Finance & accounting

IT project manager

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

Annual Salary

£34,000 to £60,000

Working hours

37 to 39 a week

You could work: evenings; occasionally

2.4%
Future employment

There will be 2.4% more IT project manager jobs in 2027.
In your local area

What's it all about?

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.

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
For 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
For 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.

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

If you're working in IT, you could take qualifications offered by the Association for Project Management to help your career progress.

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

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Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • 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
  • maths knowledge
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
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