The project managers main role is to complete project goals and objectives successfully, using resources, skills and knowledge available to them.
Responsibilities Of The PM:
The project manger is responsible for ensuring the requirements and expectations of the key stakeholders are met. Who they report directly to will depend on the set-up and size of the organization they are working for. Their level of influence and decision making powers also vary from one project to the next, and in-line with the organizations structure and hierarchy. For example, in a small IT company, the project manager may report directly to the managing direct or CEO. In a medium to large company they may report to a functional manger, a portfolio manger or a program manger.
Be A Good Communicator:
The PM will need to communicate regularly to their superiors in the chain and will probably work closely with their manger throughout the project to ensure all phases and goals are completed and delivered within the project constraints. The PM must also ensure the work done is in-line with the organizations over all goals and strategies.
Management and Skills:
The PM will need to be familiar with whatever tools are required to track, analyse and report. They will also need strong leadership skills and will be able to motivate their team to complete assignments and maintain required standards. They will also calculate costs and handle budgets and time management. They will assess risks to the project and create contingency plans to deal with them. They will identify and oversee the purchase of materials and equipment necessary for the project, as well as identifying the required human resources and skills. They will log all change requests and track changes in documents of lessons learned. They will control and monitor the processes of each phase and make adjustments to plans, budgets, resource allocation and time lines.
Rewarding Career:
As you can see, a good project mangers skill-set is broad and deep, they are a special breed of people who remain calm under fire and relish challenges. If that sounds like you, then you have chosen an exciting and rewarding career path. For more information about becoming a great PM, view other pages on www.managethings.com.