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

Digital transformation has become a major challenge for businesses, revolutionising the way they conduct their activities and interact with their customers. The rise of digital technologies has profoundly altered consumer expectations, creating a growing demand for fluid, intuitive and personalised online experiences. It is against this backdrop that the role of Web Project Manager has taken on crucial importance in the world of digital marketing.

Description of the job of Web Project Manager

The Web Project Manager, also known as the Digital Project Manager, is responsible for designing, developing and putting websites online. They act as a crucial management interface between the customer, any service providers and the various parties involved in the project.

The Web Project Manager is involved in all phases of the project, from the creation to the overhaul of existing sites. They ensure that each stage complies with the customer's requirements and needs as set out in the specifications, the deadlines set and the budget allocated. Their work extends to a variety of media (showcase sites, e-commerce platforms, social networks, mobile applications) and encompasses a range of actions (increasing traffic, content creation, brand development).

They have a wide range of technical, managerial and interpersonal skills. Their ability to manage and coordinate their team and supervise the various phases of the project is essential to ensure the success of digital initiatives.

Reporting to a managing director, technical director or marketing director, their position may evolve towards different specialisations depending on the project and the company, such as SEO project manager (natural referencing), SEM project manager (search engine marketing campaign), e-commerce project manager or intranet project manager.

What is the role and remit of a Web Project Manager?

Prospecting and calls for tenders

​Depending on the company they work for, Web Project Managers may be required to canvass or respond to calls for tender in order to identify new business opportunities and expand the company's customer portfolio. He gathers requests from potential prospects and carefully analyses the needs expressed or implied in order to draw up commercial offers.

Web Project Development and Monitoring: Expertise, Planning and Budget Management

Working with customers, the Web Project Manager draws up functional and technical specifications, providing expertise and proposing the most appropriate and relevant solutions. They analyse and assess requirements, defining objectives, expected functionalities and technical constraints.

They supervise project monitoring, creating feedback plans in agreement with the customer and working closely with the various parties involved, such as developers, designers and SEO specialists. They ensure that deadlines are met and that the quality of the work is maintained. In addition, he manages the project budget, monitoring costs and expenditure to keep within the planned limits. To coordinate his overall work with the teams, he uses project monitoring software such as Jira, Trello or Asana. He frequently organises meetings to check on the progress of the project and, if necessary, adjust the schedule.

Throughout the project, sometimes over several months, he plays a crucial role in customer relations, ensuring fluid and transparent communication. They ensure that the customer 's expectations are always in line with the project's progress.

A conductor always up to date

A true conductor of an orchestra, the Web Project Manager coordinates the development team, ensuring that tasks are allocated and that there is good communication between the various parties involved. They ensure the quality of the deliverables and the conformity of the final product.

He constantly monitors technological developments to propose innovative solutions tailored to customers' needs. They develop an effective web marketing communications strategy to ensure that the project objectives are in line with initial expectations. In addition, they propose professional digital solutions tailored to optimise website performance and enhance the user experience.

The Web Project Manager also maintains and updates web projects once they are online, in collaboration with the technical team.

Depending on the organisation, the Web Project Manager may report to a Managing Director, Technical Director or Marketing Director, and work in a web or communications department.

What are the main tasks of a Web Project Manager?

The main tasks of a web project manager include the overall management of website creation or redesign projects. During the design phase, they analyse the customer's needs, draw up the specifications and define the project's objectives and strategy. During the development phase, he coordinates the technical teams, monitors the progress of the work and ensures that deadlines and budgets are met. At the launch stage, he supervises testing, organises the go-live and provides user training. Finally, during the maintenance phase, he manages updates, resolves bugs and analyses the site's performance to ensure that it is running smoothly.

Conception

Analysis of customer requirements and drafting of specifications:

• Understanding the customer's expectations and objectives, and documenting the functional and technical specifications.

Strategy development and definition of project objectives:

• Establishing the project goals and the strategy to be followed to achieve them.

Creating the site's functional architecture:

• Designing the site's structure and functionalities.

Estimating the budget and deadlines:

• Forecasting the project's costs and timetable.

Coordinating with the design and development teams to validate the mock-ups:

• Working with the designers and developers to validate the visual and technical prototypes.

Implementing project management tools and methods:

• Choosing management software, creating workflows and defining work methodologies.

Development

Monitoring the development of the various functionalities:

• Monitoring the development of the site's functionalities.

Managing sprints and progress meetings:

• Organising short development cycles and progress meetings.

Coordination between developers, designers and other contributors:

• Ensuring smooth communication between the various teams.

Reviewing and approving intermediate deliverables:

• Checking and approving deliverables at each stage.

Managing changes and adjustments based on feedback:

• Adapting the project according to the feedback received.

Ensuring compliance with standards and best practice:

• Ensuring the site is compliant in terms of accessibility, SEO and performance.

Launch

Planning and coordinating test phases:

• Organising and supervising functional, user and load tests.

Managing the acceptance phase and final validation of deliverables:

• Carrying out final checks and approving the site for online use.

Organising the production launch:

• Planning and executing the deployment of the site.

Setting up post-launch monitoring tools:

• Installing monitoring systems to track the site's performance.

Coordination with the marketing teams for communication around the launch:

• Working with marketing to promote the launch of the site.

Training and documentation for end users and internal teams:

• Training users and providing the necessary documentation.

