The Role of an IT Project Manager

IT project managers utilize their leadership abilities daily to manage various projects and teams, guaranteeing successful outcomes. However, their role encompasses far more than just leadership.

Are you curious about:

• The definition of an IT project manager?
• The salary range for IT project managers?
• The steps to becoming an IT project manager?

Continue reading to uncover the answers to these questions and more about what it means to be an IT project manager.

IT project managers oversee the establishment of objectives and schedules for collaborative projects, guide team members towards these goals, and ensure financial constraints are respected. They select team members, design operational processes, and manage the project’s timeline and phases.

Additional tasks of an IT project manager encompass:

• Allocating tasks to team contributors
• Updating stakeholders on their commissioned projects
• Monitoring project developments
• Developing standardized project planning tools
• Conducting evaluations of projects
• Advocating for and implementing enhancements in project management tools
• Establishing key project checkpoints
• Guaranteeing timely delivery of project outcomes

Leveraging their robust organizational and interpersonal communication abilities, IT project managers adeptly steer teams through necessary changes. They gauge project success through indicators like team efficiency, the breadth of work accomplished, and profitability.

Core duties also include the formation and presentation of project outlines, goal setting, and running team briefings. Furthermore, these IT specialists are tasked with compiling reports that detail project schedules, results, and financial planning.

To excel as an IT project manager, individuals must possess a robust mix of enduring professional abilities. Essential skills for IT project managers encompass:

• Leadership
• Negotiation
• Collaborative work
• Creative thinking
• Establishing objectives
• Team collaboration
• Flexibility
• Time management

Additional professional capabilities that are crucial include dependability, financial planning, and the ability to solve problems.

Technical expertise is also vital for IT project managers, covering areas such as:

• Development of web and mobile applications
• Management of IT infrastructure
• Risk mitigation
• Handling databases
• Planning projects
• Transitioning to cloud environments
• Coding
• Employing Agile methodologies
• Managing data
• Coordinating resources
• Software creation
• Implementing backup and recovery protocols
• Forecasting resource needs
• Deploying software
• Scheduling tasks
• Setting up hardware
• Configuring networks

IT project managers should be well-versed in various project management philosophies like Lean, Agile, Waterfall, and Kanban. They need to know how to effectively work within a Scrum framework, interacting with roles like the product manager, product owner, and Scrum Master.

Furthermore, familiarity with tools such as Gantt charts, work breakdown structures, and project baselines is essential. A solid grasp of cybersecurity principles will further enhance their effectiveness in the role.

Typically, to embark on a career as an IT project manager, one needs at least a bachelor’s degree. Suitable fields of study include Management Information Systems, Information Technology, or Computer Science. In some cases, a higher degree like a Master of Business Administration (MBA) might be preferred or necessary.

However, individuals with substantial skills, practical experience, and recognized project management certifications can also secure positions in IT project management, or start at an entry-level, even without a standard four-year degree.

Curious about the typical compensation for IT project managers? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer and information systems managers, which includes IT project managers, have a median annual income of $159,010. The highest earners within this group, those in the top 10%, see an average salary of $208,000.

The job market for IT project managers is robust, with forecasts indicating continued expansion. According to projections by the BLS, CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce, and Lightcast, the demand for IT project managers is expected to increase significantly, with approximately 485,400 positions anticipated by 2033. This growth rate surpasses the national average by 61%.

The career path for IT project managers often starts with entry-level roles like project coordinator, associate project manager, junior project manager, or assistant project manager. With several years of hands-on experience, individuals in these roles can progress to become IT project managers. For those looking to advance further, there’s the potential to transition into a director position, which typically demands between 5 to 10 years of experience within the industry.

In certain organizations, a bachelor’s degree in a computer science discipline is a requirement for IT project managers. Pursuing a master’s degree might enhance your salary prospects and could prove to be a beneficial investment. However, it’s important to note that if you lack formal education but possess the requisite experience and certifications, you might still excel as a competitive applicant for IT project manager positions.

Obtaining relevant certifications is crucial for anyone aiming to secure a position as an IT project manager. Among the most desirable is the CompTIA Project+.

CompTIA Project+ is designed for IT staff who handle projects of moderate complexity, managing the entire project lifecycle, resources, documentation, and ensuring effective communication.

This certification includes topics such as the fundamentals of project management, handling project limitations, tools and documentation practices, as well as communication and change management strategies. The updated version, CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005), targets individuals with 6-12 months of hands-on project management experience in IT.

Additionally, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly beneficial for those in IT project management. It validates the skills, knowledge, education, and experience essential for IT project managers.

Prior to pursuing the PMP, many professionals dive into the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification. Both certifications are provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The role of an IT project manager involves coordinating numerous responsibilities and managing intricate projects. Securing pertinent certifications and accumulating years of professional experience are key to equipping IT specialists with the necessary technical knowledge and project management capabilities for success in current or prospective IT project management positions.

Ongoing skill development is crucial for IT professionals. Those either in or aspiring to IT project management roles can enhance their expertise through self-directed learning, networking, and exchanging insights with peers.

For those looking to elevate their project management skills and demonstrate their proficiency to future employers, CompTIA Project+ stands out. This certification is uniquely tailored to provide IT professionals with the foundational abilities needed to oversee small to medium-sized projects. Additionally, unlike many certifications, CompTIA Project+ does not need to be renewed, securing your credential indefinitely.

Accumentum® is the leading training provider for a vast array of technology vendors including AWS, Cisco, CIW, CompTIA, EC-Council, Fortinet, GIAC, HRCI, ISACA, ITIL, Microsoft, Palo Alto, PMI, Scrum, SHRM, Veritas, VMWare, and more.