Also called Project Leader, Project Director, Team Leader

In summary

Project managers manage and oversee all aspects of a project, including scoping and budgeting through to resourcing, development and implementation. These projects may cover the full spectrum of ICT, including software, hardware, web and system development. Project managers are responsible for ensuring tasks are delivered on-time, within budget, and efficiently.

A project manager may

• manage all phases of development, including requirement analysis, system design, specification, development, testing and implementation
• maintain and control cost, schedule and quality of project activities, and ensure they run on budget, on time, and meet expectations
• identify and assess the risk associated with a project, and develop and implement strategies to reduce those risks
• prepare reports about the activities/program/project achievements
• advise senior management on issues requiring attention, and implement management decisions
• supervise and administer the work undertaken by contractors What learning areas and study is needed?
• Entry into project management is usually through a Bachelor Degree or higher qualification, or at least five years relevant experience. Some organisations prefer project managers with previous marketing, industry, programming or systems analysis experience.
• Training in project management philosophies and methodologies is essential for success

This career would appeal to people who

• love the challenge of ensuring a project is completed on time, on budget and to specification and quality requirements regardless of the hurdles encountered
• have perseverance, leadership and coaching skills, and can lead and manage professional staff, contractors and teams
• have experience with project management methodology and knowledge of the system development life cycle (SDLC)
• can manage multiple projects at the one time, and have excellent prioritisation skills
• love thinking strategically, solving problems and negotiating
• are active listeners and good communicators

Remuneration and job prospects

According to the 2006 ACS Remuneration Survey, project managers with around five years experience earn a median base salary of $89,500, rising to $105,000 with 20 years experience.

Starting out

Typically, project managers have experience as business analysts, research analysts or analyst programmers. Project managers typically require at least five years experience with at least three years in software development, systems analysis and design.

Going towards

Senior project managers require 10 years experience in a technical field such as IT, systems integration, consulting, development etc, plus 2-3 years experience managing project leaders and/or consultant level professionals.