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IT project manager

Alternative titles for this job include IT project lead, IT programme manager, IT consultant

IT project managers develop and install computer hardware and software systems.

Average salary (a year)

£34,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an IT project manager

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • training through a professional body

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • computing
  • information systems
  • project management
  • business management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a project manager higher or degree apprenticeship.

You can also do a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship and move into the role after getting project management experience.

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 start as an assistant project manager if you've got experience of working in IT.

You could train more on the job and take on more management responsibilities.

Other Routes

You could train with a professional body to help with your career development, such as the Association for Project Management or the Project Management Institute.

More Information

Career tips

It will help if you understand agile project management and other similar methods.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • leadership skills
  • persistence and determination
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • business management skills
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • 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

In this role you would:

  • speak to the client to find out what they need
  • work out the risks related to different options
  • choose the most appropriate project management method for the job
  • work out and agree timescales, budgets and resources
  • use project management software to plan development
  • co-ordinate the project team
  • monitor progress and keep clients and senior managers informed
  • solve problems and change your approach, if needed

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

With training and experience, you could:

  • become a senior project manager
  • specialise in an area, such as cyber security or technical architecture
  • manage a whole department or service
  • work as a freelance consultant

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £23,000.00 Annually
  • Location: 201 Grafton Gate East, Milton Keynes

Estimating Project Manager Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,520.00 Annually
  • Location: LAKE ENTERPRISE PARK, HULL

Courses In England

Project Management - Foundation Degree*

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Blackpool

CMI CERTIFICATE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  • Provider: BARKING AND DAGENHAM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 23 January 2024
  • Location: Romford

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