What does an IT project manager do?
IT project managers plan and implement projects in the IT department, ensuring timely completion. They define project goals, create a detailed work plan, assign tasks and allocate resources such as collaboration software. While projects are in progress, IT project managers generally oversee the team to ensure each task stays on budget and within the original scope.
IT project managers may also hold regular team meetings, coordinate with vendors and update clients and company leaders on progress.
IT project manager skills and qualifications
IT project managers typically have interpersonal, organizational and administrative strengths, such as reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) or creating standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Skills to list in your IT project manager job description may include:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to lead the IT team
- In-depth understanding of IT department operations, technologies and systems
- Knowledge of network administration, IT infrastructure, computer operating systems, data management and cloud computing
- Proficiency in project management methodologies, such as Agile, Scrum or Waterfall
- Well-developed organizational, problem-solving and prioritization skills
- Ability to facilitate information-sharing between teams and employees
- Understanding of risk analysis and risk management practices
- Budgeting and financial management skills, such as analytical thinking
IT project manager experience requirements
Successful IT project manager candidates may have experience managing complex projects within or outside the IT industry. When using a skills-first hiring approach, you might prioritize candidates with practical communication, organizational, problem-solving and risk management abilities.
You might also consider candidates with transferable skills. For example, some candidates may have developed technical expertise as an IT support specialist or learned about project management as a senior project manager in another industry.
IT project manager education and training requirements
If you prefer skills-first hiring, consider candidates with relevant abilities in computer programming, technical troubleshooting or IT infrastructure.
Candidates may have built their IT skills and technology expertise in positions such as IT technician. Some candidates may have also refined IT skills through online courses offered by Coursera or Harvard University’s Professional and Lifelong Learning.
As you evaluate IT project manager candidates, consider project management and IT certifications that help validate their skills. Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) can help you evaluate candidates without a formal educational background.
IT project manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an IT project manager is $106,784 per year. The salary for your open position may vary according to location, job responsibilities, candidate experience and business size.
Job description samples for similar positions
If this IT project manager job description doesn’t align with your company’s needs, consider these sample job descriptions for related jobs:
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.