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Business project manager

Alternative titles for this job include Commercial project lead, project manager

Business project managers plan and organise people, tasks and resources to complete a project on time and within budget.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£75,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a business project manager

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

University

Getting a degree in any subject can help you get into this type of job, although business or project management may give you an advantage.

You can take postgraduate qualifications in project management to increase your understanding, though they are not essential for getting into the role.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this career through a higher apprenticeship in project management, lasting around 4 years.

You could train specifically to help businesses create environmentally friendly policies and practices through a sustainability business specialist degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to work your way up if you've got several years' experience in a project support or administration role.

In sectors like engineering or cyber security, you may be able to apply for jobs if you have in depth knowledge of the industry gained through several years experience.

Other Routes

You could get into this career through a graduate training scheme, where you'll usually start off as a junior project manager.

More Information

Further information

You can find more details about careers, courses and apprenticeships in project management from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • leadership skills
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • business management skills
  • maths knowledge
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day to day tasks will depend on the size of the organisation and the business sector you work in. You may:

  • find out what the client or business wants to achieve
  • agree timescales, costs and resources
  • negotiate with contractors and suppliers
  • draw up a plan for each project stage
  • choose and lead a project team
  • develop and apply strategies
  • use specialised software to plan, cost and analyse risks
  • monitor and report on progress, quality and costs to senior managers and the client

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

While you're working, you could study for an industry qualification like PRINCE2 or Agile.

You could also get professional qualifications through:

If you're working in the IT industry, you could get a certificate in project management through The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

For multi-sector project management in engineering and manufacturing, you could do a Project controls professional higher apprenticeship.

With experience, you could move into senior management or become a freelance consultant. There may be opportunities to use your project management skills to transfer into a different sector such as cyber security or finance.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Project Manager

  • Wage: £9,379.50 to £18,525.00 Annually
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Project Management - Foundation Degree

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Blackpool

CMI CERTIFICATE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  • Provider: BARKING AND DAGENHAM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 23 January 2023
  • Location: Romford
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