What does an IT Project Manager do? A practical guide to their responsibilities

In the IT industry – where specialists constantly work under time pressure, teams operate in distributed environments, and technology evolves at lightning speed – the role of the person responsible for managing technology projects is crucial. This person is the IT Project Manager.

In a nutshell, an IT Project Manager oversees technology projects at every stage – from initial planning through execution to completion – which means they are involved from start to finish. But what exactly does this role entail, and what steps should one take to become a Project Manager in the IT industry?

What is the role of an IT Project Manager?

An IT Project Manager (IT PM) acts as a liaison between the project team, company management, and the end client. They participate in all phases of project execution, which comes with a high level of responsibility. One of their key tasks is to control project timelines and ensure that activities align with the allocated budget.

Most roles in the IT sector are commonly associated with programming, which isn’t surprising given the large number of professionals involved in software development. However, IT also offers numerous opportunities for individuals who prefer working in project management – such as in the role of a Project Manager.

While programming skills are not a requirement for becoming an IT Project Manager, they are certainly a strong advantage. To succeed in this role, it’s important to stay informed about current trends and changes in the tech world.

Technical knowledge helps a PM better understand the nature of the team’s tasks, which translates into more effective project and team management. This combination of technical and managerial skills increases a PM’s value in the dynamic IT environment.

Key responsibilities of IT Project Managers

A Project Manager is responsible for developing a detailed project schedule and overseeing its execution through each stage. In addition to precise task planning, one of their core responsibilities is accurately estimating resources and budgets. Mistakes in these estimates can lead to delays or, in extreme cases, the complete halt of a project, severely impacting its success and delivery.

Many people interested in working in the tech industry wonder: how do you get a job in IT? Not everyone has the aptitude or desire to code, which is why the Project Manager role is an appealing alternative for those aspiring to hold a key position in this fast-growing industry.

The IT Project Manager is also responsible for risk management, which includes identifying potential threats and developing contingency plans to ensure the project’s safety and stability.

One of the essential traits of a good IT Project Manager is effective communication. This role requires strong soft skills, which are critical for daily collaboration with both the team and stakeholders. Regularly reporting on project progress and updating key individuals on status is a fundamental part of the job.

However, the responsibilities of an IT PM go beyond just communication and supervision. A core part of their role is delivering results – monitoring and controlling task execution to achieve all defined project goals. Only by effectively combining these elements can a project be successfully brought to completion.

What makes the IT Project Manager role unique in the tech industry?

Unlike developers or testers, IT Project Managers are not directly involved in technical execution. Their primary task is managing human resources in a way that ensures high-quality, efficient work delivered on schedule – key to project success.

The IT PM acts as a bridge between the technical team and the client. Their job is to translate complex technical issues into language that decision-makers can understand, and to communicate business requirements clearly to the technical team – ensuring smooth communication and effective project execution.

What does a typical day of an IT Project Manager look like?

A typical day for an IT PM can vary depending on the company and the stage of the project. Usually, the day starts with a morning meeting where key goals are discussed, team progress is reviewed, and potential obstacles are addressed. These meetings enable effective task management and quick responses to emerging issues.

After the meeting, the project team begins their work, and the IT PM monitors progress, makes necessary adjustments, and modifies plans as needed. The PM also maintains ongoing communication with the client or business units – critical for passing along any changes or feedback from the client and making immediate updates to the project plan.

Every job has its challenges, and the same is true in IT. When technical or organizational problems arise, the Project Manager is responsible for resolving them effectively. Although the IT PM doesn’t handle technical tasks directly, they are expected to be proficient in using tools like Jira, Trello, or Microsoft Project to track progress.

How to become a Project Manager?

Thinking about transitioning into IT? The role of IT Project Manager can be a natural next step for individuals with experience in managing projects and teams, offering a fast-track into the dynamic IT sector.

A Project Manager’s salary depends on experience and qualifications, but with the right skill set, it can be a rewarding and influential career path.