Maintenance

Performance monitoring and bug resolution:

• Monitoring site performance and correcting problems.

Managing functional updates and developments:

• Planning and implementing updates and new features.

Monitoring user feedback and continuous improvement:

• Analysing feedback and improving the site accordingly.

Incident management and implementation of back-up solutions:

• Reacting quickly to problems and implementing emergency solutions.

Data analysis and regular reporting on the state of the site:

• Regular reporting on traffic, performance and user satisfaction.

Coordination with technical teams to ensure site security and reliability:

• Working with the teams to maintain the security and stability of the site.

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

Professional skills:

• Expertise in web project management: In-depth knowledge of project management processes and web technologies and languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Project management tools: Proficiency in the use of software such as Jira, Trello and Asana.
• SEO and digital marketing skills: Knowledge of SEO and digital marketing strategies.

Personal skills:

• Communication and leadership skills: Ability to manage teams and communicate effectively with customers and partners.
• Organisation and rigour: Methodical management of tasks and respect for deadlines.
• Strategic decision-making: Ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Creativity and innovation: Proposing innovative solutions to meet customer needs.

What are the current challenges facing a Web Project Manager?

The impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning

An exploration of how artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are changing web project management practices. Analysis of AI tools that assist web project managers inautomating repetitive tasks, predicting delivery times, andoptimising workflows.

In detail:

• Presentation of the main AI tools used in web project management.
• Case studies on theimplementation of these technologies in real projects.
• Impact on the skills required by future web project managers.
• Advantages and limitations of using AI and machine learning in this field.

Managing cyber security in web projects

Analysis of the challenges posed by cybersecurity in web project management. Discussion of the strategies that project managers need to adopt to ensure the security of data and systems throughout the project lifecycle.

In detail:

• Understanding the main cybersecurity threats in web projects.
• Integrating cybersecurity best practices into project management.
• Examples of security breaches and lessons learned.
• Roles and responsibilities of the web project manager in terms of cybersecurity.
• Working with IT security teams to manage risks.

The importance of user experience (UX) in the success of web projects

In-depth discussion of the importance ofuser experience (UX ) in web projects and how project managers can play a key role in ensuring optimal UX. Presentation of methods and tools for effectively integrating UX into every stage of the project.

In detail:

• Definition and importance of UX in web projects.
• Techniques for integrating UX right from the planning phase.
• Tools and methods for testing and improving UX throughout the project.
• Working with UX/UI designers and developers to ensure a consistent UX experience.
• Case studies of successful web projects thanks to a strong focus on UX.

How can I become a Web Project Manager?

Studies and training

To become a Web Project Manager, you need to have a bachelor 's degree (Bac+3 to Bac+5) in IT, project management or a web-related discipline:

• Bac +3: BUT Informatique, Licence professionnelle or Bachelor's degree in digital professions.
• Bac +5: Business school diploma, Master's degree in IT and communication, Master's degree in digital project management.

EM Normandie offers courses tailored to this profession, in particular the MSc International Marketing and Business Development. This course provides the necessary skills in digital strategy, web project management and data analysis, offering comprehensive preparation for becoming a successful Web Project Manager.

Certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or Scrum Master are also appreciated.

Professional experience

Previous experience in web development or project management is crucial. Internships and work-study programmes offer valuable opportunities to gain this practical experience.

What are the career prospects for a Web Project Manager?

• Progression to Project Director or Digital Manager positions.
• Opportunities in web agencies, companies of all sizes or on a freelance basis.
• Possibility of becoming a consultant or expert in web project management.

What does a Web Project Manager earn?

The salary of a Web Project Manager varies according to experience, the size of the company and the sector of activity:

• Beginner: Gross monthly salary (approx.): €2,200
• 2-5 years' experience: Gross monthly salary (approx.): €2,800 - €3,500
• 5+ years' experience: Gross monthly salary (approx.): €4,000 and more

What does a Web Project Manager do?

A wide range of employers

Web Project Managers can work in various types of organisation, including

• E-commerce sites: companies operating exclusively on the Internet
• ESN (entreprises de services du numérique) or consulting companies: providing IT services and digital solutions
• Software or application publishers Developing and marketing software products
• Communications agencies: Managing their clients' digital communications.
• Large companies: with dedicated web and digital departments.

The nature of the job may vary slightly depending on the location and size of the company, with responsibilities ranging from managing small creative teams to coordinating complex projects involving several technical departments.

Main areas

A Web Project Manager works in a number of sectors, including:

• Audit and Consulting: Providing expertise and strategic recommendations.
• Publishing, bookshops, libraries: Developing and managing digital content platforms.
• IT and networks: designing and maintaining digital infrastructures.
• Marketing and advertising: deploying digital strategies to promote products and services.

These varied sectors offer many opportunities for Web Project Managers, depending on their skills and professional interests, enabling them to specialise in areas such asdata analysis, the development of innovative solutions, content management anduser experience optimisation.

In summary

The job of Web Project Manager is essential to the success of digital projects, ensuring coordination between customers and technical teams. With a wide range of skills in project management, web technologies and digital marketing, the Web Project Manager ensures that projects meet requirements, deadlines and budgets. This role offers rewarding career prospects, leading to management positions or expert consultancy. The Web Project Manager is essential for navigating a constantly changing digital environment.