What is a Technical Project Manager?
According to the Department of Labor, companies worldwide are expected to create more than 250,000 jobs for technical project managers in the next two years. But what is technical project management, and what do technical project managers do? A technical project manager is someone who plans, schedules and manages technical projects. The technical project management operates at the intersection of technical and project management domains, and so the technical project manager roles and responsibilities require skills and knowledge of both professions. So, as you can imagine, to ensure that you are a good technical PM, you need to have amazing technical skills in your field (that may be IT, engineering, construction, or medical), along with excellent project management skills.
What is Technical Project Management?
Technical Project Management combines the principles of project management with technological management. It requires a person called a “Technical Project Manager” who can oversee and guide the lifecycle of technical projects and ensure that they meet organizational strategy and objectives. Technical management covers the planning, execution, supervision, and successful delivery of technical-reliant projects.
Technical Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities
One of the things you need to keep in mind is that when you are doing technical project management, you will have the same responsibilities as a traditional project manager. These include:
- Plan and prepare the technical project management document.
- Brainstorm with team members and stakeholders.
- Execute all phases of the project management.
- Schedule and designate project tasks to team members.
- Communicate with stakeholders.
- Manage the project cost, resources, and time.
- Collaborate with the different departments involved.
But more than this, a technical project manager also needs to understand and know how to use different architectures and technologies that can help projects. Just to give you a better idea, you need to know how to perform upgrades, site maintenance, software and hardware installation, app development, and program.
Technical Project Manager Job Description
Notice that the exact technical project manager job description varies from company to company. If you are wondering what you can do as an expert in technical project management, here is a typical technical project manager job description:
- You need to know that while you will need to manage different areas simultaneously, your main focus will always be the development of very technical projects.
- Stick with the project change management plan, which is commonly required in technical project management.
- You will be the one responsible for everything related to technical projects.
- From coordinating multiple teams to pushing progress forward to meet deadlines to not forgetting about talking to stakeholders.
- Since multiple technical experts may be required throughout the project, regularly evaluate the project time management plans. Ensure that the project work is completed on the given deadline.
- Always create a vision, construct and manage all aspects of the project, and troubleshoot immediately when a problem arises.
Technical Project Manager VS Project Manager
A Technical and a Traditional Project Manager usually perform the same functions. However, the key difference is that the technical PM holds advanced skills in a specific technology, which a traditional project manager doesn’t. Below are the key differences between a Technical Project Manager and Project Manager:
| Technical Project Manager | Project Manager |
| Specializes in managing projects that are primarily technology-focused. | Manages projects across various industries, not require any special technological knowledge or skills. |
| Requires in-depth knowledge of technical processes, tools, and software. | A knowledge base is often more focused on general project management principles. |
| Help team with specialized technical knowledge to achieve technical project goals. | Collaborates with a broader range of team members with various expertise. |
| Must stay updated with the latest technological trends and innovations, along with project management trends. | Focuses on project management best practices over niche technical updates. |
| Handles the technical complexities related to the project. | Deals with a broader scope of project management and not the technical complexities. |
| Frequently involves hands-on technical problem-solving. | Focuses on leadership and coordination to solve project-related issues. |
| Must interpret and translate technical jargon for non-tech stakeholders. | Primarily communicates using project management terminologies. |
| Plays a key role in technical risk assessment and mitigation. | Handles risk assessment with a broader scope, including but not limited to tech risks. |
Why Are Technical Project Managers In Demand?
- As mentioned above, their demand has risen in the last decade. This is mainly due to the fact that new technologies are emerging, which is raising the demand for project management in all technical fields of all shapes and sizes.
- Technology is helping grow businesses and reducing the distance between producers and consumers; these technologies are even taking on most of the responsibilities of managing technological firms.
How to Become a Technical PM?
1. The Academic Route
Acquiring a solid foundation in project management and a technical domain will set the stage for a successful career as a technical project manager.
- They often hold a bachelor’s degree in a technical field, such as computer science or engineering.
- After completing their technical knowledge, they require project management qualifications, such as a Postgraduate diploma in project management or Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM).
- Junior Technical Project Managers may consider professional certificates from renowned organizations, like AIMS UK, such as the Certified Project Manager with PMP course, to develop skills and knowledge in project management.
2. Gaining Experience
In the competitive arena of technical project management, practical experience is invaluable. Begin your journey by:
- Seeking Internships as a junior technical project manager will provide hands-on experience and insight into the dynamics of technical projects.
- Learning from seasoned project managers can accelerate your growth and provide you with valuable guidance.
4. What Are the Skills a Technical Project Manager Requires?
Success in technical project manager hinges on a rich blend of soft and hard skills. Here are the key proficiencies to prioritize:
- Soft Skills such as leadership, Communication, Critical Thinking and Adaptability
- Hard Skills such as Technical Proficiency, Project Management Skills, and Risk Assessment.
6. Technical Project Manager Salary
The salary of a Technical PM can vary significantly based on the specific role, years of experience, and the geographical location of the job. Here are some average annual salaries for different designations in technical project management:
- Junior Technical Project Manager earns between $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
- Standard Technical Project Manager, with a moderate level of experience and responsibility, can expect from $120,000 to $140,000 per year.
- Senior Technical Project Manager often oversee larger, more complex projects. Their average annual salary is between $140,000 and $180,000.
- Technical Program Manager typically earn an average salary between $180,000 and $210,000 annually.
- Director of Technical Project Management holds a strategic role, often overseeing the Project Management Office (PMO). Their average annual salary ranges from $200,000 to $250,000.
Wrapping Up
- A career in technical project management can be rewarding and dynamic, offering a variety of roles and lucrative compensation.
- From Junior Technical Project Managers learning the industry ropes to Directors of Technical Project Management who strategize and oversee whole departments, each role plays a critical part in delivering technical projects successfully.
- Aspiring technical PMs must leverage their technical knowledge and develop strong skills in project management.