Project Manager job description: Duties, skills and responsibilities

Hiring a Project Manager is a crucial step in ensuring the successful delivery of your business objectives. Whether it’s overseeing large-scale operations or facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, a Project Manager is the driving force behind project execution and achieving company goals. 

Use this guide to gain insights into what a Project Manager role entails and how to craft a well-structured job description that attracts top talent.

Project Manager job duties and responsibilities

Project Managers play a pivotal role in coordinating teams, resources and timelines to deliver projects on time and within budget. With accountability for all stages of a project’s lifecycle, this role ensures seamless execution while managing risks and addressing challenges effectively.

Here are the key duties and responsibilities associated with a Project Manager position:

Project planning and execution

• Define project scope, objectives and deliverables that align with organisational goals.
• Develop detailed project plans, setting timelines and milestones for completion.
• Allocate resources efficiently while monitoring utilisation to stay within budget constraints.
• Monitor project progress and make real-time adjustments to mitigate issues or delays.

Team leadership and coordination

• Assign tasks and responsibilities to team members and ensure clarity of roles.
• Hold regular meetings to update stakeholders on project status and address concerns.
• Align cross-functional teams to maintain collaboration and eliminate silos.
• Motivate and lead teams to achieve project objectives while promoting productivity.

Risk and issue management

• Proactively identify potential risks and develop contingency plans.
• Resolve project issues promptly to minimise disruption.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, safety standards or organisational policies.

Performance analysis and reporting

• Use project management software to track KPIs such as deadlines, budgets, and quality metrics.
• Create and present reports with actionable insights for management and stakeholders.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to highlight successes and identify improvement areas.

Project Managers excel by keeping all elements of a project aligned, balancing technical execution with people management to deliver exceptional results.

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What should be included in a Project Manager job description?

When crafting a job description for a Project Manager, ensure it includes the following essential elements:

• Role summary: Clearly outline what the position entails, including key expectations and objectives.
• Responsibilities: Detail the scope of day-to-day tasks, highlighting areas such as team leadership, risk management and reporting.
• Required skills: Identify both technical competencies, such as proficiency in project management software, and essential soft skills like leadership and problem-solving.
• Qualifications: Define minimum education levels, certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2, and years of experience.
• Company overview: Provide an insight into your company’s values and goals to give candidates a sense of purpose when applying.
• Application protocols: Include steps on how candidates can apply and specify any required materials like a portfolio or proof of qualifications.

Example of a job description

We are searching for an organised and results-oriented Project Manager to oversee our upcoming projects and lead cross-functional teams to success. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within scope.

Key responsibilities:

• Establish project goals and develop comprehensive plans to achieve objectives.
• Coordinate with various departments to ensure timely resource allocation.
• Track progress using project management tools, identifying and addressing potential delays.
• Monitor project budgets and mitigate cost overruns through effective planning.
• Communicate regularly with stakeholders to provide updates and solicit feedback.

Requirements:

• 3–5 years’ experience in a project management, coordination or related role.
• Proficient in project management software such as Jira, Trello or MS Project.
• PMP or PRINCE2 certification is a strong advantage.
• Exceptional time-management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong leadership qualities and a customer-focused mindset.

Work environment:

• This is a hybrid role, combining office-based work with remote flexibility.
• May occasionally require travel to meet project stakeholders or visit sites.

If you’re passionate about leading teams and delivering high-quality results, we encourage you to apply.

What is the best way to screen candidates?

Finding the ideal Project Manager involves evaluating their technical abilities, leadership skills and compatibility with your company culture. Here’s how to assess candidates effectively:

• Resume review:
  • Look for a demonstrated history of managing complex projects, meeting deadlines and maintaining budgets.
  • Note certifications or training in project management methodologies like Agile or Lean.
• Scenario-based questions
  • Use the interview process to assess their decision-making abilities under challenging conditions.
  • Ask about previous experiences managing teams or navigating unforeseen issues.
• Skills testing
  • Provide a sample project scenario and evaluate how candidates would approach planning, execution and conflict resolution.
• Post-interview analysis
  • Assess the candidate’s alignment with company values and strategies based on their communication style and answers.

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What skills should a Project Manager have?

The ideal Project Manager brings a unique blend of technical proficiency, leadership qualities and exceptional organisation. Key skills include:

• Technical expertise:
  • Proficiency in project management software such as Microsoft Project or Jira.
  • Understanding of budgeting, resource allocation and Agile methodologies.
• Leadership & interpersonal skills:
  • Proven ability to motivate and lead diverse teams.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and conflict resolution skills.
• Time management & organisation:
  • Prioritising tasks effectively to meet project deadlines.
  • Capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality.

Adapt your job description to prioritise the skills most relevant to your business and projects.

What qualifications should a Project Manager have?

While formal education can enhance a candidate’s profile, practical experience and certifications often hold more weight. General qualifications include:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Management or a related field 
  • Advanced certifications like PMP, PRINCE2 or Agile certifications. 
• Experience:
  • 3–5 years’ experience in project management or a related discipline.

Establish clear expectations for qualifications and experience levels when drafting your job description. 

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Should a Project Manager be required to have any specific education or training?

Education or training for a Project Manager can vary quite a bit, depending on how experienced they are.

For entry-level or junior Project Managers, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Management or a related field is a great starting point. They might also benefit from introductory certifications in project management methodologies like Scrum or basic project management software courses. The focus here is on understanding foundational principles and tools.

As they move into mid-level Project Manager roles, practical experience becomes increasingly important. Alongside a degree, certifications like the PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 are highly valued. These show a deeper understanding of complex project lifecycles and advanced techniques. Continuous learning in areas like risk management, stakeholder communication and leadership is also key.

For senior or lead Project Managers, extensive experience (often 5+ years) in managing complex projects is paramount. While advanced degrees like an MBA can be beneficial, the emphasis shifts to a proven track record of successful project delivery, strategic thinking and exceptional leadership. They might pursue executive-level certifications or specialised training in areas like portfolio management or change management. Their education often comes from hands-on experience and leading large-scale initiatives.

Ultimately, while formal qualifications provide a strong base, real-world experience and a commitment to continuous learning are what truly propel a Project Manager’s career.

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