Why do companies undertaking IT projects need a Project Manager?
A project without a Project Manager is like an orchestra without a conductor. To create a perfect outcome by maximizing each team member’s capabilities, a specialist is needed to oversee and manage the project!
What is a Project Manager(PM)?
A Project Manager, as the name suggests, is responsible for planning and executing a project, as well as managing and supervising the team involved. They act as a mediator between teams from the beginning to the end of a project, providing ongoing support.
The term “Project Manager” can refer to individuals involved in project management tasks across various industries, such as event planning or game planning. Recently, with the rapid development of the IT field, the term “IT Project Manager” has become more common. IT Project Managers can be further categorized into service Project Managers, web Project Managers, and app Project Managers.
Service Project Manager
Service Project Managers are responsible for planning services from a user experience (UX) perspective, managing the entire journey of a project from development to completion.
For example, an e-commerce business may launch a new content curation service on its website. In this case, the service Project Manager is responsible for the entire planning journey, from the beginning of the new project to completion, as well as post-launch improvements and optimization. This includes:
– Creating new plans: Drafting a roadmap to achieve business objectives based on the company’s business strategy.
– Revising plans: After discussing with relevant parties (developers, designers, etc.), adjust the plan to make it executable (within the scope of implementation, expected quality, release schedule, etc.).
– Budget management: Submitting project proposals and securing budget, allocating and managing the budget for departments or partners.
– Service launch: Providing feedback on submitted work, making revisions, and finally launching the service.
– Drafting improvement plans: After the service launch, conduct reviews and analysis to create improvement plans.
– Post-launch management: Managing the launched service through ongoing improvements and optimization.
Web Project Manager
Web Project Managers are responsible for developing and planning websites (online spaces for users) that operate in web browsers. They need to understand the structure of databases and plan the initial design and user interface (UI).
Mobile App Project Manager
Mobile Project Managers plan the development of applications based on iOS or Android operating systems. Like web Project Managers, they are responsible for implementing online spaces for users.
In summary, service project management aims to develop services that improve user experience, while web and app project management are considered steps within the service development process.
“Why do companies need Project Managers?”
Project Manager(PM) as the ‘Conductor of the Orchestra’:
Responsibility, Cohesion, Right Direction, Communication, Judgment, Decision, Success
A PM can be considered the ‘conductor of the orchestra.’ They define the roles of each department, track work progress, and allocate optimal resources based on the strengths and weaknesses of each team member. They also coordinate and mediate all matters necessary for a successful project.
Ultimately, the project manager is the person who oversees the project with the goal of achieving optimal results, and they are essential for leading a company’s project to success. The specific tasks that a project manager takes on in a project include:
- Developing plans based on business goals and strategies, competitor and customer analysis, etc.
- Budget management
- Determining project requirements and prioritizing tasks
- Allocating resources
- Setting schedules
- Following up (monitoring expected outcomes, reviewing and revising results based on plans, managing deadlines, tracking work hours, etc.)
- Reporting progress
- Issue management
- Coordinating and mediating through smooth communication
- Motivating team members, creating a positive atmosphere, and managing team members
- Making key decisions
Hiring Process for an Outstanding project manager
Now that we understand the role of a project manager and are convinced of their necessity in a project, let’s explore how to find the best candidate for the job.
Step 1 – Evaluate Requirements
The responsibilities and scope of work for a project manager can vary significantly depending on the organization’s requirements. Therefore, the required skills and prior knowledge of the candidate will also differ. Assess and document the organization’s requirements accurately to understand what you want to achieve with a new project manager.
Step 2 – Create a Job Description
Now, convert the requirements into a clear and persuasive job description. It is essential to create a detailed list of tasks, as the scope of a project manager’s responsibilities is broad, and obtaining the best-fit candidate for the project requires specificity.
Step 3 – Post a Job Listing
For a full-time project manager position, companies typically post job listings on recruitment websites or hire talent through headhunters. If you want to work with top talent for a specific period or prefer a smaller budget compared to full-time hiring, consider hiring a freelance project manager. In this case, proceed through a specialized freelance website that offers a pool of talented and experienced freelancers.
Tips! Considerations when hiring a project manager through a freelancer website
1. Support from a ‘Dedicated Manager’
When hiring a project manager through a freelancer website, it is essential to consider whether or not the platform provides support from a ‘dedicated manager’. Freelancer websites can be divided into those that offer various recruitment services, including talent matching, through a dedicated manager and those that do not.
If there is no dedicated manager, the company’s representative will have to handle all processes, including talent search, contact, interview arrangements, and contract tasks. Moreover, they will need to resolve any issues through customer support, presenting the risk of difficulty in screening unverified applicants.
On the other hand, Elancer’s freelancer matching service supports a dedicated manager who helps match your company with the best candidates based on your requirements. They also assist with the interview process, contract-related administrative tasks, and mediation during project progress.
2. Brokerage Fees
Another factor to consider is the brokerage fee charged by the freelancer’s website to the company. This is an essential aspect for businesses that need to secure the best talent within their budget.
Tips! Examples of Skills & Qualifications Required for a Project Manager
Step 4 – Select Applicants
Select the most suitable candidates from the pool of applicants who applied for the project position. Review their resumes and portfolios to evaluate their work experience and skills.
Step 5 – Reach Out
You can contact candidates and invite them directly for an interview. However, if there are many applicants, you may conduct an initial interview via phone or video call to screen candidates.
Check for communication skills, leadership skills, and social/emotional skills required for the project role. Ask about their experience with different project management methods and which they prefer.
Step 6 – Conduct Final Interviews
After shortlisting the best candidates, invite them for an in-person interview. Use interview questions to delve deeper into their character, work, and leadership styles and experiences. Request that they explain their approach to past projects.
“A well-planned project leads to smooth development.”
In IT development projects, proper planning is crucial for successful development. To allow developers to focus solely on development tasks, it is essential to have a project manager with expertise in drawing the project’s overall blueprint, detailing specific aspects, and adeptly handling all issues arising from technical and human relations during the process.
Many companies feel the need to hire project managers but consider hiring freelancers due to challenges in hiring full-time employees, such as budget and employment flexibility.
Register your planning project on Elancer now and get introduced to outstanding project managers with successful collaboration experiences with various companies.
▶ Register your project and view Elancer freelancer project manager profiles.
