A technical project manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a technical project. They work closely with the project team to ensure that project deliverable are met on time and within budget.
The technical project manager role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from coordination and communication to risk management and quality assurance. They must have a deep understanding of the project’s technical aspects in order to effectively manage it.
The scope of a technical project manager’s job is overseeing laborers who execute specific technical tasks. A project manager’s primary responsibilities include developing project plans, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget, and providing support to project team members.
However, the role of a technical project manager is not limited to these core functions. A technical project manager may also be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks, communicating updates to stakeholders, and creating reports. Additionally, a technical project manager may be involved in the hiring and onboarding process for new team members.
Ultimately, the goal of a technical project manager is to ensure that projects are completed successfully and that team members have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
Technical Project Manager Role
As a technical project manager, your day-to-day tasks will vary depending on the size and scope of your project. However, there are a few common tasks that all Technical Project Managers (TPMs) will need to perform on a daily basis.
Some of your daily tasks may include:
- Assessing project risks and developing mitigation plans which is basically identifying and resolving project issues
- Managing project changes and ensuring that all stakeholders are properly notified
- Tracking project progress and milestones
- Providing status reports to upper management
- Coordinating with other department managers to ensure that all project deadlines are met, like coordinating with engineers and developers
- Meeting with clients to discuss the project
- Managing the project budget
- Conducting project reviews and post-mortem analyses
While the daily tasks can vary, these are some of the most common tasks that they perform.
What skills are important to be a Technical Project Manager?
They must possess a deep understanding of the project’s technical aspects and be able to effectively communicate with project stakeholders. Also to be able to manage project risks and ensure that the project stays on schedule and within budget.
Technical project managers must have strong problem-solving skills and be able to think outside the box to find solutions to complex problems. As they are constantly adapting to changing conditions and being able to lead a team of diverse individuals.
Assuming you have the relevant experience, below is a list of skills that are required :
- Strong technical background and understanding
- Excellent communication and people skills
- Ability to lead and motivate a team
- Ability to think strategically and make decisions
- Ability to plan and organize
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize
- Time management skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Stress management skills
In order to be a successful tech project manager, one must have a strong foundation in project management principles and practices. They must also have experience leading and managing technical projects.
If you have these skills, then you may have what it takes to be a successful technical project manager.
Technical Project Manager vs Regular Project Managers
There are two types of project managers: technical project managers and traditional project managers. It is important to highlight that both oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of a project.
What are the key differences between these two types of project managers?
| Technical Project Manager | Traditional Project Managers |
|---|---|
| Technical project managers are responsible for managing projects that require technical knowledge or expertise | Regular project managers, on the other hand, are responsible for managing projects that do not require technical knowledge or expertise. |
| Technical project managers need to have a strong understanding of the technical aspects of a project, as well as the ability to effectively manage people and resources. This includes ensuring that the project stays on track, overseeing the budget, and coordinating with the technical team to ensure that all deliverables are met | Regular project managers, on the other hand, do not need to have as much technical expertise but must be skilled in managing projects overall. They typically focus on the non-technical aspects of a project, such as communication, timeline, and risk management. |
| They work closely with engineers and other technical experts to ensure that all technical objectives are met. | They work with a team of specialists to ensure that all project objectives are met. |
So, which type of manager is right for your project? The answer depends on the nature of the project and the skills of the team.
How to become a Technical Project Manager?
Are you interested in becoming a technical project manager? If so, there are a few things you should know.
First, It requires a deep understanding of both technology and project management principles.
To begin, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in management information systems (MIS), computer science, or an area linked to engineering.
Second, it is important to have strong people skills, as you will be working with a variety of teams and individuals.
You should possess one or more certifications from the Project Management Institute (PMI) that show you have a thorough grasp of project management in addition to your degree.
So if you have the qualifications and knowledge, there is no doubt that you can find a great career as a technical project manager.
Qualifications Required
If you are looking to become a technical project manager you must know the PMP is required to manage technical projects, and you can only get one by paying a fee and passing an exam. However, in order to apply, you must fulfill the requirements listed below:
- Have a degree, such as a high school diploma
- Have 4,500 – 7,500 hours of experience when it comes to leading and directing projects
- Have 35 hours of formal project management education or have completed your bachelor’s degree
Technical Project Manager Salary Guide
If you are successful in this role, you will be rewarded with a high salary, for example
- Entry-level positions in technical project management can expect to pay up to $65,000 for qualified candidates.
- A salary of $77,000 might be expected if you have 1-4 years of experience.
- With five to nine years of experience, the project manager in the middle of their career can typically expect to make $92,000 annually.
- You can make up to $106,000 as an experienced technical project manager with between 10 and 19 years of experience.
- That rises to $123,000 for individuals with more than 20 years of expertise.
FAQs
What are the differences between Technical Project Managers and Traditional Project Managers?
A technical project manager is responsible for managing projects that involve complex technical components or require a high level of scientific or technical expertise. In contrast, a regular project manager focuses on overseeing projects that are less complex and do not require as much technical expertise.
What does a Technical Project Manager do?
They are responsible for planning, execution, and delivery of projects. They work with stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. Technical project managers also work with teams of engineers and developers to ensure that technical objectives are met.
How does a Technical Project Manager work on a daily basis?
The daily tasks include a variety of activities such as monitoring project progress, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring that project deadlines are met. They also work to identify and resolve any technical issues that may arise during the course of a project and provide support and guidance to project team members.
Is the Technical Project Manager career on demand?
There is no doubt that technical project managers are in high demand. While the demand for technical project managers is high, the supply of qualified candidates is relatively low. If you have the skills and experience to be a technical project manager, you should have no problem finding a job.