you played an integral role in outlining the project plan, timeline, or scope.

Maybe you were the one who outlined the budget and were able to stop things from going off track when unexpected costs came up.

Maybe you helped to reallocate resources across team members to ensure that no one was over capacity.

Those are all project management skills that any great project manager needs to know.

On the flipside, maybe you haven’t had much exposure to some of the other knowledge areas, like risk management or stakeholder management. In that case, you know exactly what you need to focus on to gain the experience you need to become a more well-rounded project manager.

2. Get (more) project management experience

Once you’ve identified where you need to grow, it’s time to start putting your plan into action. (Which is what project managers do every day — double win!)

That’s because the #1 thing you can do if you want to become a project manager without experience is start getting that experience.

Projects are all around us, so volunteer when you can. Take on extra responsibilities and develop your organizational skills, scheduling skills, people management skills — everything you identified in step one.

3. Learn everything you can about project management

Always seek out opportunities to develop your project management skills and knowledge.

Learn by doing. Learn on the job. Learn from your mistakes. Learn from other project managers (in your company or elsewhere). See if you can find a mentor who’ll teach you their project manager tips.

If you want to pursue your project manager education but you don’t yet feel ready to fully commit, take one of the many online project management courses available on platforms like Udemy or Coursera .

You can also look for conferences or local networking events that will help you to stay on top of new industry trends and meet people who can help you navigate the project management career path.

4. Start using the right project management software

Using a PM tool can help you to develop your project manager experience.

It allows you to automate your work, quickly assign tasks to groups of teams, and easily view projects in Gantt charts, as well as being able to manage all of your project resources from one place.

Using a flexible and intuitive project management tool like Teamwork.com to manage your work also means that you can get up and running without needing to spend a ton of time on training or onboarding .

Pathway 2: How to become a certified project manager

Whether you’ve been an accidental project manager for a while and you’re looking to add a formal qualification to your CV, or have always known that you wanted to be a project manager when you grew up, a qualification is a great way to signal your expertise and commitment to the PM career path to employers.

Even though a formal qualification is no longer a necessity to become a project manager (see: all of the above), it’s still worth considering if you’re really serious about upping your project management game.

Not only will it make more job opportunities available to you and give you a higher earning power, but it will also teach you some project management best practices and techniques that you might not otherwise have been exposed to.

Here’s what you need to know if you want to become a certified project manager.

1. Identify which project management certification is right for you

PMP, PRINCE2, CAPM, PMI-ACP… There's a whole alphabet of project management degrees. It can be overwhelming. So, how do you know which project management certification is right for you?

The first step is to check out your options. Which qualification is most common in your industry? Which one do you see listed most in the kind of job descriptions you’re interested in? Which one is best suited to your available time and budget? Which one will better fit the kind of processes your company uses? Where in the world do you want to work?

There’s lots to consider. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular degrees for project managers to help start your formal project manager education.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the leading global organization for project management professionals.

It’s one of the most popular and well-recognized qualifications in the field — and it can have a major impact on your salary. According to the PMI, project managers (and other project management professionals such as PM consultants, PM specialists, and program managers) with PMP certifications earn a 33% higher median salary than non-credentialed project managers . Over the course of a career, that difference easily adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars! 

The PMP qualification is based on the PMI’s standards and guidelines as outlined in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge , or PMBOK Guide.

It’s aimed at people who already have project management experience (at least 4,500-7,500 hours of it, to be specific), as well as either 35 hours of project management education or a CAPM certification.

So, while it’s not for absolute beginners, it’s definitely one to consider as you build out your project management portfolio.

For more on the requirements and process, check out the official PMP site here .

Projects In Controlled Environments (PRINCE2)

PRINCE2 stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environments, which also emphasizes how it differs from a PMP certification.

While the PMP certification is knowledge-based — i.e., it focuses on general project management knowledge and best practices for each stage of the project — the PRINCE2 is project- and process-based method in and of itself.

Unlike the PMP, it doesn’t have the same prerequisites, so it might be more suited to someone looking for a PM grounding at the beginning of their project management career. It also comes in both Foundation and Practitioner flavors for every stage of your project management journey.

If you’re trying to decide between a PMP and a PRINCE2 certification, there are a few other factors that should influence your decision, such as industry and geographical location (both of which can affect which qualification is preferred).

Ultimately, it’s not an either-or situation. Both certifications have benefits, and the two certifications can actually complement each other.

Learn more about getting a PRINCE2 certification here .

Certified Associate In Project Management (CAPM)

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level project management qualification offered by the PMI. It can be a standalone certification, or you can use it as one of the “prerequisites” needed to progress to getting a PMP.

The CAPM provides you with a foundational knowledge of project management based on the standards and guidelines outlined in the PMBOK Guide.

Learn more about the CAPM certification here .

Agile certifications

If you work in an industry where agile practices are the norm, you might decide to get an agile certification instead (or as well!).

The PMI offers a qualification specifically designed for agile practitioners, the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) .

There’s also an agile-specific PRINCE2 certification, PRINCE2 Agile , which is available at both Foundation and Practitioner levels.

Depending on which agile methodologies you (and your organization) prefer, you could also choose to specialize even more. For example, if you’re a Scrum aficionado, you might decide to become a Certified ScrumMaster with the Scrum Alliance .

It all depends on what processes and frameworks your industry (and company) prefers to use — so do your research, talk to others in the field, and decide what the best agile certification for you is.

2. Get (and maintain) your qualification in project management

You probably thought there were going to be more steps to becoming a certified project manager than just:

Decide which project management certification you want.

Get the certification.

But once you’ve decided which project management certification is right for you, it’s all about knuckling down, putting in the hours, and preparing for the certification exam. You might also need to log more practical hours as well as make time for all the book-learning.

There are lots of prep courses available online that can help you study and prepare for the exam, but ultimately, it’s all about putting in the time and effort. (You can do it! We believe in you!)

Then, once you’ve got your certification, you need to maintain it.

Most project management certifications — such as the PMP — expire after a few years. This means that you’ll need to retake the exam every few years to show that you’re still up-to-date with PM best practices and standards.

3. Master the tools of the trade

As a project manager, you’re always looking for ways to increase efficiency and improve processes.

Finding the right project management tool will help you to put everything you’ve learned in your project manager education into practice. It allows you to oversee your projects with more clarity, forecast more accurately, manage your resources more efficiently, and report more precisely.

A good project management tool amplifies the project manager's work: It helps you take care of the everyday details so you can focus your skills where they’ll have the most impact. It works with you to elevate your best practices and scale your project successes — so learning how to use your PM tool to your advantage is essential, and will save you tons of time and money in the long run.

Teamwork.com was built to support you and your workflow, regardless of which project management methodology you use. Whether you need a Gantt chart or a Kanban board , it has all the features you need to deliver your project — your way.

Project managers — whether credentialed, accidental, or somewhere in between — are responsible for numerous facets of their projects. These roles and responsibilities typically fall within and deal with most, if not all, of these responsibilities.

Planning and initiation

The planning and initiation phases of a project are where the project takes shape conceptually: what is it, how long will it take, who’s gonna work on it, what kind of budget will it have, and so on. 

Whew — it’s a lot of work even before the project even gets off the ground!

Within planning and initiation, project managers lead, execute, or assist with four areas.

Conceptualizing the project: Projects don’t get started without some kind of raw idea, but that vague notion has to be transformed into something a little more fleshed out. Here, the project manager defines the project's goals, scope, and deliverables, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Creating a roadmap: Here’s where we go from concept to “this is how we’ll get it done.” The PM establishes a detailed timeline that outlines tasks, dependencies, and milestones. This roadmap serves as a guide throughout the project's lifecycle.

Resource allocation: To succeed with that concept and roadmap, you’ll need to assemble a team. Project managers assess resource requirements and ensure everyone has what they need to succeed.

Budgeting: Project managers also typically establish and manage the project's budget.

