A dedicated project manager is a professional responsible for leading and coordinating projects so they meet goals, timelines, and budgets. They are the point of communication between teams, stakeholders, and leadership, keeping everyone on the same page. They plan, organize, solve problems, and motivate the team while tracking progress to ensure the project’s success.
What is a dedicated project team structure?
A dedicated team is a group of professionals focused only on one project until it is complete. These teams don’t handle other tasks and are common in IT, software development, and R&D.
Such teams usually include project managers, developers, QA engineers, UI/UX designers, and business analysts. They work independently, with clear goals and workflows. Companies often use this approach for long-term or evolving projects, filling resource gaps, or outsourcing through staff augmentation (outstaffing development). Dedicated teams are ideal for complex projects, dynamic requirements, or when in-house expertise is limited.
Trends, statistics, and facts about PMs
The role of project managers is growing – by 2030, there will be a global demand for 25 million new project managers as IT, construction, healthcare, and finance expand their operations. As IT projects become more complex with the integration of AI and cloud technologies, project managers are more required to coordinate technical teams and business stakeholders.
Poor project management has a massive impact on business. Nearly 70% of projects fail to meet their goals due to mismanagement, missed deadlines, or unclear objectives. Imagine a large construction project where material deliveries are delayed, and the workforce is left idle. Without a skilled project manager to track logistics, negotiate with suppliers, and reassign tasks, such inefficiencies can escalate, leading to significant financial losses.
The economic benefits of good project management are equally impressive. Companies with effective project management see an increase in efficiency of up to 40%, translating to cost savings and better returns on investments.
Trends in the field also show how the role is evolving. Agile and hybrid methodologies, which combine flexibility with structured planning, are the new standard. Jira and Asana are no longer conveniences—they are central to how modern teams work together. Today, a project manager might use AI tools to predict delays in software development and adjust schedules in real time to minimize impact.
Day-to-day tasks of a Project Manager
A skilled project manager is a link between everyone in the team. They do the planning, management, and communication to deliver results. Here’s in a bit more detail.
Planning projects
A project manager begins by setting goals, timelines, and budgets. They break down the project into smaller tasks, create a roadmap, and assign deadlines. In a software development project, for example, a project manager will define milestones such as “prototype launch” or “user testing completion.”
Good planning includes identifying key dependencies, for instance, ensuring development teams receive client feedback before moving forward. Without a solid plan, teams risk missing deadlines or running out of budget.
Resource allocation
A PM makes sure that every team member has what they need, whether it’s manpower, tools, or funding. They ensure the right people are assigned to the right roles while balancing workloads to avoid burnout. For instance, in a marketing project, they might allocate graphic designers to visual tasks while reserving data analysts for campaign performance tracking. They also secure tools, like CRM software, essential for productivity.
Monitoring progress
Tracking progress involves checking milestones, identifying delays, and adjusting as needed. A project manager uses tools like Gantt charts, Trello boards, or Jira to visualize the project’s status. Regular check-ins with teams ensure no task goes unnoticed and progress remains aligned with the timeline.
Risk management
Risk management is about spotting potential problems before they occur and preparing solutions. A project manager assesses risks at every stage, from technical errors to budget overruns.
Team leadership
Leadership goes beyond assigning tasks. A project manager inspires and supports team members, and creates an environment where people feel motivated and heard. When conflicts arise—such as disagreements between developers and designers—the project manager facilitates open communication.
Stakeholder communication
A critical part of the project manager’s role is ensuring stakeholders—whether clients, executives, or partners—are informed and aligned. They provide regular updates, deliver reports, and explain any changes to the original plan. If a project scope expands due to new client requirements, the project manager communicates how this affects the timeline and budget. Strong communication builds trust and ensures everyone remains committed to the project’s success.
Requirements for a Project Manager
What would a company require from a person applying for a project manager role? Here are some common requirements and demands.
Education
Most project managers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, IT, or management. IT project managers typically study computer science or software engineering.
Advanced roles may require a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or project management. While formal education provides the foundation, project management is also about applying knowledge in real-world situations.
Certifications
Certifications add credibility and demonstrate knowledge of project management methodologies. The most recognized ones include:
- Project Management Professional (PMP): This globally recognized certification by the PMI (Project Management Institute) validates expertise in managing projects of all sizes and complexities.
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Ideal for those working in Agile frameworks.
- PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments): Popular in Europe, it focuses on process-based project management approaches.
- Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): For those managing Agile projects, this certification emphasizes adaptability.
These certifications often require passing exams, showcasing project management experience, and maintaining knowledge through continuing education.
Experience and background
A strong project management career usually builds on years of experience in related roles.
Entry-level experience. Roles such as project coordinator or junior manager offer hands-on involvement in managing tasks, tracking progress, and learning stakeholder management.
Relevant industry knowledge. For example, an IT project manager might come from a software development background, while a marketing project manager might have years of campaign management experience.
Technical skills
There isn’t much. Here are some of the key and most common technical skills a PM would need:
- Project management software: Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or Trello.
- Budgeting and financial management: Allocate resources and control costs to keep projects within budget.
- Data analysis: KPIs and dashboards to track performance and measure success.
- Risk management: Identify risks, assess their impact, and plan mitigations to keep projects on schedule.
Apart from that, a PM should be familiar with the product and understand key algorithms of how their team’s tools and instruments work.
Soft skills
Soft skills are critical for managing people. A project manager needs to have leadership skills, know how to communicate with people of all backgrounds, be aware of time management, solve problems, and be adaptable.
Why are PMs important for businesses?
Project managers bring order and accountability to complex processes. They ensure teams meet deadlines, stay within budget, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
How do you know if your company needs a project manager?
- Frequent delays – Your projects regularly miss deadlines.
- Budget overruns – Your costs exceed expectations.
- Lack of coordination – Teams struggle to collaborate or communicate.
- Inconsistent results – Deliverables vary in quality or fail to meet expectations.
If your business faces any of these challenges, hiring a project manager can bring structure and efficiency to your operations.
The average salary of a Project Manager in different countries (as of 2024)
- USA: $90,000–$120,000 per year.
- Israel: $65,000–$85,000 per year.
- Ukraine: $20,000–$35,000 per year.
- Poland: $30,000–$45,000 per year.
- Germany: $80,000–$100,000 per year.
- India: $15,000–$30,000 per year.
Of course, much depends on the business niche and particular location of the company within the chosen country. Outsourcing to Ukraine, Poland, and other Eastern European countries is considered one of the best options due to the great cost-efficiency of this region in terms of software development and related IT services.
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