Ashburton College
Project Manager Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa
Project managers manage the planning, resourcing, scheduling and administration of projects to deliver them on time and within budget.
Project managers may do some or all of the following:
- lead project planning and review sessions
- estimate project costs and manage the budget
- produce and update all project documentation
- manage communication and relationships with clients, stakeholders and suppliers
- oversee the procurement, supply and allocation of project resources
- manage the project delivery timeline
- manage the project team and hire staff to work on projects.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for project managers includes:
- work in a project team
- work in an specialist area such as engineering, construction or ICT
- business and team management experience.
Personal Qualities
Project managers need to be:
- highly organised, with strong time management and planning skills
- analytical and observant, with an eye for detail
- able to lead and motivate others
- good at communicating and negotiating
- able to relate to a wide range of people
- able to work well under pressure.
Skills
- knowledge of project management methodology
- skill in developing and implementing new business processes
- an understanding of the strategic direction, structure and issues affecting the organisation they work for
- the ability to identify and reduce risks and issues that could affect the project and provide solutions
- an understanding of business processes and requirements.
Conditions
Project managers:
- usually work regular business hours, but may have to work evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines
- usually work in offices, and sometimes on-site depending on their industry
- may travel nationally to client or stakeholder worksites.
Subject Recommendations
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter tertiary study. Useful subjects include English, maths, business studies, processing technologies and construction and mechanical technologies.
Project Managers can earn around $90K-$140K per year.
Chances of getting a job as a Project Manager are good due to a shortage of people interested in this type of work.
Pay for project managers varies depending on the industry, size and type of project, and the region they work in.
- Project managers usually earn $90,000 to $140,000 a year.
Project managers in IT (information technology)
- IT project managers usually earn $100,000 to $150,000 a year.
- Senior IT project managers can earn $120,000 to $170,00 a year.
Sources: Hays, ‘Salary Guide, FY 22/23’; Recruit I.T., ‘Technology & Digital Salary Update, Auckland, December 2022’; Recruit I.T., ‘Technology & Digital Salary Update, Wellington, December 2022’; and Trade Me ‘Salary Guide six months to April 2022’.
Project managers usually progress from smaller projects to work on bigger or more complex projects, with bigger budgets and more responsibility. Project managers working for large organisations may progress to senior project management roles.
Experienced project managers may also choose to work as self-employed contractors.
Project managers can specialise in:
- architecture
- construction/infrastructure
- engineering
- forestry
- information and communication technology (ICT)
- property.
Years Of Training
2-3 years of training usually required.There are no specific entry requirements to become a project manager. However, most employers prefer you to have a tertiary qualification in your specialised area such as engineering, construction or information and communication technology (ICT).
A diploma or degree in project management is also useful. Most employers prefer courses approved by the Project Management Institute (New Zealand chapter).
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