Execution and monitoring

With a strong plan in place, it’s time to actually do the work of the project. This is the execution phase, where the team members build, make, and do all the things, following the project plan and project roadmap. 

The project manager usually doesn’t do much (or any) of the actual work of the project. But that doesn’t mean the project manager gets to sit back and relax — there’s still plenty to do. 

Instead, the PM ensures that team members do the right things in the right order at the right times, monitoring the project’s progress all through execution.

Specific project management responsibilities during these phases include:

Team leadership: Time to don your coach/captain hat! Project managers motivate and guide their team members, creating an environment where people feel safe to collaborate. This leadership includes conflict resolution, problem-solving, delegation, and as-needed support. 

Communication hub: Lots of people (stakeholders) need to know what’s going on in a project. But if they’re all interrupting the people doing the work, well… those people can’t do the work. Project managers act as a central point of communication, keeping stakeholders informed about progress, roadblocks, and important decisions — taking that communication burden off of team members.

Monitoring and tracking: Project managers should have a strong handle on how the project’s going: who’s working on which tasks, where the project is  deviating from the plan, and so on. They track KPIs, analyze data, and adjust the course as needed to ensure the project stays on track.

Risk management: Every project has risks. Like with communication and monitoring, the project manager takes the risk management load off the rest of the team so they can focus on successful delivery. The PM should proactively identify new and ongoing risks and have a plan for how to mitigate them if needed. By anticipating challenges and developing contingency plans, PMs can minimize disruptions to the project's timeline and budget.

Control and closure

Last up are control and closure: control is the stuff that has to happen when your monitoring reveals an issue, while closure is the litany of details and steps needed once the project wraps.

Let’s get a little more specific on these phases as well:

Quality assurance: Project managers are one of the earliest lines of defense on quality. They implement quality control measures so they can ensure deliverables don’t just finish on time but also meet client/customer expectations.

Issue resolution: Roadblocks and challenges are inevitable, and sometimes the team members themselves can’t resolve issues without an outside hand. Project managers tackle these problems head-on, finding the right solutions that keep the project on track.

Stakeholder management: Keeping stakeholders satisfied is key — and so is keeping stakeholders from distracting or slowing down your team members. Project managers take the lead here, managing expectations, addressing concerns, and ensuring everyone is happy with the project's outcome.

Project closure and evaluation: Once the project is complete, there’s still plenty to do to wrap it up and close it out. Reflecting on lessons learned — sometimes called a project postmortem — is another area where project managers take charge, facilitating the team and stakeholders as they evaluate what worked, what didn’t and what adjustments should be made for future similar projects. 

Every successful project manager needs to master a broad set of skills, including both soft and hard skills.

Soft skills for project managers

Soft skills — those relational skills you can’t usually learn in a classroom — are vital for success in project management. These include:

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Decisiveness

Time management

Conflict resolution

Hard skills for project managers

Hard skills are the ones you learn in a more conventional sense, whether in the classroom or through on-the-job experience. 

These are some of the most important hard skills for project managers:

Fluency in project management systems and tools (including project management software)

Data and analytics

Technical expertise

Start managing projects.

Keep managing projects.

Learn the skills and theory behind managing projects.

Use Teamwork.com to manage your projects.

Get better at managing projects.

Decide if you want to get a project management certification.

Continue to manage projects.

That’s it — all you need to know to get started as a project manager!

Bonus tip: If you’re ready to start developing your project manager experience, look out for these project management methodologies you need to know .

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Education Requirements for Project Managers

Getting started as a project manager.

• What is a Project Manager
• How to Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Project Manager Resume Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples

Start Your Project Manager Career with Teal

Join our community of 150,000+ members and get tailored career guidance from us at every step

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Project Manager?

Educational backgrounds of project managers, emerging educational trends among project managers, essential education for aspiring project managers.

• Project Management Principles: Understanding through formal education in project management or related certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional).
• Business Acumen: Knowledge of business operations and financial literacy, which can be gained through degrees in business or on-the-job experience.
• Technical Savvy: For those in IT or engineering projects, a background in the relevant technical field can be crucial.

Carving Out Your Project Management Career Path

• Varied Work Experience: Engaging in different roles that touch upon various aspects of project work, such as analysis, coordination, and execution.
• Lifelong Learning: Staying current with project management trends and methodologies through continued education, workshops, and certifications.
• Community Engagement: Participating in project management groups and forums to exchange knowledge and build a supportive network.

The Bottom Line: Educational Diversity as an Asset

Most common degrees for project managers, business administration, project management, engineering, information technology, communications, popular majors for project managers, communication studies, environmental science or sustainability, popular minors for project managers, risk management, finance or accounting, organizational psychology, computer science, sustainability, communication, why pursue a degree for a project manager career, the strategic step of earning a degree in project management, unlocking the advantages of a project management degree, integrating theory with practice, building a professional network, facilitating career transition and progression, entrepreneurial and diverse career opportunities, degree alternatives for a project manager, project management certifications, project management bootcamps, online learning platforms and moocs, mentorship and professional organizations, self-directed learning and volunteering, navigating a project manager career without a degree, gain hands-on project experience, develop a robust portfolio, master project management tools and methodologies, build your professional network, stay informed about industry developments, embrace a continuous learning mindset, pursue project management certifications, education faqs for project manager, do you need to go to college to become a project manager, is it worth it to get a degree for a project manager role, how important is continuous learning for a project manager.

Project Manager Certifications

More Education for Related Roles

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Driving tech projects from concept to completion, ensuring efficiency and quality

Orchestrating multiple projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and goals

Orchestrating project details, ensuring smooth execution from inception to completion

Leading agile teams, optimizing workflow and ensuring timely, quality project delivery

Driving tech projects from conception to completion, ensuring efficiency and innovation

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Project Manager Education Requirements

The educational requirements for a project manager are typically a bachelor's degree. According to Lisa Noble , Director of Employer Engagement and Entrepreneurship and DavisConnects Advisor for Consulting at Colby College, "new graduates need to write well, think critically, draw reasonable conclusions from data and learn new things quickly." In addition to these skills, young project managers should also be proficient in using tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and collaboration tools like Monday.com, Asana, and SmartSheet.

In terms of technology impacting project managers in the next 5 years, Lisa Noble envisions that English majors will be critical for improving artificial intelligence to create more satisfying and productive human-computer interactions. She also notes that technology will allow for real-time feedback and adaptation to improve communication and customer satisfaction. Bijan Shapoorian , Adjunct Professor at The University of Texas at Arlington, also emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with new software and technology in order to advance in the industry.

What education do you need to become a project manager?

What degree do you need to be a project manager.

The most common degree for project managers is bachelor's degree, with 68% of project managers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 14% and master's degree degree at 11%.

• Bachelor's , 68%
• Master's , 14%
• Associate , 11%
• High School Diploma , 3%
• Other Degrees , 4%

What should I major in to become a project manager?

According to Brett Horton Ph.D. , Professor of Practice at Kansas State University, a degree in hospitality management is beneficial for project managers. He emphasizes that graduates in this field have numerous opportunities to grow quickly with great companies and leaders. However, he cautions against moving up too fast without being fully prepared.

• Business , 29%
• Computer Science , 6%
• Electrical Engineering , 5%
• Mechanical Engineering , 5%
• Other Majors , 55%

Most common colleges for project managers

Project managers often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, University of Maryland - College Park, and Pennsylvania State University. Here are the most common colleges for project managers in the US based on their resumes.

