There are always innovations that are being developed, even right now. As such, a lot of information technology (IT) projects are dynamic since each one tries to improve what is currently available in the market. Even with their own set of challenges, an IT project manager strives to complete these initiatives within budget and on schedule to achieve their goals.

If you are about to start a new project, this article is for you. 

Here, we share with you the importance of an IT project manager, and how your project will benefit from them in your team. We also added a few helpful tips on how to choose the right one for your project.

What is an IT Project Manager?

An IT project manager is responsible for your company’s IT projects. They oversee the planning, execution, and delegation of responsibilities, that way, the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets the intended goals. 

You can see them in different industries since every organisation relies on some technological solution. Some even have IT project management offices (PMOs) to guide the completion of large-scale initiatives.

What is the role of an IT Project Manager?

The role of an IT project manager is to actively support business directives for specific initiatives and assign resources based on those goals. They ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. 

That means during the project duration, they ensure minimal interruptions and facilitate a relaxed and efficient workflow. And, given the rise of remote work, they do this even if project team members are spread across different offices and teams. 

Benefits of  Hiring an IT Project Manager

A good IT project manager can make a world of difference for your project and even your team. So, before we jump to how to find the right manager for your project and team, we want to underscore their importance and how it benefits your business.

Enhance Productivity

Productivity plays a vital role in increasing your business’s Return on Investment (ROI) and profits. An IT project manager optimises various factors of your tech initiative, such as time management, resource allocation, communication, collaboration, and workflow. All of these stack up together to achieve better results with less effort, time, and resources.

Improve Status and Competitive Advantage

When you have an excellent IT project manager, the word can spread quickly—within your workplace and beyond. The exceptional performance of your team as a whole can bolster your company’s reputation and status. It even allows you to establish a stronger position in your market.

Increase Customer Satisfaction

When your IT project manager and team complete a project on schedule and within budget, your customers are satisfied. In addition, if your tech product is well-made, they are more likely to remain loyal to your brand, make repeat purchases, and refer others to your business. 

Customer satisfaction has a positive snowball effect. It can increase customer retention, higher sales, and positive word-of-mouth marketing, which all boil down to your business’s success and growth.

Improve Adaptability

It is easier to adapt to any challenge at any point within the project cycle when you have an IT project manager to guide your team. They can create plans on how to effectively troubleshoot a certain roadblock and can pivot the project’s direction if they identify an alternative goal. This trait is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized companies. 

Expand to New Prospects

Having a capable IT project manager enables your business to start more initiatives and expand your product or service line. This opens you up to new prospects, such as reaching out to untapped markets, customers, or business opportunities that you have yet to explore. 

Enrich Team Development

A good IT project manager also boosts your team’s confidence and morale. They motivate and encourage them to expand and improve their present skill set. Moreover, they are the ones that help your team smoothly adapt to new projects and unfamiliar roles during potential career shifts.

Improve Risk Assessment and Management

The role of an IT project manager is to guide your team to complete your project on time and within budget. They assess and mitigate potential risks that may arise during the project cycle.

As such, they make informed decisions when there are challenges or even when integrating innovations into the project, such as new hardware, networks, and software. They also set realistic expectations and regularly update and align with stakeholders. 

How to Choose the Perfect IT Project Manager

Now that you know the full breadth of what an IT project manager can do for your tech initiative, let us look at how you can find the right one that perfectly fits your project’s needs and goals. 

You need to focus on the skill sets and expertise they possess. The search for the right manager would be easier if you prepare a list of IT project manager qualifications like this: 

Tasks and Duties: 

• Manage the daily progress of the project throughout its cycle
• Define the best-suited methodology for the project
• Plan, set milestones, and monitor project progress
• Manage project budget
• Mitigate risks and troubleshoot issues
• Coordinate with team and involved stakeholders
• Manage project resources
• Provide status reports within the duration of the project cycle to sponsors and stakeholders

IT Project Manager Salary: 

The average annual salary in Australia ranges from $115,000 to $135,000.

The average hourly rate in  Australia ranges from $45 to $65.

Necessary Skills and Experience for an IT Project Manager: 

• Project Management
• Program Management
• Team Leadership
• Negotiation
• Commercial Acumen
• Power Skills or Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Organised
• Time Management
• Autonomy
• Attention To Detail

With that said, we listed below a couple more things you need to consider too.

Proven Track Record

The first thing to look for is a candidate’s proven track record. In their time as an IT project manager, have they successfully delivered their company’s projects? 

In addition, when looking at their track record, make sure to look into the following details:

• Type and size of the projects
• Project delivery, such as timeliness, budget, quality, and scope
• The risks and issues that were encountered during the project cycle and how these were resolved. 
• As the IT project manager, how they handled the project and the stakeholders involved. 

Areas of Expertise

Aside from their track record, looking into their area of expertise is crucial. This is the part where you need to know what they specialise in, what industries and sectors they have worked before, and the types of projects they have mostly handled. 

Methodologies

There are different types of methodologies and frameworks. These can vary from project to project and from team to team. Moreover, some of these are better suited for specific types of projects, such as the following: 

• Waterfall Project Delivery. This is a traditional approach wherein it is a phased project progression that starts from its inception up to the end of the project cycle. This is best suited for big projects that need high control and oversight.
• Agile Project Delivery. This focuses on repeatable projects that allow for rapid improvements to products or services. This is best suited for smaller projects that need a shorter project cycle.
• Six Sigma Project Delivery. This approach utilises robust data analysis and measurable metrics. This is best suited for projects that are focused on designing and improving business processes. 

For sure, you have your own set of methodologies and frameworks that are effective for your projects and team. Likewise, the same for the IT project managers that you will interview. So, make sure to ask about their framework, methodologies, and their process. 

Work Quality

Another thing to check with candidates is how they guarantee that their team delivers high-quality results consistently, promptly, and within budget. 

Here are a couple of examples that most IT project managers have employed: 

• Provide bonuses if the project is delivered ahead of schedule, below the allotted budget, or goes beyond the expected quality and scope.
• Execute penalties for late delivery, over budget, subpar quality, and does not meet project requirements.
• Ensure open communication and keep all involved parties in the loop. 

Final Thoughts

An IT project manager can greatly influence the success and growth of your business. With a good and highly competent manager at the helm, you can ensure that your team performs efficiently and effectively to deliver a high-quality tech product that is on time and within budget. 

With that said, every IT project manager is equipped with a wealth of skills, experience, and expertise. While each possible candidate you will meet brings a lot to the table, it is important to have a list of specifications that will benefit your company or your next project. 

So, take the time to carefully select and invest in the right IT project manager for your company. They can save you time, resources, and effort. Moreover, they provide valuable insights, strategic planning, and effective communication that will maximise the potential of your projects. 

Save yourself half the effort in finding the right IT project manager. Flexisource IT is an expert in IT project and team management. Get in touch with us today to learn more.