Project Manager
Career information and advice on being a Project Manager

If you were to become a Project Manager, your main function would be to plan and manage business projects. The scope of work is varied, as is the type of projects that you may be involved with.

You could be involved with building development or manage projects related to IT implementation. Your main function would entail getting the project done on time and within budget.

A large part of your job would require you to use project management methods such as PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) or PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge). These methods enable you to break a project down into stages and monitor progress.

You would be involved with scheduling, costing and risk analysis.

Your Functions May include

You would need to have an overall understanding of the desired outcomes before you start. This may mean conducting meetings and asking questions of the client in detail to ensure that the job you are going to manage delivers on the clients’ needs.

As the Project Manager you need to set and agree to timelines, costs and the resources needed, from materials to labour.

A major component of the job is planning and each stage of the project would require you to draw up detailed plans on how you are going to reach your goals. Negotiating skills are key, as you would be expected to negotiate with Contractors and suppliers for materials and services.

Overseeing the smooth running of the job is also essential and you would need to compile comprehensive reports and give feedback on progress, budget and quality standards that are being met. You may need to troubleshoot and fix problems as they occur.