Best majors for project managers

Best colleges for project managers

The University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, and Northwestern University top the list of best colleges for project managers. These institutions offer strong project management programs, with a focus on practical skills and relevant coursework. A degree from these colleges can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities in the field.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-State Tuition

2. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

4. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

5. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

6. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

7. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

8. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

9. New York University

New York, NY • Private

10. University of Maryland - College Park

College Park, MD • Private

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5. Project Management Essentials

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6. Project Management - Complete Guide For A+ Project Managers

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7. Agile Crash Course: Agile Project Management; Agile Delivery

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9. Beginning Project Management: Project Management Level One

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Top 10 most affordable universities for project managers

The most affordable schools for project managers are University of Florida, baruch college of the city university of new york, and hunter college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for project managers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for project managers.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

Cost of Attendance

2. Baruch College of the City University of New York

3. Hunter College of the City University of New York

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

5. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

6. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

7. California State University - Los Angeles

8. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

9. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

10. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for project managers

The hardest universities for project managers to get into are University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and Harvard University.

Some great schools for project managers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for project managers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

Admissions Rate

SAT Average

2. Northwestern University

3. harvard university.

4. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

6. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

7. Columbia University in the City of New York

8. university of southern california.

9. Northeastern University

10. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for project managers

The easiest schools for project managers to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, barry university, and university of the incarnate word.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a project manager without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for project managers.

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

2. Barry University

3. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

4. University of Baltimore

5. University of North Texas at Dallas

Dallas, TX • Private

6. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

7. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

8. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

9. California University of Pennsylvania

California, PA • Private

10. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Average project manager salary by education level

According to our data, project managers with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $114,985 annually. Project managers with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $109,564.

Project Manager Education FAQs

What is the best college for project managers, search for project manager jobs.

Updated April 5, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Project Manager Job Description (Free Copy+Paste Examples)

Understanding a project manager job description is critical if you want to become a project manager or hire one for your project. Project managers are the point person in charge of a specific project or project within an organization. We regularly feature project management resources to help train PMs to land jobs in the industry or develop better skills in their current role.

We thought it’d be helpful to look at the main roles, responsibilities, skills and qualifications required from project managers and further explain with project manager job description samples.

What Is a Project Manager?

A project manager is a professional who leads a team through the project life cycle by planning, budgeting, scheduling and tracking a project plan. The project plan thoroughly explains how the project will be executed and includes a budget, timeline, schedule, roles and responsibilities among other things.

To lead projects to successful completion, project managers need the right tools. ProjectManager allows project managers to plan, schedule and track their projects all in real time with tools like Gantt charts, kanban boards, project dashboards and task lists. Get started for free.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

Project managers plan, budget, monitor and report on the project with project management tools , sometimes pitching the idea of the project or being assigned to it once it’s been approved. They make sure the project plan is sound, report regularly on its progress and monitor it to ensure that its execution stays within the approved budget and schedule.

However, the project manager isn’t alone in this process. The project manager is the bridge between upper management, stakeholders and cross-functional teams tasked with the execution of the project. Besides collaborating with these teams, project managers use project management software to track costs, tasks, time and project progress.

Project Manager Job Description Sample

Now let’s review what an average project manager job description would look like. We hope it’s inspiring for you either as an applicant or as an employer.

Job Description

A project manager is responsible for the direction, coordination, implementation, executive, control and completion of the project while remaining aligned with the strategy, commitments and goals of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement projects
• Help define project scope , goals and deliverables
• Define tasks and required resources
• Collect and manage project team
• Manage the project budget
• Allocate project resources
• Create a project schedule and  timeline
• Support and direct team
• Lead quality assurance
• Report on the project status
• Present to stakeholders reports on progress as well as problems and solutions
• Implement and manage changes when necessary to meet project deliverables
• Evaluate and assess the result of the project

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills
• Problem-solving and leadership skills
• Project planning, risk management, time management and other project management skills
• Project management qualification (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or equivalent experience as a project manager
• Experience in strategic planning, risk management and/or change management
• Proficiency in project management software and tools
• Contract negotiation
• Conflict resolution experience

Project Manager Salary According to Payscale, the average salary for a general project manager in the US is $75,000.

Project Manager Job Description: In-Depth Analysis

Now let’s review each of the elements that make up a project manager job description in more depth. You must understand them as they can apply to your project manager’s resume or job description.

Project Manager Qualifications

There are many entry points into project management . There is no one path, but there are more linear routes that one can take, just as if learning a trade. Being a project manager is a trade, after all, and there are many trade schools and universities that offer a course of study resulting in a degree.

Beyond academia, there is project management training and certifications. There are two major certifying bodies, PRINCE2 and the Project Management Institute (PMI). The latter offers a certification called Project Management Professional (PMP), which has become the primary certification for professionals in the field of project management. To obtain it, project managers must meet qualifications such as 35-60 months of project management experience, 35 hours of project management education and complete a certification exam with 180 questions.

Project Manager Education & Certifications

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is the most common certification for project managers, but it’s not the only one there is. Here are the main project management certifications offered by the PMI:

• Project Management Professional (PMP): This certifies that you’re a capable project manager who is competent in waterfall and agile project management.
• Agile certifications: These are ideal for those project managers who want to work in agile environments as a scrum master, agile certified practitioner or agile value stream consultant.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): This project management training program is the first step toward getting your PMP certification. It’s recognized by many employers for entry-level project manager positions.
• Program Management Professional (PgMP): As the name implies, this certification is meant for those who want to become a program manager . Program managers specialize in managing a group of closely related projects that are part of a program.
• Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP): This project management training will allow you to apply for project portfolio management roles.
• Associate in Project Management (APM), Professional in Project Management (PPM) and Certified Project Director (CPD): The Global Association of Quality Management (GAQM) offers these three certifications. The first is more entry-level, the second is more advanced and the third is only for those with significant experience.
• Certified Scrum Master: Scrum is part of an agile environment favored in IT and software development. The nonprofit Scrum Alliance offers this certification and teaches the values, practices and applications of the discipline.
• PRINCE2 Certification: PRINCE2 stands for projects in controlled environments and was developed in the UK. It’s mostly used in Europe for governmental projects and is provided by AXELOS, a joint venture between the UK and Capita.

If you’re looking to get your project management career started but you’re not ready for those certifications, you could check the Google project management certification program , which is not as recognized as PMI or PRINCE2, but it’s a good place to start before getting into more advanced project management certifications.

However, many people land as project managers without any education or certification in the field. While there’s nothing wrong with getting educated and certified, experience is also a great teacher. Then some become “accidental project managers,” or people who find themselves being tasked to lead a project and must hit the ground running.

Project Manager Responsibilities & Duties

Plan projects.

A project can begin and certainly is designed to fail if there first wasn’t a plan devised to see it through, on time and within budget. The project manager’s first role is to make a feasible plan that achieves the goals and objectives of the project and aligns with the organization’s overall business strategy. This involves creating a project schedule, securing the resources and defining the project goals, among other things.

Understand Methodologies

There are many methodologies for managing projects, from traditional waterfall to newer agile approaches. A project manager should be fluent in these methodologies and know which is best for each project, as well as the ability to train new team members as needed.

Assemble and Lead a Project Team

Project managers need resources to complete the project tasks, which include skilled and experienced team members. A project manager either takes a leadership role with an existing project team or creates one. Once a team is created, the project manager creates a project schedule to assign tasks and deadlines, giving the team the tools to collaborate without micromanaging every activity. It’s important to meet regularly and get status updates to chart progress while reallocating resources as needed to avoid blocking team members or overburdening them.

Time is always ticking towards the project deadline. While communication is key to addressing changes and making sure everyone is doing what they need to do, the project manager must also define, schedule and accurately estimate the task duration to develop and maintain a realistic project schedule .

Oversee Resources

Nothing is going to get done without money. Figuring out what the proper funding for the project is, having that get accepted and then keeping the project within or under budget is often what makes or breaks a project. You can get your stakeholder their deliverables on time, but if that costs more than the budget you created, then the project is a failure.

Manage Stakeholders

You want to deliver to your stakeholders what they expected or better and make sure that they’re satisfied with the results. But that doesn’t mean ignoring them to focus solely on the project. Rather, you need to be in constant communication with them, reporting on progress and being open to their feedback to keep them happy and coming back to you with future projects.

