Project Manager Duties, Tasks and Skills

Project manager duties and tasks include the successful planning, execution and closing of
a project. A project manager is responsible for applying the appropriate
knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to efficiently manage the different project
processes.

Although the specific tasks of a project manager will
vary according to the company and industry this standard description of the role and responsibilities
of a project manager can be generally applied to the position. 

Project Manager Duties, Tasks and Skills

Project Planning

• identify project stakeholders

• determine stakeholders needs and expectations
• prioritize demands
• establish clear set of project goals
• sequence activities to meet delivery dates
• produce detailed project schedule
• determine type, quantity and quality of resources required
• allocate resources and establish resource schedule
• determine budget and create financial plan
• define quality expectations and targets
• identify techniques for quality control and develop quality plan
• map risks, identify contingency actions and develop risk plan
• clarify completion criteria for each deliverable and develop acceptance
  plan
• develop communication strategy with stakeholders and establish
  communication plan
• identify external supplies required and develop procurement plan
• assemble project team

Project Manager Skills for Planning Phase

• long term vision
• goal setting
• attention to detail
• scope, time, quality, resource, risk and cost management skills
• interactive communication skills
• expectation management
• persuasive techniques

 Project Execution

• implement project plans to build deliverables
• monitor and control project deliverables
• manage timelines
• manage costs
• identify and manage risks
• assure and control quality
• suggest and implement modifications to project scope, deliverables,
  timelines and resources
• track and monitor procurement
• prepare and present project status reports to stakeholders
• support and direct project team

Project Manager Skills for Execution Phase

• organizational effectiveness
• team building
• performance management
• motivation skills
• conflict resolution
• diversity appreciation
• staff development
• problem solving

• adaptability
• change management
• consultative skills
• sense of urgency
• judgment
• decision making
• customer relations management
• negotiation skills

Project Closure

• ensure project completion criteria have been met
• obtain stakeholder approval for final deliverables
• present final project report
• handover project documentation
• release project resources
• conduct project review
• evaluate performance against defined project goals

Project Manager Skills for Closure Phase

• presentation skills
• data management
  
• evaluation skills

Find out more about the tasks of a project manager

Use the list of project manager duties to determine the accountabilities
associated with your specific project management job. For more details on the role and tasks of a project manager go to this detailed project manager job description

Your project manager job application

Proven project manager cover letter is a good starting point.

PROJECT MANAGER RESUMES

Project Manager Resume

PROJECT MANAGER RESUMES

Project Manager Cover Letter

PROJECT MANAGER RESUMES

Project Manager Job Description

Project manager job interviews

Preparing for a job interview? These project management interview questions with answer help will ensure you are ready with excellent interview answers.

The project manager interview guide sets out all you need to know for a successful job interview.

PROJECT MANAGER INTERVIEWS

Project Manager Skills-Based Interview Questions

PROJECT MANAGER INTERVIEWS

Project Manager Technical Interview  Questions

PROJECT MANAGER INTERVIEWS

 Project Manager Behavioral Interview Questions

The role and responsibilities of a project manager

These expert pages further define the responsibilities and skills of a project manager:

Project Manager > Project Manager Duties