A project manager or tech PM is a project manager with special expertise in the technical aspects of the project management process.
Technical project managers are important, especially for complex IT or engineering projects, where a good subject matter expert is needed to lead projects through to completion and provide support to team members.
A project manager should have significant technical skills that you can see in regular technical team meetings that match the communication skills and understanding of a skilled project manager.
Through this combination, they can optimize resource management, planning, and delivery. Although job descriptions vary, technical supervisors usually have years of experience and at least some of the following qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field or project management
- Professional certification in project management
- Provide training and mentoring to emerging talent
- Strong time management skills
- Administrative experience
- High level of analysis and problem-solving
What does a project manager do?
PMs have a variety of jobs, and work days often include the following jobs:
- Reflection: The technical PM can be involved at the beginning of the project, while the details of the delivery are still being worked out between the technical staff.
- Planning: Once the project results are defined and agreed upon, the project manager will need to create a timeline, identify requirements, assemble the project team, identify potential risks, and establish a schedule of activities.
- Organization and selection of work: PM technology often has a large team, working in different areas of work. Part of their job is to distribute tasks and resources among team members, some of whom may be team leaders, managers, or technical team members.
- Execution of the project process: Although the project manager will not be involved in the execution of the day-to-day work, he will be actively involved in monitoring and completing all aspects of the project.
- Budget Management: Financial management is a large part of the project management function, and budgets are often limited and need to be adjusted regularly as project requirements change or unexpected costs arise.
- Communicate with all stakeholders: Although the technical project manager is responsible for the project, there are often many people who have an interest in the success of the project. These can be investors, shareholders, company directors, CEOs, or, in the case of project management and IT development, the company’s customers.
- Collaborate with department heads to achieve common goals: PM technology should have more than just technical skills such as software engineering; they must also have good interpersonal skills. This is especially important when dealing with department heads and negotiating for large projects involving multiple teams.