Identify Risks

Problems will inevitably arise in a project. That’s called an issue. You need to be ready for them and work towards resolving them quickly so they don’t derail your project. Then there are risks, which are potential problems, ones that have yet to occur or might not ever. Regardless, you must figure out beforehand what the risks are and set in place a plan of action if they in fact occur.

Monitor Progress

To make sure a project is progressing as planned, you must constantly measure it and compare those metrics against the plan you created. It’s essential to have a way to collect project data, such as status reports from your team, to see if the actual progress of the project is meeting what you had initially planned.

Solve Problems

Project managers have to be able to identify problems, determine what caused them and come up with solutions on the fly. From there, they can delegate tasks to the project team to ensure the project stays on track.

Report and Document

Reporting is one of the ways you communicate with your team and stakeholders. While teams need more detailed information and stakeholders are looking for broader data to check the project’s progress, both are essential tasks for the project manager. This project documentation , along with all paperwork, must be collected, signed off on and archived by the end of a project, which provides a history that you can revisit when planning for a similar project in the future.

Project Manager Job Description Skills

Project managers may be required to have a certain skill set depending on the job, project, industry and experience level. However, there are general project management skills that are common to any project manager job description. These are the most essential.

Soft Skills for a Job Description

• Leadership skills
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Team mentality
• Organizational skills

Hard Skills for a Job Description

• Time management
• Team management
• Risk management
• Stakeholder management
• Industry-related technical skills
• Knowledge of project management software
• Project management certifications

Project Manager Salaries for a Job Description

A project manager’s salary depends on many things such as experience, industry and certifications, but in general, project managers are well-compensated for their work. Project manager salaries range around the low six figures. Project management is an exciting career path, rife with opportunities for well-organized individuals.

Project Manager Job Description Examples

Here are some more project manager job description examples to give you an idea of what’s required of project managers for different roles.

IT Project Manager Job Description

An IT project manager is responsible for developing and managing information technology projects and their cost, time and scope. Responsibilities include creating a project plan, communication plan, allocating tasks and setting milestones. This will also work as a technical project manager job description for IT.

• Create & manage project plans
• Define project schedules, allocate resources and monitor progress
• Align project objectives with company goals, and make sure the project team is clear on objectives
• Deliver and install technology solutions
• Help the project team with the design and development tasks
• Lead process of issue identification and resolution
• Manage risk-tracking process
• Monitor and manage project scope
• Manage all project documentation
• Work on multiple projects within the company’s project portfolio simultaneously
• Foster partnerships with customers, stakeholders and sponsors
• Three or more years of project management experience in information technology I.T.
• ITIL or ITSM certifications are preferred. PMP certifications are required.
• Detail oriented
• Thrives in a collaborative environment
• Good communication skills, with customers, teams and stakeholders
• Business & IT strategy experience
• Customer-focused mindset
• Knowledge of related software development and project management tools

IT Project Manager Salary According to Glassdoor , the average salary for an IT project manager in the US is $122,000.

Senior Level Project Manager Job Description

The senior project manager is in charge of schedules, budgets, resources and project deliverables. Delivers business results by ensuring that project management best practices are being met. Monitors teams to make sure the project goals and objectives are being kept. Knowledge of larger landscapes without neglecting granular details while tracking project health, staying alert for risk and resolving issues as they arise. Maintains standards and monitors project scope and quality requirements.

• Works with key stakeholders to understand the business needs, and creates a project management plan that aligns with the company’s strategic objectives
• Oversees strategic plan, monitoring and adapting as needed
• Creates project plans, project charters and project schedules
• Maintains project objectives
• Monitors production and quality to customer/stakeholder/sponsor standards
• Identifies and resolves issues and risks
• Reports on project progress offer viable solutions and opportunities as they arise
• Implements change practices
• Manages resources to make sure the schedule is on track
• Project portfolio management
• Lead meetings and set expectations for the project team
• Maintain budget
• Reporting on projects and portfolios
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred. Business administration, management, leadership and related fields.
• 10+ years experience in project management, especially larger projects with established firms
• PMP certification required; PMO experience preferred
• Knowledge of agile and lean approaches such as Scrum, Kanban and SAFe, among others.
• Experience in Agile project management teams
• Proven leadership skills
• Expertise in conflict resolution
• Analytical and strong organizational skills, with excellent verbal and written ability
• Proficiency with project management software and related tools including but not limited to ProjectManager, JIRA, MS Excel, etc.

Senior Project Manager Salary According to Glassdoor , the average salary for a general project manager in the US is $92,000.

Assistant Project Manager Job Description

The assistant project manager will work with the project manager to plan and execute projects for the organization. They will be tasked with identifying clients’ or stakeholders’ project needs and goals, creating detailed plans to complete the project and organizing and archiving project reports and documentation.

• Liaise with project stakeholders about deliverables
• Assist in the planning and implementation of projects
• Help coordinate and manage project tasks and deliverables
• Analyze data as needed
• Conduct administrative duties, such as setting up meetings, drafting invoices and drawing estimates
• Track and report on project progress
• Perform other duties as tasked
• Three years plus experience in project management or administrative assistance
• Proficiency in management software
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Excellent multitasking abilities
• Can work under pressure with little or no supervision
• Problem solver
• Detail-oriented and highly organized

Assistant Project Manager Salary

According to Glassdoor , an assistant project manager can earn an annual salary in the range of $65,000-$109,000.

Construction Project Manager Job Description

The construction project manager will lead and oversee the construction projects for the organization. They will work with engineers and architects to develop plans, create project timeframes, distribute resources and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Duties also include the planning, hiring, firing and supervision of employees

• Plan work, including assembling the necessary personnel and assigning the roles and responsibilities
• Hire personnel for the job site , reprimand and fire if necessary
• Coordinate tasks across various teams and job sites, ensuring uniformity upon project completion
• Work within the budget by accurately estimating the costs and cutting unnecessary expenses
• Procure and allocate resources to avoid shortages, delays, etc.
• Manage internal and external risks within the project
• Effective communication
• Highly organized
• Five years of experience or more managing construction projects
• Risk management skills
• Understanding of budgetary and financial resources
• Willing to take feedback and use it to improve processes

Construction Project Manager Salary

According to Glassdoor , a construction project manager can expect an average annual salary of $144,252.

Digital Marketing Project Manager Job Description

The digital marketing project manager will be responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of a digital marketing campaign to effectively promote the brand’s product. Their duties will include planning a digital campaign, delegating responsibilities to the marketing team and measuring the performance analytics of the campaign.

• Handles strategic online initiatives
• Leads marketing campaigns from idea to execution and implementation
• Monitors and evaluates online media campaigns to keep them fresh and relevant
• Directs the hiring of marketing and promotions staff, supervising their work
• Negotiates advertising contracts
• Works with other departments to discuss plans and strategies
• Collaborates with finance staff to keep within budget
• Stays up to date with emerging opportunities in the digital marketing world
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field
• Five or more years of experience in digital marketing and advertising
• Understanding of social media as a marketing tool
• Comprehends website metrics and best practices
• Experience with search engine optimization, lead generation and email marketing
• Collaborative at all levels to achieve goals and evaluate results
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills

Digital Marketing Project Manager Salary

According to Glassdoor , a digital marketing project manager can make an average annual salary of $82,253.

Project Manager Interview Questions

A project manager job description is crafted to find the best project manager for an organization. The next step will be a series of interviews to gauge whether the candidates meet the qualifications required of them. For that reason, we’ve compiled the top project manager interview questions , so you’re better prepared either as an employer or project manager.

ProjectManager Is Ideal for Project Managers

You’ve crafted a thorough job description and landed a highly qualified and motivated project manager. But they can’t do it alone. They need ProjectManager , an online project management software that gives project managers the tools they need to better plan, monitor and report on their projects.

