Project Manager: missions, skills, training, salary and career development

With the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing need to deliver complex projects in a competitive environment, the role of Project Manager has become crucial for many organisations. These professionals are responsible for planning, managing and delivering projects, while ensuring that objectives are met on time and on budget. They play a key role in coordinating teams, managing resources and resolving problems, thereby contributing to the success of projects and achieving the company's strategic objectives.

Description of the Project Manager's job

The Project Manager is a key professional who coordinates and supervises the planning, execution and closure of projects within an organisation. This role is crucial to the smooth running of projects, whether they relate to organisational transformation, process improvement or the development of new products or services. The Project Manager must possess management, leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage resources and navigate in complex environments.

What is the role and remit of the Project Manager?

Project planning and initiation

The Project Manager is responsible for drawing up the project plan, including defining objectives, scope, deadlines and budgets. He must identify the necessary resources, establish a project team, and define the roles and responsibilities of each member. This phase also includes risk assessment and contingency planning.

Execution and performance management

During the execution phase, the Project Manager oversees activities to ensure that the project is progressing according to plan. He or she is responsible for monitoring performance, managing resources, resolving any problems that arise, and ensuring ongoing communication between all stakeholders. The Project Manager uses various project management tools to monitor progress and adjust plans as required.

Project closure

Once the project has been completed, the Project Manager is responsible for the formal closure, which includes conducting a post-project review to assess successes and lessons learned. He/she ensures that all deliverables have been completed and that the objectives have been met, in compliance with the defined quality criteria. This final phase also includes the release of resources and the documentation of results for future projects.

Stakeholder management and communication

A key aspect of the Project Manager's role is managing relationships with stakeholders, including customers, sponsors and team members. They must ensure that expectations are aligned and that all communications are clear and timely. This includes conflict management and negotiating to obtain the support necessary for the success of the project.

Tools and technologies used by project managers

Project management tools

Project Managers use project management software such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana and Trello to plan, monitor and manage tasks. These tools make it easier to coordinate teams and manage deadlines and budgets.

Collaboration and communication tools

For effective communication, project managers use tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams and Zoom. These platforms enable real-time communication and facilitate collaboration, especially in remote or hybrid working environments.

Risk management and reporting tools

Specific risk management tools, such as Risk Register and Business Intelligence (BI) platforms, are used to identify, assess and monitor risks throughout the project. Automated dashboards and reports track progress and provide clear updates to stakeholders.

What skills do you need to be a good Project Manager?

Professional skills

• Project management: Proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g. Agile, Waterfall) and associated tools.
• Financial management: Skills in budgeting, cost tracking and managing financial resources.
• Risk analysis: Ability to identify, assess and mitigate potential risks that could affect the project.
• Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively with teams and stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Quality management: Ability to ensure that project deliverables meet the required quality standards.

Personal skills

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve project objectives.
• Organisation and time management: Effectiveness in managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Problem solving: Ability to identify problems quickly and propose effective solutions.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changes and unforeseen circumstances in the project.
• Team spirit: Ability to work collaboratively and build positive working relationships.

What are the current challenges facing Project Managers?

Increasing project complexity

Projects are becoming more and more complex, with increased technical requirements, cross-functional integration, and increasingly high expectations in terms of speed and quality.

Virtual team management

With the rise of teleworking, project managers have to manage geographically distributed teams, which poses challenges in terms of communication, collaboration and performance management.

Pressure on deadlines and costs

Companies are looking to complete projects more quickly and at lower cost, which puts pressure on Project Managers to meet tight deadlines while maintaining the quality of deliverables.

Innovation and adaptation to new technologies

Project Managers need to keep up to date with the latest technologies and project management methodologies to remain competitive and effective.

Managing change and resistance

Implementing projects, particularly those involving major organisational change, can meet with resistance. Project Managers need to be skilled in change management to ease the transition and ensure stakeholder buy-in.

How do I become a Project Manager?

Education and training

To become a Project Manager, academic training in management, engineering or a related field is often required. Many Project Managers hold certifications in project management, such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or Prince2. Business schools and universities offer specialist programmes in project management.

EM Normandie offers a relevant programme for those aspiring to become project managers: the MSc International Marketing and Business Development. This programme provides in-depth training in project management, including strategic planning, resource management and the use of project management tools.

Professional experience

Experience is essential to progress to Project Manager roles. Candidates often start in junior positions or project support roles to gain practical experience. Working on a variety of projects and sectors can enrich the profile of a future Project Manager.

Certifications and continuous development

Obtaining recognised certifications in the field, such as PMP, Prince2, or Scrum Master, can significantly improve job and career prospects. It is also important to continue training to keep up to date with best practices and innovations in the field of project management.

Career development and prospects for a Project Manager

Career progression

Project Managers can progress to Project Director positions, where they oversee several projects or programmes. They may also progress to Programme Director or PMO (Project Management Office) roles, where they establish project management standards and practices for the entire organisation.

Specialisation

Some Project Managers choose to specialise in a specific sector, such as IT, construction or healthcare, or in a particular methodology, such as Agile or Lean.

Consulting

With experience, Project Managers can become consultants, offering their project management expertise to a variety of organisations. This may include advising on project management strategy, implementing PMOs, or coaching in the development of project management skills.

Training and education

Experienced professionals may also choose to share their knowledge by becoming project management trainers or teachers, helping to train the next generation of project managers.

How much does a Project Manager earn?

A Project Manager's salary depends on experience, industry and the size of the projects they manage.

• Junior Project Manager: €35,000 to €45,000 per year
• Senior project manager: €50,000 to €70,000 per year
• Senior project manager: €70,000 to €100,000 per year
• Project Director: 100,000 euros or more per year

Where does a Project Manager work?

Project Managers can work in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Information Technology (IT): Managing software development, systems implementation and digital transformation projects.
• Construction and engineering: Supervision of building construction,infrastructure andengineering projects.
• Healthcare: Project management for medical technology deployment, clinical process improvement and regulatory compliance.
• Finance: Project coordination for the launch of new financial products, regulatory compliance and process transformation.
• Marketing and Communications: Management of marketing campaigns, product launches and integrated communications projects.

In summary

The job of Project Manager is essential to the success of corporate projects. With skills in management, communication and leadership, Project Managers play a key role in achieving strategic objectives. The role offers a wide range of career opportunities, with the potential to progress to senior management roles. The challenges associated with the complexity of projects, managing virtual teams and adapting to new technologies require continuous training and the ability to adapt quickly. Project Managers make a significant contribution to improving processes and achieving organisational objectives.