What are the responsibilities of a project manager?
The term “project manager” is so broad that it can encompass various tasks and mean different things to different people. So what is the typical job description for a project manager? A project manager is responsible for overseeing a project from start to finish. The responsibilities of a project manager include:
- Planning the project
- Creating a schedule and timeline
- Executing each phase
- Managing the budget
- Serving as the liaison among all stakeholders
- Troubleshooting and maintenance
Project managers must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess excellent people skills — after all, they are responsible for leading the team and communicating clearly and regularly with all relevant parties.
What is the role of a project manager?
The Project Management Institutedescribes the role of the project manager as that of a change agent. They’re someone who “makes project goals their own and uses their skills and expertise to inspire a sense of shared purpose within the project team.”
Project managers are leaders — they not only ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget but must also engage and encourage their teams and inspire their clients. They need strong critical thinking capabilities to solve problems as they arise and finely-tuned communication skills (like a knack for customer service) to ensure everyone remains informed, motivated, and on board. It’s no wonder that project managers areconsidered critical to the successof any venture.
Project manager responsibilities
A project manager is responsible for a variety of tasks and activities. The following list includes the key responsibilities every project manager takes on.
1. Planning
A project manager is responsible for formulating a project plan to meet the project’s objectives while adhering to an approved budget and timeline. This blueprint will guide the project from ideation to fruition. It will include the project’s scope, the resources necessary, the anticipated time and financial requirements, the communication strategy, a plan for execution and documentation, and a proposal for follow-up and maintenance. If the project has not yet gained approval, this plan will serve as a critical part of the pitch to key decision-makers.