Planning & Scheduling

Think of all the responsibilities that weigh on the shoulders of a project manager. For starters, they must create a project plan. No problem. ProjectManager makes planning easy and there are even industry-specific templates to get started fast. Once tasks are inputted, they can use the Gantt chart to create timelines and roll out a schedule. From here, the project manager can assign work and even direct the team, commenting at the task level and adding relevant documents. ProjectManager also offers kanban boards to facilitate task management.

Tracking & Reporting

Monitoring production while the plan is being executed is how a project manager keeps track of time, work and costs. ProjectManager has multiple project management tools to track progress on your project. A real-time dashboard gets six project metrics and turns them into easy-to-read charts and graphs for a high-level view of the project, which keeps stakeholders updated.

Resource & Team Management

Project managers need more detailed data to manage resources and their team’s workload. ProjectManager has one-click reporting that can be filtered to give you just the information you need. These reports can be shared with stakeholders if they want to take a deeper dive into the project.

It’s always important to make sure teams have a balanced workload. ProjectManager has a workload page that is color-coded making it easy to see who is overtasked and who needs more work. Resources can be reallocated on the workload page so production can continue to move forward. To get all these features and more for your project manager, try ProjectManager today!

Related Content

There’s a lot to learn about being a project manager. On top of overseeing projects, the role involves collaborating with similar leaders, cross-functional teams and third parties. For that reason, we’ve created blogs, guides and templates to help you better understand all the different aspects of this role.

• Project Roles and Responsibilities
• Program Manager vs. Project Manager
• Product Manager vs. Project Manager
• Top 30 Project Management Skills
• Top 10 Project Management Qualifications
• Best 12 Project Management Certifications

No matter what type of project you’re working on, project managers need tools to help them manage all the moving parts of their project. ProjectManager was developed by project managers for project managers. It’s a cloud-based tool that gives you real-time data to better monitor your projects but also has features to help you plan, manage teams and report with ease. Try our award-winning software today with this free 30-day trial.

Deliver your projects on time and on budget

Start planning your projects.

Table of Contents

What is a project manager, what does a project manager do, project manager roles and responsibilities, project manager skills, how to become a project manager in 2024, project manager job description sample, project manager salary globally, project manager job description: roles, skills and more in 2024.

Project managers are vital in steering projects to success in the fast-paced business world. As leaders and coordinators, they are instrumental in translating complex strategies into actionable steps and guiding their teams through the challenges of execution. This article explores the role of a project manager, shedding light on what they do and their diverse responsibilities.

A project manager is a professional tasked with planning, executing, and concluding projects. They play a crucial role in making sure that projects are finished on schedule, within the allocated budget, and meet the expected quality standards. Project managers work across various industries, including construction, IT, healthcare, and finance, demonstrating their role's versatility and critical nature. Essentially, they are the bridge between upper management and the teams executing the project tasks.

The primary duties of a project manager include defining project scopes, planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. They begin by developing a detailed project plan as a roadmap, detailing the timelines and resources needed. Throughout the project lifecycle, they monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the project remains on track. 

Communication is a key aspect of their role, as they must keep all stakeholders informed and engaged, resolving issues and ensuring that the team remains motivated. Alos, they are responsible for maintaining project documentation and handling compliance or regulatory issues. By managing these tasks, project managers strive to optimize the outcome and maximize the value delivered through the project.

Project managers are essential to the success of any project as they oversee its execution from inception to completion. Their roles and responsibilities are diverse and multifaceted, designed to ensure that projects meet their defined objectives.

1. Project Planning

A project manager's primary responsibility is to plan the project comprehensively. This involves defining the project’s scope, objectives, and deliverables in consultation with stakeholders. The manager then develops a project plan that outlines the tasks, schedules, budgets, resources, and milestones needed to achieve the project goals. Effective planning is crucial for setting expectations and establishing a clear roadmap that guides the entire team.

2. Resource Management

Project managers are responsible for managing both human and material resources. They must allocate the right tasks to the right people and ensure the project has all the necessary resources at the appropriate times. This includes managing hiring when necessary, scheduling, and ensuring the project team has the tools and materials needed to succeed.

3. Time Management

Ensuring that a project remains on schedule is another critical role of the project manager. This involves setting deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and mitigating any delays. Time management also includes regular monitoring and adjustment of schedules to accommodate any changes or challenges that arise during the project lifecycle.

4. Budget Management

Project managers must also keep a project within its financial constraints. They are responsible for estimating costs, setting a budget, and controlling spending. Regular financial reporting to stakeholders to provide updates on the project's financial health is key to maintaining transparency and managing expectations.

5. Quality Assurance

Maintaining the quality of work produced is essential. Project managers establish quality standards and ensure these standards are met through regular testing and validation processes. They work closely with the quality assurance team to identify discrepancies or issues and promptly implement corrective measures.

6. Stakeholder Communication

Effective communication is a cornerstone of project management. Project managers regularly communicate with all stakeholders, including clients, team members, and upper management, to ensure everyone is informed and engaged. This includes preparing status reports, conducting meetings, and being the point of contact for any inquiries related to the project.

7. Risk Management

Identifying potential risks and preparing mitigation strategies is another critical responsibility. Project managers assess potential threats to the project’s success and implement risk management plans to minimize impact. This proactive approach helps avoid delays and ensures smooth project execution.

8. Documentation

Every project requires thorough documentation. Project managers are responsible for keeping detailed records of all project elements, such as contracts, plans, financial statements, and communications. Effective documentation aids in maintaining project continuity, ensuring compliance, and providing a valuable resource for future projects.

9. Compliance and Regulatory Adherence

Depending on the industry, project managers may also need to ensure that the project adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and standards. This is particularly important in healthcare, construction, and financial services, where regulatory compliance is tightly controlled.

Become a Project Management Professional

• 6% Growth In Jobs Of Project Management Profiles By 2024
• 22 Million Jobs Estimated For Project Management Professionals By 2027

PMP® Certification Training

• Access to Digital Materials from PMI
• 12 Full-Length Simulation Test Papers (180 Questions Each)

Professional Certificate Program in Project Management

• Receive a course completion certificate and UMass Alumni Association membership
• Learn from industry professionals and certified instructors who bring years of practical experience and expertise to the classroom

Here's what learners are saying regarding our programs:

Katrina Tanchoco

Shell - manila ,.

The interactive sessions make a huge difference as I'm able to ask for further clarifications. The training sessions are more engaging than the self-paced modules, it's easier now that i first decided to take up the online classroom training, and then followed it up with the self-paced learning (online and readings).

PHC Business Manager , Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit

I wanted to transition into the Project Management field and wanted the right opportunity to do so. Thus, I took that leap forward and enrolled in this course. My learning experience was fantastic. It suited my learning style.

The effectiveness of a project manager hinges largely on their skill set . These skills enable them to navigate the complexities of project management, from orchestrating resources to ensuring the project meets its goals within the given constraints. Here is a detailed look at the essential skills every project manager should possess:

1. Leadership and Team Management

At the heart of project management lies leadership. Project managers are essential in inspiring, guiding, and motivating their teams towards accomplishing project objectives. They need to adeptly delegate responsibilities, manage disputes, and cultivate both collaboration and respect among team members.

2. Communication

Effective communication is crucial for a project manager. They need to be adept at conveying ideas clearly and listening to feedback. This includes communicating across various channels—be it meetings, email updates, or presentations—and tailoring the communication style to different stakeholders, including team members, executives, and clients.

3. Organizational Skills

Project managers handle a myriad of tasks and responsibilities. Strong organizational skills help them keep projects running smoothly by managing time, resources, and personnel effectively. They must prioritize tasks, manage schedules, and keep all project documentation in order, ensuring everything is accessible and up-to-date.

4. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Project management often involves unexpected challenges and hurdles. The ability to quickly identify problems, think critically, and devise effective solutions is invaluable. This also ties into decision-making skills, as project managers must make informed decisions that impact the project’s direction and success.

