Project manager Job Information | National Careers Service

Job profiles

Project manager

Hours

30-40 per week
Starting salary

£25,000 + per year

The work

As a project manager, it would be your job to plan and manage all kinds of business projects, and make sure they are completed on time, to specification and within budget.

Project managers can be employed in almost every industry on many different types of venture, from introducing a new computer system to overseeing a large building project. Whatever the project, your work would typically include:

finding out what the client or company wants to achieve
agreeing the timescales, costs and resources needed
drawing up a detailed plan and schedule for how to achieve each stage of the project
selecting and leading a project team
negotiating with contractors and suppliers for materials and services
making sure that each stage of the project is progressing on time, on budget and to the right quality standards
reporting regularly on progress to the client or to senior managers
managing risk to avoid delays to the project.

Part of your work would involve using particular project management methods such as PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) or PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) to break down the project into stages and monitor its progress. You would also use specialised software to help with scheduling, costing, and risk analysis.

Hours

You would often work standard office hours Monday to Friday, although this can vary according to the industry and you may need to work longer in order to meet deadlines.

You would usually be office-based, but may spend some of your time travelling for meetings and to visit contractors and suppliers. If working on building projects, you would visit construction sites on a regular basis. Some jobs may involve overnight stays away from home.

Income

Salaries depend on experience, the industry and the size and type of project. There may be extra bonuses for meeting deadlines.

Earnings are usually between £25,000 and £50,000 a year
Top salaries can reach £80,000 or more
Freelance project managers will be paid a daily rate.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You could take various routes to becoming a project manager. Many project managers are qualified to degree or postgraduate level, either in project management or a subject relevant to their industry. Others become project managers on the strength of their experience – they might progress after starting in the project support team, or managing smaller projects as part of another job.

A background in one of the following areas is likely to be especially useful for developing project management skills:

business
management
construction
engineering
manufacturing
accountancy
science and technology
information technology.

You may have an advantage with a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate qualification in project management. Other useful subjects include business and management, IT or construction management, particularly if your course included relevant work placements.

It can be an advantage to know PRINCE2 and specialist software like MS Project or Workbench before you apply for project management work, although this is not always essential if you can demonstrate enough relevant skills and experience.

Training and development

You will usually develop your project management knowledge and skills on the job. If necessary, your employer may provide training in PRINCE2 or specific project management software, leadership and management, and risk analysis.

You could work towards professional project management qualifications at various levels from any of the following organisations:

Association for Project Management (APM)
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

See each organisation’s website for more information on their qualifications and training.

If you are involved in project management in the IT industry, you could work towards specialised IT project management and support qualifications from the British Computer Society's Information Systems Examinations Board (ISEB).

British Computer Society, Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) – Project Management

You could also choose to study part-time for a project management degree or postgraduate qualification whilst you are working.

You may also receive training in Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices (P3O), a system of guidance for best management practice on setting up project offices.

Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices

There are also work-based qualifications specific to project management in certain industries. For example, in the engineering or manufacturing sectors you may find it useful to work towards NVQ Diplomas at levels 2, 3 or 4 in Business Improvement Techniques, or NVQs in Project Management at levels 4 and 5.

Skills and knowledge

excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
logical thinking with creative problem-solving ability
great attention to detail
good communication and negotiation skills
understanding of budget control
the ability to work well with others and lead a team
a good understanding of business
technical skills relevant to the project
good IT skills.

More information

Association for Project Management (APM) (Opens new window)
Ibis House, Regent Park
Summerleys Road
Princes Risborough
Buckinghamshire
HP27 9LE
Tel: 0845 458 1944
www.apm.org.uk

Project Management Institute (Opens new window)
www.pmi.org

PRINCE2 - PRojects IN Controlled Environments (Opens new window)
www.prince-officialsite.com

Chartered Management Institute (CMI) (Opens new window)
Management House
Cottingham Road
Corby
Northants NN17 1TT
Tel: 01536 204222
www.managers.org.uk

Opportunities

You could work as a project manager in most industries, including construction, health, IT, marketing, manufacturing, engineering, science and the public sector.

You could be employed directly by a company, or by a firm of project management consultants. Freelance contracts for the duration of a project are common, or you may work permanently for your employer.

Jobs may be advertised in the local and national press, in specialist publications and recruitment agencies.

With experience, you could progress into senior management or become a freelance consultant.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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