What does a Program Manager do?
Program Managers oversee the various projects a business implements to ensure they all align effectively with the organization’s mission and the program’s goals. The company’s leadership team will typically inform Program Managers of their strategic direction and the goals they’d like the company to achieve. Program Managers will then monitor the progress of several projects within their program to make sure they follow this direction and exceed these goals.
They’re responsible for building a budget for the program and must ensure all projects stay within this budget. Most Program Managers create their own evaluation method to properly review and assess the strengths of their program and to determine any areas of improvement.
Program Manager skills and qualifications
Program Managers need to have certain skills in order to deliver quality results within set timeframes, including:
- High-level management and leadership skills
- Ability to schedule and manage tasks effectively
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Risk management
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Cost control and budgeting skills
- Teamwork and motivational skills
- Organizational and multitasking skills
Program Manager salary expectations
A Program Manager makes an average of $79,576 per year. This salary may vary based on a candidate’s level of experience, education and geographical location as well as the company’s specific industry.
Program Manager education and training requirements
Educational requirements may vary for Program Managers depending on the size and industry of the company they work for, but they are typically required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Some companies prefer hiring candidates who have a degree in business management, but others may seek applicants with expertise in a specific field, such as someone with a computer science degree who wants to work in the IT industry. Some organizations may also look for candidates with a master’s degree.
Program Manager experience requirements
The amount of experience required might depend on the type of programs your company needs and whether you are offering thorough on-the-job training. In most cases, experienced Program Managers need about 3-5 years of experience, depending on their educational background. Candidates with a certification in business management or project management and extensive education might need less experience, while someone with just a bachelor’s degree may need more management experience beforehand. Many companies look for candidates who have previous experience as Project Managers.
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