5. Risk Management

Identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them before they become problems is a critical skill for project managers. This involves analyzing possible outcomes, understanding the impact of different risks, and preparing contingency plans.

6. Technical Proficiency

Depending on the industry, project managers may need specific technical skills related to their projects. For instance, knowledge of software development processes is crucial in IT, while understanding construction methodologies is essential in building projects. Familiarity with project management tools and software, such as Microsoft Project, Asana, or JIRA, is also beneficial.

7. Budget Management

Project managers must be adept at financial planning and budget management. This includes forecasting costs, managing budgets, and controlling spending to keep the project within financial constraints. Understanding financial statements and cost management strategies is essential for effective budget oversight.

8. Adaptability and Flexibility

The dynamic nature of projects often requires project managers to adapt to changes and pivot their strategies accordingly. Being flexible and open to change helps them handle project scope adjustments, resource changes, and shifting timelines effectively.

9. Negotiation

Strong negotiation skills are necessary to deal with vendors, contractors, and stakeholders. Project managers must negotiate terms, prices, timelines, and project changes effectively to benefit the project and meet its objectives.

10. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence —the ability to understand and manage one's emotions and empathize with others—plays a crucial role in managing teams and dealing with stakeholders. It helps build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and foster a positive work environment.

Many aim to become a project manager due to its dynamic nature and the opportunities it presents across various industries. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to embark on a career in project management:

1. Educational Foundation

Most project managers start with a bachelor’s degree. Common fields of study include business management, engineering, computer science, or project management. Although not always required, a degree provides a solid foundation of knowledge that can be critical in managing complex projects.

2. Gain Relevant Experience

Hands-on experience is crucial in project management. Starting in a junior or assistant role, such as a project coordinator or an assistant project manager, can provide valuable insights and practical experience. Work on understanding the nuances of project planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. Exposure to real-world challenges helps develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for a project manager.

3. Develop Project Management Skills

As you gain experience, focus on developing specific project management skills, including leadership, communication, risk management, and budgeting. Practical experience combined with skill development prepares you for handling larger responsibilities.

4. Earn Certifications

Certifications can enhance your credibility and employability as a project manager. Popular certifications include:

• Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), it’s one of the most recognized certifications in the field.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): For those who want to specialize in managing agile projects.
• PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments): Widely recognized in the UK and internationally for project management.

5. Learn to Use Project Management Tools

Proficiency in project management software is crucial. Tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, and JIRA help manage projects more efficiently. Learning these tools can improve your ability to effectively plan, execute, and monitor project progress.

Networking with other project management professionals can open up mentorship and career advancement opportunities. Join professional organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) to meet peers, attend workshops, and participate in conferences.

7. Continue Learning

Project management methodologies and tools evolve continually. Staying updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in project management is essential. Regularly attending seminars, workshops, and courses can help keep your skills sharp and relevant.

8. Seek Leadership Opportunities

As you grow in your career, seek out leadership opportunities that can demonstrate your ability to manage teams and projects. Leadership experience is invaluable and often decisive in qualifying for project management roles.

9. Prepare a Strong Resume and Apply

Prepare a resume highlighting your project management skills, certifications, and relevant experiences. Tailor your resume for each application to align with the job requirements. Apply for project manager positions and leverage your network to learn about upcoming opportunities.

Company Overview

[Company Name] is a leading [Industry Type] company committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability. We want to add a skilled Project Manager to our dynamic team to lead key projects that will drive our strategic objectives and continue our legacy of excellence.

Job Title: Project Manager

Location: [City, State, Country]

Job Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time], [Permanent/Temporary/Contract]

Role Summary:

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and successfully completing projects within the allotted timeline and budget. This role demands strong leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage complex projects across various departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and define project goals, scope, and deliverables that support business objectives in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Create comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients and other staff members.
• Lead and coordinate project staff and resources to ensure project milestones are met and quality standards are upheld.
• Monitor project progress continuously and make detailed scheduled reports on measurable items, such as milestones and deliverables.
• Communicate proactively the status, issues, and risks involved in the project to all stakeholders.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting, ensuring projects are completed within the approved budget.
• Identify and minimize project risks throughout its life cycle.
• Conduct post-project evaluation and identify successful and unsuccessful project elements.

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or related field.
• A Master’s degree or an advanced certification such as PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of [X] years of project management experience in [Industry/Field].
• Proven track record of managing all aspects of a project lifecycle.
• Experience in strategic planning, risk management, or change management.

Required Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of MS Office and project management tools.
• Exceptional leadership, time management, and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of change management and performance evaluation processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations and deadlines.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Dynamic and innovative work environment.

Learn from a course that has been designed to help you ace your PMP exam in the first attemp! Check out our PMP Certification Training Course today!

Aspiring project managers have multiple pathways to enter the field. Many universities offer degrees in project management for those seeking formal education. Alternatively, individuals eager to quickly start a career in project management may opt for certification.

One such option is Simplilearn’s PMP® Certification Training Course , which meets the latest industry standards outlined in the PMBOK Guide. This course provides comprehensive training on key project management principles and practices.

1. How do you begin a newly assigned project?

Sample Answer: "When I start a new project, my first step is to thoroughly understand the project scope and objectives by reviewing the project documentation and discussing it with key stakeholders. This helps ensure that my understanding aligns with their expectations. Next, using tools like Microsoft Project, I create a detailed project plan, including key deliverables, milestones, and timelines. I then assemble the project team, assigning roles and responsibilities based on each member's strengths and project requirements. Early on, I also identify potential risks and begin formulating mitigation strategies."

2. Can you describe a challenging project you managed and how you handled it?

Sample Answer: "In a previous role, I managed a software development project that fell behind schedule due to technical challenges and resource limitations. I conducted a series of meetings with the technical team to reassess the situation and identify bottlenecks. We revised the project timeline after agreeing on realistic deliverables and milestones. I also negotiated additional resources from upper management and adjusted our workflow to a more agile approach, which allowed us to adapt more quickly to arising issues. This helped us meet our revised timelines and improved team morale and stakeholder satisfaction."

3. How do you handle changes to the project scope?

Sample Answer: "Scope changes are common, and I handle them through a clear change management process. When a change request is made, I evaluate its impact on the project's scope, schedule, budget, and resources. I discuss these impacts with the stakeholders and provide options, including any necessary adjustments to project deliverables and timelines. Once we agree on a course of action, I update the project documentation and communicate the changes to the team, ensuring everyone understands the new requirements and adjustments."

4. How do you manage underperforming team members?

Sample Answer: "If a team member is underperforming, I first seek to understand the root cause by having a one-on-one discussion. This helps to identify whether they are facing any challenges, either personal or professional, that might be affecting their performance. Depending on the situation, I might offer additional support or training, adjust their workload, or realign their responsibilities to better match their strengths. I aim to foster a supportive environment enabling all team members to perform at their best."

5. What tools do you use for project management, and why?

Sample Answer: "I use various tools depending on the project requirements. For general project management, I find Microsoft Project invaluable for scheduling and resource allocation. I use Asana or Trello for projects requiring more flexibility and collaboration, as these tools are great for tracking tasks and fostering communication among team members. I rely on Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive for documentation and file sharing for their accessibility and ease of use. These tools help me organize projects and ensure that information is readily available to all team members."

Our Project Management Courses Duration And Fees

Project Management Courses typically range from a few weeks to several months, with fees varying based on program and institution.

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Recommended Reads

Project Management Interview Guide

How to Become a Certified Project Manager

Roles and Responsibilities of a Project Manager

An Introduction to Project Management: A Beginner’s Guide

Agile Project Manager: Job Description, Responsibilities, Skills Required

Product Manager vs Project Manager: All You Need to Know

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Project Manager Operations

Posted Date: Sep 3, 2024

Location: Joplin, MO, US, 64804

Company: American Water Works Company Inc

Requisition ID:   106920 

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued.  

