Are you an undergraduate or postgraduate interested in becoming a project manager? But first, you want to learn more about what project managers do and which skills they need to succeed.
This article will detail the role of a project manager, their primary roles and responsibilities, and which skills they need to possess to thrive in the ever-evolving project management industry.
What is a project manager?
A project manager oversees planning, organising, and executing business projects. These professionals must manage entire teams, communicate with stakeholders, define project goals, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
They can be in charge of a wide range of projects, including marketing projects, construction projects, building development, product launches, etc.
There is a need for project managers in almost any industry.
Role of a project manager
These managers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks. Here are some of their primary project management duties.
1. Plan and develop project ideas
Every project starts with a bright idea. The manager works with the company’s internal stakeholders and clients to plan and bring these ideas to fruition. Whether this is constructing a building, developing an app, or creating a new product.
They do this by:
- Defining project scopes
- Determining available resources
- Breaking down tasks and subtasks
- Defining milestones
- Setting appropriate schedules
- Assigning team members
They need to find the quickest and easiest way towards whatever needs to be done.
2. Create and lead teams
A good project manager is responsible for all aspects of the project, including leading a team of people who can accomplish the goal. They must assemble and manage these individuals by guiding, training, and ultimately setting them up for project success.
Project managers must maintain the team dynamic through communication, motivation, and relationship building to create a well-oiled team to get the job done.
3. Manage resources
They need to consider which resources are required to complete the project. This includes tools, people, hardware, equipment, time, and more.
Thus, these professionals must negotiate appropriate deadlines and discuss them with teams. They must also ensure that the necessary tools fit within the project budget.
4. Monitor progress and track roadblocks
Most of the project manager’s time revolves around tracking progress and ensuring the project stays on track. They must examine how much is being done and whether it’s done according to the proper standards.
Progress monitoring often involves status reports, meetings, and informal updates. This process will become much easier if the manager has the correct systems so team members know precisely what is expected of them.
5. Conduct meetings
Regarding meetings, project managers also need to regularly meet with their team to ensure that everyone is up to date. It is ideal for these meetings to be held virtually. 80% of workers say that communicating virtually makes them more strategic with their day to day work.
However, these meetings must be brief and follow a strategic agenda to ensure time is well spent. Thus, the project manager will need to prepare for the meeting beforehand and steer the conversation in the right direction when it goes off track.
6. Manage documentation and reports
After completing the project, the manager must provide the company and client with appropriate documentation to present final reports. This will help them:
- Maintain a record of what has been done in the project.
- Ensure that the results meet all expectations.
- Identify areas for future improvement.
7. Coordinate with clients
Project managers also need to coordinate with clients. This includes negotiating terms, deadlines, tasks, and requirements.
The project manager must clarify to the client how they should approach the project and their expectations.
Top project manager skills
Every manager needs several critical managerial skills. Here are some essential skills for successful project managers.
Communication
Project managers constantly need to communicate with stakeholders. Whether this is with clients, team members, or suppliers, they need to speak clearly so that everyone is on board. If not, they risk failing to deliver on time and with high quality.
Negotiation
Leading a project means constantly being involved in negotiations. From engaging with suppliers, dealing with team conflict, and discussing with clients, project managers always need to negotiate terms and conditions. Therefore, they need to be able to negotiate budgets, prices, resources, timelines, and much more.
Time management
Scheduling is a core facet of project management. This is because specific projects involve multiple schedules and need to leave room for possible roadblocks. Thus, project managers must manage their time and their team’s time effectively to ensure that all deadlines and milestones are met within a project life cycle.
Risk management
Risk management involves preparing for potential project risks that may occur during the project. Project managers need to be able to look at the bigger picture, including their strengths, weaknesses, and industry circumstances, to plan for the worst. This way, their team will be prepared to act and keep the project running smoothly, even if obstacles occur.
Technical expertise
Effective project managers should possess soft and technical skills to see a project through. For example, they must know how to use project management systems to manage their teams effectively. Some standard project management tools that these managers should know how to use include Microsoft Teams, Google Docs, ClickUp, etc.
FAQ
What degree is best for a project manager?
There are different types of qualifications you can pursue to become a project manager. For example, if you already have a qualification and want to change fields, REGENT offers a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Project Management.
However, you could also pursue another qualification if you are just starting, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Diploma in Management, which teaches you how to manage business operations and processes and pursue project management as a career.
How long does it take to become a project manager?
The time it takes to become a project manager varies based on several factors, including the type of education you pursue, your work experience, and more.
For example, getting a degree or diploma can take 3-4 years. Then, you can enter the business environment in an entry-level position, such as a project coordinator or assistant and work your way up to manager level. Depending on the company, this can take 2-4 years (or more).
Is project management in demand in South Africa?
Project management is in demand in South Africa due to the growing economy and infrastructure projects. Many companies, from medium companies to large corporations, require managers to lead their projects and teams.
On top of being in demand, having project management skills can also significantly increase your earning potential, with people holding a project management qualification earning up to 65% higher annual salaries than those who do not have this qualification.
Study project management courses with REGENT
Are you convinced that you are cut out for the project management field? Now that you know what the role of a project manager is, do you believe this is the ideal position for you and your career goals?
REGENT offers a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Project Management to help you build the skills and expertise necessary to flourish as a project manager in any business industry.
