A Project Manager is an experienced professional who oversees particular projects from conception to completion and is responsible for budgeting and time management. They are also in charge of assigning tasks, tracking progress, and communicating with all stakeholders.
Members from several departmental teams work on these projects under the guidance of a Project Manager. Many project managers come from business or technical backgrounds, which makes it easier for them to handle the responsibilities and understand the tasks.
In this article, we will cover what are the responsibilities of a project manager, the skills every project manager must have, and the industries where they are most common.
Table of Contents
Who is a Project Manager?
A project manager is an organised professional responsible for a project’s successful and timely completion. Since they usually work on multiple projects simultaneously, it is essential for them to have a reliable team working for them.
Project managers usually have a professional undergraduate degree in management, engineering, or computer science. To become a Project Manager Professional (PMP) in South Africa, individuals must complete a professional certification exam.
When we discuss what are the roles and responsibilities of a project manager, they involve identifying the project’s goal, assembling a team, listing and managing deliverables, and constantly tracking progress. They are also responsible for undertaking a risk assessment, ensuring safety, and resolving project-related challenges.
What are the Core Responsibilities of a Project Manager?
A project manager is the main point of contact for a project and they are responsible for ensuring the timely completion and delivery of the same. At the same time, the project should pass all quality checks and be within the decided budget.
Project managers are involved in a project from the initiation stage and can contribute to objectives, deliverables, and risk assessment. As the South African economy grows and attracts more investments, there will be a growing demand for project managers.
For those who are wondering what are the responsibilities of a project manager, the below list provides complete details.
1. Project Planning and Initiation
They help define the project’s objective and are involved when the plans are finalised. When we discuss the responsibilities of a project manager, this is one of the most important since it sets the tone for the entire project.
- Finalise plans and budget
- Decide timelines for each stage of completion
- Allocate resources
2. Team Coordination and Leadership
Project managers must assemble a reliable and skilled team that can align its goals with the project’s objectives. Since the team members have their core expertise, the project manager assigns them tasks that reflect that expertise. The manager must also hold regular meetings to appreciate the hard work, motivate the team, and monitor progress.
- Organise a skilled team
- Delegate responsibilities and tasks
- Ensure a clear chain of command and communication
- Monitor progress to ensure productivity and quality
3. Risk Management
If aspiring mangers are curious to know more about what are the responsibilities of a project manager, risk management is another important obligation. Before any project is sanctioned, it needs to undergo a thorough risk assessment. This allows the project manager to be prepared for any hurdles.
- Identify potential risks
- Prepare contingency plans to manage risk proactively
4. Budget and Resource Management
Project managers need financial and accounting knowledge to track spending and manage resources. This will also help them keep the project cost within the decided budget.
- Monitor prices and transactions
- Allocate resources
- Optimise materials, tasks, and personnel
5. Stakeholder Communication
Project managers must be effective communicators. They are responsible for communicating the project goals and timelines with their team. They must also resolve conflicts and help discuss challenges. At the same time, they must report to management regarding milestones, progress, and any issues the project might face.
- Primary point of contact
- Provide regular updates to management
- Address challenges
- Motivate the team
6. Tracking and Monitoring Progress
The reputation of the project manager is dependent on his quality and reliability in closing projects. Therefore, when trying to understand what are the responsibilities of a project manager, this is another important one. Project managers can use project management software to help them track progress and individual productivity metrics.
- Use software systems to streamline project progress
- Automated system to track individual and team performance
- Allows the project manager to make changes and adapt quickly
7. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Even after completing a thorough risk analysis, a project can face unforeseen challenges, such as a strike or road blockades that can delay delivery. In these situations, the role of a project manager defines them as problem solvers and quick decision-makers.
- Address issues as they arise
- Quickly understand the situation and resolve the issue
- Adapt as per the situation to keep the project on track
8. Project Closure and Evaluation
This is one of the most important responsibilities when trying to answer what are the responsibilities of a project manager. Timely completion of a project is also an indication of a successful project manager. They must also conduct a post-project evaluation to identify any areas for improvement.
- Ensure project completion as per the decided timeline
- Post-project evaluation
- Carry forward lessons learned
What are the Key Skills of a Project Manager?
A project manager is a coveted role and they are responsible for successfully overseeing projects and ensuring their timely completion. Since project managers work with various internal and external teams, they must possess strong interpersonal skills.
At the same time, project managers must have sound technical knowledge in the field in which they operate. This knowledge allows them to better evaluate risks, develop teams, and allocate resources.