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $30 to $34 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.

American Water has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year, ranked 18th on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Excellence Award, among additional state, local and national recognitions. For more information, visit  amwater.com  and join American Water on  LinkedIn ,  Facebook ,  Twitter  and  Instagram .

Support the operations and functional areas by managing projects that support investment, growth and continuous improvement.  

• Proactively build and maintain strong customer relationships; maintain consistent communication, manage customer needs and expectations by meeting project timelines.
• Prepare correspondence/provides information for distribution and/or presentation to other agencies, municipal departments, general public, special interest groups, property owners, consultants.
• Manage relationships with assigned areas of the company for the purpose of driving continuous improvement and delivering projects.
• Support activities at all stages of new acquisitions, including relationship building, research, review of proposals, polling, due diligence, public communication, asset control development, customer integration and other related activities which may include after hours work.
• Work with assigned business areas to identify opportunities, prioritize, select/assign and execute projects to successful completion by working with management and project teams.
• Use critical thinking methods to demonstrate opportunity and execute for continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities, charter (establish goals and scope) and execute projects to successful outcomes. Work with business leaders as sponsors and process owners to realize goals of projects.
• Lead project teams and manage performance in a matrix organization.
• Perform complex data analysis, gather data through SAP/BI and develop process controls through analytics and statistical methods.
• Ensuring that appropriate Safety Management systems are established and implemented for all projects.  
• Advanced knowledge and use of office productivity tools (MS Office, Excel, etc.) Enterprise systems knowledge, SAP preferred, Statistical package experience (Minitab, SAS, SPSS or similar).
• Good knowledge of operations and customer billing practices.
• Project management, construction management practices and contract administration.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of company procedures, policies and operations.
• Strong project management skills (e.g. planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on project activities). 
• A strong sense of organization and schedule, ability to self-direct and prioritize a large number of often non-sequential tasks on multiple concurrent projects.
• Project planning skills: Good verbal and written communication skills (e.g. , presentation, listening, report writing).
• Computer literacy. Competent in the use of word processing, spreadsheets, flow-charting, project scheduling. SAP experience preferred.
• Financial analysis skill, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.  
• 12+ years of practical business experience in functional or operational roles with regulated utility or comparable business organization.
• Four-year undergraduate degree preferred. Work experience in lieu of college degree will be considered at the discretion of the Management.  
• Typical office environment but will vary based upon project demands.  
• 20% but could be more or less depending on the project demands which will vary.  

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing ™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Nearest Major Market: Joplin

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Copyright © 2023, American Water. All rights reserved

Senior Sourcing Procurement Project Manager

Responsibilities for this position.

Senior Sourcing Procurement Project Manager in GAC Savannah

Unique Skills:

The position is for the Sourcing Team within the Metals Commodity.

Ideal candidate would ideally have sourcing experience within the aircraft Industry specifically in sheet metal and metallics The Senior Sourcing Procurement Project Manager will also be developing and coaching on best sourcing practices and building out process improvements.

Education and Experience Requirements

Job description.

• Lead all Purchasing and Supply Chain Management activity within assigned area of responsibility to create greatest possible strategic sourcing leverage and to provide highest possible level of support for Gulfstream internal customers.
• Solicit proposals, conducts bid evaluations, evaluates costs, negotiates prices, schedules and terms and conditions within management guidelines, prepares and administers complex and/or high value purchase orders, corporate-wide agreements and/or long term agreements such as Master Orders and Blanket Purchase Agreements; monitors and reports supplier performance.
• Prepare annual supplier performance master plan to ensure they meet Gulfstream requirements, including objectives and priorities for material management, quality, reliability and product support, as well as scheduling and agendas for program reviews. .
• Manage supplier performance master plan by identifying problems, both internally and at the supplier, determining source of the problem, taking corrective action, and planning and coordinating the involvement of Gulfstream Material management and supplier management, as appropriate.
• Serve as principal point of contact with departments being supported for strategic commodities.
• Within assigned area of responsibility, as well as in the Materials Department in general, leads lower level personnel to accomplish tasks through superior experience, training and personal attributes.
• Interpret program and/or statement of work requirements; recommends and implements action with suppliers to ensure achievement of all requirements.
• Support the cost analyst efforts to prepare the Pre-Negotiation Plan (PNP).
• Prepare the Negotiation Plan using the PNP and his/her experience in dealing with the supplier.
• May lead teams that conduct negotiations with an emphasis on achieving cost reductions, maximizing savings, securing pricing and to meet schedule requirements that is within the objectives set forth in an approved negotiation plan.
• Ensure that all requirements are specified and properly reflected in purchasing documents.
• Coordinate administration of and response to all contractual documentation.
• Conduct all duties in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Plan, coordinate and review work of procurement personnel within commodity group or area, as assigned by department manager. .
• Requires a strong knowledge in purchasing methods and techniques.
• Experience leading cross functional teams, displaying the ability to persuade, convince and influence others.
• Experience in negotiating/managing high dollar, multi-year and/or complex procurements.

Additional Information

Requisition Number: 221967

Posting Type: Internal-External

Department: J0322-Machining Commodity

Category: Purchasing

Percentage of Travel: Up to 25%

Shift: First

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary Grade:E7

Number of Openings: 1

Posting End Date: 09/30/2064

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

Gulfstream does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, unless the applicant is a currently sponsored Gulfstream employee.

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Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically-advanced business jet aircraft

PI248705348

Gulfstream designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft.

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HSEC Manager

Requisition ID:  279110  

•  Relocation Authorized:  International - Family  
• Telework Type:  Full-Time Office/Project  
• Work Location:  Belgrade  

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. 

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments . They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report . 

Bechtel is a global provider of engineering, construction, and project management services with a reputation for excellence and innovative project delivery. An opportunity exists within the Bechtel project team to work closely with our customer on a key Bechtel project in Serbia. This project will be one of the largest greenfield projects ever built in Serbia.

The HSEC Manager develops and implements Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) management programs, systems and processes; provides the technical oversight of the HSEC activities at a project level; serves as the recognised expert in matters relating to HSEC; and provides the overall support for the project to be successful in controlling the risk of harm to people, property, the environment and the community. Initial mobilization will be to our Belgrade office with the position transitioning to our site based location in western Serbia.

• Develop and maintain a HSEC program (plans, systems, procedures, standards) to control risks.
• Adopts client and regulatory requirements where required by contract or law.
• Actively supports the Project, Site and functional managers, in the implementation of the HSEC program.
• Ensures complete compliance with all Serbian laws and regulations.
• Monitors the implementation of the HSEC program and reports successes and areas of improvement.
• Identifies and assesses best practices for implementation.
• Evolves and adapts the HSEC program through the project stages.
• Develops and maintains a plan of activities aligned with the project schedule and risk factors.
• Develops, supervises and maintains a team that provides in-field HSEC support to all project levels.
• Liaises and openly communicates with the GBU ESH Manager on project status, needs and strategies.
• Maintains a collaborative, working relationship with client representatives.
• Develops a defined budget for HSEC needs and controls cost to that budget.
• Participates in the senior leadership HSEC meeting that sets and monitors the project HSEC strategy.
• Where appropriate, acts as the lead investigator for any serious incident on project.
• Acts as the single point of contact for all HSEC communication with government agencies.
• Requires a Bachelor’s or Master's degree (or international equivalent) related to environmental, safety, health or science-related discipline and 13-15 years of relevant experience or 17-19 years of relevant work experience
• Leadership skills to enable a team to be successful - coach, mentor, participate, direct
• Professional skill set to deliver quality HSEC programs, reporting and monitoring
• High level of written and verbal communication
• Attributes that openly display HSEC as a personal value

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.   #LI-BP1

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

We're creating a space where all people, including those with disabilities, can advance their careers and optimize their possibilities through a fair and inclusive workplace. If reasonable adjustments are needed to apply for an open position, please contact us to ensure we can provide an environment where each and every candidate can thrive:  [email protected] Bechtel is a verified company with the Disability Confident Scheme

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Project Manager

South Asia Multi County Office:

The South Asia Multi-Country Office  (SAMCO)  oversees the development and implementation of projects in 7 countries in South Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAMCO offers expertise in infrastructure, procurement, human resource management, and fund management. All the project offices have local technical experts and strong partnerships with the governments in each country.

