What is an IT Project Manager? An Overview and Job Description.

IT Project Managers play a crucial role in any business organisation. They will oversee and organise the adoption, implementation, and smooth operation of all aspects of the company’s IT infrastructure. This can include relatively standard software packages all the way up to overly complex hardware and software installations and deployment that affect every aspect of the organisation’s functionality. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is often a key part of the role in improving efficiency across the enterprise.

Duties and responsibilities - What does an IT Project Manager do?

At the core of the IT Project Manager job description, you need to ensure that your team delivers high-quality projects on time and within budget. You are responsible for ensuring project progress and leading project planning meetings with senior management, departmental heads, and relevant team members to identify project requirements, goals, and objectives.

Key roles and responsibilities of a project management professional

An IT Project Manager is responsible for overall project performance. One of the key metrics you will be measured on is that all projects are completed in full, within budget, and in line with pre-determined timescales.

An IT Project Manager will usually start off by performing strategic analysis. The project scope or requirements, required resources, and technical team size are just a few of the items that need to be fully understood to successfully deliver projects. Developing schedules will be done so that the IT Project Manager can start coordinating project team members to start delivering parts of the project.

Using knowledge of project management processes, you will provide project status on a regular basis and report potential issues to the appropriate people, including clients, stakeholders, and team members. This will require strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Working alongside clients, stakeholders, suppliers, and contractors is a critical aspect of your role. IT Project Managers streamline processes, review completed installations to improve the implementation of future projects, and manage teams of individuals both within the company and without as part of their IT Project Manager roles and responsibilities. Your goal is to maximise performance and minimise potential problems.

With some of the projects you manage, you must also understand any relevant legislation, both locally and internationally, that can affect the legality of IT project implementation. This may require extensive research and collaboration with legal experts to ensure that all projects meet regulatory requirements.

IT Project Manager Job Offers

What qualities and experience will you need to be a valued IT Project Manager?

Successful IT Project Managers will usually have several years of experience in such a role, as well as formal qualifications in a discipline like engineering, computer science, business administration or business management. 

A working knowledge of the project management methodologies commonly used in IT, such as Agile, Waterfall, and Scrum, is also required. Similar positions include the likes of Program Manager, Operations Manager, and IT Planner.

There are several personal qualities that will you help you in this role. You’ll be able to perform to the highest standard even when the stress levels are high, and you’ll be adept at seeing the big picture. Attention to detail is a must, and a methodical approach will be a major advantage.

Good communications skills are a must with this role, whether you’re reporting on the progress of projects with company directors or dealing with a supply chain that isn’t doing what it should. There will be times when your leadership skills will be put to the test, so the ability to remain calm under pressure will be a great help. In addition to this, you’ll need to know when to lead from the front and when to delegate.

Time management skills are crucial. Being able to focus and manage your own and the teams time when there are many plates spinning is of course part of the definition of a Project Manager.

Qualifications and technical skills - How to become an IT Project Manager?

With both IT and Project management skills being relevant to the role of an IT PM there are a range of qualifications that can be relevant for the role which may be outlined in the job description.

IT qualifications can include Microsoft or Cisco certifications while those from a support background may have CompTIA, or equivalent, certification. 

Sought after Project Management Qualifications include: PRINCE2, Scrum and PMP certification.

Career development - What is the next step after IT Project Manager (IT PM)?

IT Project Manager jobs are available at junior, intermediary and senior levels.

The most experienced individuals will often be working as Senior or Lead IT Project Managers. Beyond this level, career progressions would be an IT Director, Head of IT or even a Chief Technical Officer (CTO).

Salary and remuneration - How much does an IT Project Manager make?

As befits a senior role in a high-powered, often stressful, environment, an IT Project Manager salary can be high, often with an excellent benefits package attached. 

Salaries will depend on experience and the parameters of the actual role, of course, but the rewards can be impressive.
 

IT Project Manager Job Offers