Project manager
Having trained and experienced project managers is important for any organisation. Learn more about the role that project managers play and how to gain the right skills in this vital field.
Role profile
What is a project manager?
A project manager is an individual dedicated to leading and overseeing a project.
Project managers need to have strong communication skills, as they're required to develop competency and confidence within the team, providing a vision and using suitable motivators to keep a project moving forward.
What does a project manager do?
A project manager is responsible for ownership of the project management plan (PMP), which provides the framework for delivering a project.
They need to ensure that projects have an agreed timeframe, budget, and defined quality metrics, which are then reviewed at regular intervals.
As the spearhead for the project itself, the project manager is responsible for delegating tasks, and creating team cohesion.
They will need to manage stakeholder relations throughout the project, review priorities and expectations, and maintain the morale and motivation of the project team.
What makes a good project manager?
These are some of the key traits that make a great project manager:
- Interpersonal skills: project managers need to be able to engage both their team and a wide range of stakeholders.
- Communication: Setting expectations and keeping relevant stakeholders in the loop are both key skills for project managers.
- Adaptability: Project managers need to be prepared for various curve balls, whether it's changes in market demand, competitor activity or unforeseen challenges within the project.
- Leadership: While project managers need to be across the details of their project, they also need to create a high performing team. Strong emotional intelligence and motivational skills therefore can define how good of a project manager someone is.
- Commercial awareness: Alongside people skills, project managers need to be aware of the budgetary and commercial requirements of the project. This is particularly important for dealing with key stakeholders, such as the project sponsor.
How does QA support project manager training?
QA is one the leading providers of project management training and certifications. We partner with leading PM accredication bodies, such as PeopleCert (PRINCE2, ITIL, and MSP), APM, APMG, PMI and more.
All of our trainers are experience in project management and work with organisations to deliver project manager training that meets your needs.
Project manager insights
How to become a project manager
If you're looking to get into project management, there are a number of routes you can take. Here are some of the most popular qualifications you can take to become a certified project manager.
Explore our guide to project management certifications.
Earn a project management certification
APM
As an accredited training provider, QA offers a full range of APM qualification courses, including APM PFQ, PMQ and PPQ.
APMG
We’re the market leaders in the UK for APMG-accredited training, including APMG Project Management Foundation and Practitioner.
PRINCE2
Our PRINCE2® training courses provide the practical skills you need to successfully manage projects.
PMI
PMP® has become the gold-standard in project management and demonstrates a project manager’s ability to lead teams and deliver projects in today’s fast-paced and dynamic workplace.
Top PM qualifications
Insights from the experts
“As we navigate this era of innovation and disruption, the ability to manage projects efficiently and effectively has never been more important. Good project management is not optional. Good project management is a business-critical skill if organisations want to sustain competitive advantage.”
Director of Portfolio Management
Useful reads on project management
Let's talk
Start your digital transformation journey today
Contact us today via the form or give us a call