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability, and accountability of Projects. 

UNOPS Sri Lanka facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Currently, UNOPS completed the procurement of US$5 million in essential pharmaceuticals  to strengthen the Sri Lanka health system during the medicine shortage crisis. Currently, UNOPS is implementing a digital health transformation project along with the Ministry of Health under funding from the Global Fund. 

The Project Manager will be based in Colombo with frequent travel to the field to oversee the digitization of hospitals under the project's pilot stage, whilst working side by side with the Ministry of Health's Health Information Unit (HIU) and the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Colombo. This digitization effort will start centrally at the Ministry of Health (MoH) and will interlink and expand to 30-50 government hospitals across Sri Lanka. UNOPS is responsible for  several budget lines under the overall Health Information Quality Improvement (HIQI) project. Key outputs under this scope is the procurement and instalment of hardware and software to aide the transformation process. The project will involve stakeholders from both the public and private IT sectors in Sri Lanka and internationally. 

The HIQI Project Manager will lead a team comprising IT advisors, finance officers, procurement and reporting staff, and other support functions at UNOPS to support the Ministry of Health in achieving its goal of pilot health digitization.

The HIQI Project is a complex, multi-stakeholder platform with varied points of implementation; the overall goal is to link the fragmented health information system together efficiently and sustainably. The project aims to create, link, and expand the functionality of a single IT platform across state hospitals. The Project Manager must demonstrate a strong understanding of how the digital platform must take shape to optimize the interoperability of the whole system. Good link and knowledge of the IT industry in Sri Lanka and the ongoing digital transformation within government ministries is crucial to ensuring the project is implemented well. It is crucial for the Project Manager to possess strategic planning abilities to ensure that all components of the project, including those that are reliant on the Ministry and stakeholders, are implemented on time and in full by the project's end date.  

Project Delivery and Performance  

Ensure that product specifications are signed and finalized by MoH.

Develop and update implementation plans and project timelines including networking and software roll out.

Assist in the onboarding of the International Technical Assistant. 

Ensure that project deliverables are planned and executed together with the works carried out by MoH to ensure a streamlined project delivery.

Embed sustainability dimensions including training on operability and maintenance to MoH, environmental and economic aspects into project life span. 

Manage the production of the required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.

Ensure that quality of work packages and deliverables complies with the quality requirements defined within UNOPS standards and technical specifications. 

Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers ensuring compliance and performance standards.

Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly and report to Project Director (MoH) and Project Steering Committee. 

Ensure that MoH deliverable are in accordance to approved standards for server rooms and custom clearances are prepared to avoid delays at port.

Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation, particularly for networking and software related deliveries.

Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to Project Director (MoH)/ Project Steering Committee so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.

Identify and report to the supervisor potential business opportunities for UNOPS.

Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual.

Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Steering Committee and the PIU at MoH.

Manage the reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan.

Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes. Approving requisitions and requests for non-purchase order payments; Evaluating submissions received, if appointed to the evaluation team. 

Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded.

Ensure the development and implementation of project financial management guidelines and control mechanisms, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations. 

Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.

Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project.

Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel.

Manage expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports).

Where the Project Manager has no delegation as a committing officer, s/he retains these responsibilities and will monitor and instruct/request others to carry out the relevant commitments and disbursements.

For project closure purposes, provide a formal handover of the project to the closure manager.

Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.

Monitoring and Reporting

Prepare and issue regular project and/or financial reports in accordance with Partner and UNOPS requirements for reporting.

Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).

Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.

Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.

Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets for the duration of projects' life span.

Stakeholder Engagement

Develop stakeholder profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies.

Establish solid working relationships with the PIU and Project Steering Committees as well as other government and external partners.

Enable the formulation of project communications plans. Coordinate internal project communications. Monitor the effectiveness of project communications.

Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover outputs.

Quality Assurance

Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements.

Work with procurement/purchasing staff to ensure effective interface with suppliers' quality systems.

Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables.

Provide quality control for management outputs (project documents, reports, etc.).

Knowledge management and innovation

Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.

Build and strengthen UNOPS capacity to deliver IT, digitization projects by developing case studies and capacity statements on best practices based on this project. 

Actively interact with other Project Managers and the wider PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices. 

Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.

Research and logging of lessons learned throughout the project life span.

Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.

Personnel Management 

Lead and motivate the project management team.

Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established. 

Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately and timely.

Select, recruit and train a team as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.

Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.

Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

• Advanced University Degree in a relevant  discipline related to the nature of the project: Finance, Information System, IT Project Management, Supply Chain, Project Management.
• A combination of Bachelor’s Degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
• Certification in Project Management ( PRINCE2, PMI, etc.) Asset.

A minimum of 5 years' experience in implementing complex projects or programs, with a focus on IT project management, is required.

Proven knowledge and qualifications in IT infrastructure development is required.

Expertise in assessing critical linkages between procurement and business functions.

Demonstrated success in creating, executing, and implementing complex project plans.

Strong background in report writing, data analysis, document drafting, and risk management.

Excellent problem-solving and quality assurance skills.

Experience working effectively in multicultural teams.

Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, presentation, and client service abilities.

Full working knowledge of English is required.

Knowledge of the local language is an asset.

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here .

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

APPLICATION TIPS

Together, we build the future.

Working together, we can reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives.

Project Coordinator - Technical Project & Portfolio Excellence

About the role.

Major Responsibilities but does not Include:

Project Coordination (70%):  

• Act as project coordinator for administrative projects (design, planning, implementation, communication, etc.) Maintain and improve Project and Portfolio excellence and governance for TPPM (processes, templates, reporting).
• Support TPPM and cross-functional initiatives. Support TPPM objective setting process by preparing the framework, consolidate input and ensure regular tracking and review.
• Support Technical Project Board (TPB) Governance including update of templates, schedule meetings to collect input. Maintain and manage TPPM SharePoint and drive communication related activities.
• Partners with TRD Line Functions to ensure seamless execution of shared activities across TRD in support of the drug development portfolio. Act as PPE relationship manager by proactively building long-term, sustainable and effective relationships, understanding the stakeholder landscape in and outside of TRD and demonstrating political astuteness across business structures and networks.
• Ensure deliverables in response to ad-hoc requests from Head PPE and PPE Team.

TPPM General Administration (30%): 

• Provide general administrative support to TPPM: Deal with complex administrative and organizational assignments independently and take care of general administrative tasks. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments/meetings, meeting preparation and assisting in meeting planning.
• Handle purchase orders, invoices and vendor quotes including follow-up with internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Provide general support with handling travel management activities in Novartis system.
• Act as a TPPM Training Coordinator by supporting TPPM associates in the on-boarding and off-boarding including archiving of training documentation.
• Act as the Timecard Coordinator for TPPM by regularly following up with TPPM associates to comply with regulation and KPIs.
• Update the monthly FTE report for the Development Operations and Cell & Gene Therapies Group.

Minimum Requirements:

Education : Graduation / Business Degree

Experience/Professional requirement:

• 3+ years of highly successful administrative support experience preferably in a pharmaceutical based environment.
• 3+ year of skills in Project coordination and management or portfolio support by defining, coordinating all aspects of projects, defining plans and setting deadlines, ensuring appropriate monitoring and transparency on progress.
• Advanced presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 360 (Teams, SharePoint, and Office).
• Experience with corporate IT platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Track record of working in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural teams.

High attention to detail and quality, strong initiative and execution capabilities.

Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve. You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook. https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Accessibility and accommodation

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.