In the previous section, we answered what are the responsibilities of a project manager. Let us now identify the skills that project managers require to help tackle those responsibilities.
1. Leadership
They are natural leaders, and this quality is instrumental in motivating and inspiring their team, especially during the challenging phases of a project. It also helps them delegate and assign tasks to qualified team members.
2. Communication
Project managers must be strong communicators to clearly articulate the project’s goals and objectives with their team. This skill is also handy when negotiating with contractors and suppliers.
3. Problem-Solving
They must be problem-solvers and think of unique solutions that help keep the project on track. Problem-solving skills also help managers evaluate risk and develop strategies for it.
4. Time Management
Project managers must be organised and focused. They must arrange schedules, identify essential tasks, and find a way for team members to work simultaneously. They can also use time management software such as Trello or Zoho to allow the team to keep track of progress.
Explore Project Management: A Critical Life Skill
What are the Industries That Require Project Managers?
The project manager’s role is to link upper management with the team that executes the project. They could be hired for a particular project, but most companies employ project managers full-time.
Project managers are needed across industries to help organisations execute and manage projects. They are trained to oversee the various aspects of a project to ensure that it meets quality standards and is delivered on time.
When we try to answer what are the responsibilities of a project manager are, it is easy to notice that these duties are essential for all projects, irrespective of industry. Therefore, a project manager can work on projects across various sectors.
However, if a project manager is skilled in a technical field, they might focus on managing projects that allow them to utilise their core technical competencies.
These are some industries where project managers are in high demand.
- IT and Technology: Project managers are needed to help build a company’s network infrastructure or enhance its cybersecurity capabilities.
- Construction: They are needed to be the point of contact and facilitator on multiple residential or infrastructure projects.
- Healthcare: If we try to understand what are the responsibilities of a project manager in healthcare it can be to help install a new patient monitoring system with minimum hassle or to oversee clinical trials for a new pharmaceutical drug.
- Manufacturing: Project managers are needed to design and launch a new product, overhaul the image and branding of a company, or to help an organisation set up operations in a new location.
What is the Education Pathway to Becoming a Project Manager?
We have covered what are the responsibilities of a project manager and the key skills that help make the job of a project manager easier. It is an in-demand professional field in South Africa and is expected to see exponential demand as businesses grow in the country.
The first step in becoming a project manager is to complete an undergraduate programme, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). This three-year accredited programme offered by Regenesys Business School includes project management subjects.
Students who complete this programme gain foundational knowledge from expert faculty on all aspects of business. This allows them to assess and understand the various aspects that are critical to a project’s success.
Alternatively, students can complete a technical undergraduate programme such as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Bachelor of Engineering. This allows graduates to gain technical expertise in a particular field. After students have gained practical experience, they can follow the undergraduate qualification with a short course on Project Management or enrol in an MBA focusing on Project Management.
Regenesys is a top choice for aspiring project managers due to its:
- Accredited programmes
- Holistic learning experience
- Experienced faculty
- Practical training
- Industry focused curriculum
- Flexible learning
Read more on Innovative Approaches to Project Management: Regenesys MBA Insights
Conclusion
Project managers are organised and responsible professionals who oversee a project from initial conception to completion. When we discuss what are the responsibilities of a project manager, they are in charge of all aspects of a project. They are involved in setting the budget, assessing risk, delegating tasks, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring the project’s on-time completion.
This essential role is in demand in various industries. Construction companies can employ project managers to oversee multiple housing projects, or a bank can hire them to help upgrade its online banking system. A strong undergraduate programme helps to set the foundation for a successful career as a Project Manager.
Aspiring project managers should check out Regenesys for a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that can help them acquire the knowledge and skills for success.
What Are The Responsibilities Of a Project Manager? – FAQs
What are the duties and responsibilities of a project manager
A project manager is in charge of all aspects of a project, from budgeting, milestone targets, negotiating with suppliers, risk management, and timely handover.
What skills are required to be a successful project manager?
Essential skills for a project manager include leadership, communication, problem-solving, time management, and technical knowledge in the field they manage.
What industries need project managers?
Project managers are in high demand across various industries, including IT and technology, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing.
What education is required to become a project manager?
Students typically complete a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or computer science. They can follow that with a short course on project management or complete an MBA focusing on project management. Specialised certifications are also available.
What tools do project managers use to track project progress?
Project managers use project management software tools, such as Trello and Zoho, to track progress, allocate tasks, and manage timelines. These tools help monitor individual and team performance.
