Job sheet

Project manager: job, tasks and salary

Roles and missions of the Project Manager

Project managers are key positions in an organisation. Their main role is to ensure that projects are completed on time and with the necessary resources. The main responsibilities and tasks of a Project Manager are as follows:

  • Defining and analysing the project objectives: determining the clear and specific aims and objectives of the project, and assessing the risks and benefits.
  • Drawing up a project plan: developing a timetable for implementation and budgeting, and monitoring and controlling the key stages.
  • Managing resources and costs: allocating appropriate resources to tasks and their overall timescales, and forecasting the costs the project will require.
  • Manage partnerships and customer relations: ensure quality communication and relations between the customer and the company, and ensure partner and customer satisfaction.
  • Evaluate and communicate project performance: evaluate project performance and update the project owner and team, and communicate project results inside and outside the organisation.
  • Document the work carried out: document information, statuses and plans in order to have a record of decisions made and actions taken.
  • Make recommendations for improving processes: analyse the performance achieved and propose improvements and changes to enhance the viability and productivity of projects.

Finally, a Project Manager must be able to work effectively in a constantly changing environment and proactively manage delicate situations. This position is therefore essential for success.

Salary and career development of a Project Manager

The salary of a Project Manager varies greatly depending on experience and sector of activity. Here is a bullet-point list of gross annual salary trends in France by years of experience for a Project Manager:

  • 0 to 2 years: between €30,000 and €40,000
  • 2 to 5 years: between €40,000 and €60,000
  • 5 to 10 years: between €60,000 and €80,000
  • 10 to 15 years: between €80,000 and €90,000
  • Over 15 years: over €90,000

In addition to these salary developments, project managers can also retrain and move into other professions. Here is a non-exhaustive list of possible career paths:

  • Project Director
  • Quality Manager
  • Production manager
  • Project management consultant
  • Digital marketing or communications manager

Advantages and disadvantages of Project Manager

Advantages

Wide variety of projects to work on, offering a wealth of experience and flexibility.

Excellent management and communication skills learned and developed.

Opportunities to work with people and organisations from all over the world and in different sectors.

The chance to work on interesting and innovative projects.

Salaries are often very well paid.

Disadvantages

Responsibility for coordinating and executing projects can be very high.

Deadlines can be very tight and customer pressures can be high.

Overtime and part-time work may be required to make the project a success.

Changes in management and lack of support can jeopardise the project.

The risk of over- or underestimating the resources and time required to achieve objectives.

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