Project manager job description
Where we source our data
Let's get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you're making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That's why we anonymously surveyed project managers about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it's really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can't guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Tasks and responsibilities for a project manager
Roughly 90% of a project manager’s job is communication. Clear, consistent communication with the team, clients and stakeholders, from setting project goals at the outset to managing scope changes, keeps projects on track and drives success.
A project manager’s day-to-day responsibilities can include:
- Project planning and scheduling, often using tools like Gantt charts
- Team coordination and task assignment
- Risk management and issue resolution
- Budget oversight and resource allocation
- Client communication and stakeholder engagement
- Applying project management methodologies like Agile, Scrum, Waterfall and Lean
- Maintaining quality standards throughout the project lifecycle
- Using project management software tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, Monday.com or Trello to track progress.
How to become a project manager
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Build your project management skills and knowledge
Get familiar with core project management areas such as planning, budgeting, risk, resources, and stakeholder engagement, along with good practices such as the PMBOK Guide, work breakdown structures, the critical path, and earned value management. Learn methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall, Lean, and Six Sigma, which vary by industry.
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Gain hands-on project management experience
Most project professionals start in project coordinator roles or project support work, gaining hands-on experience with project plans, resources and teams before stepping into full project manager responsibilities. This is where soft skills such as communication, strong leadership, critical thinking and time management are put into practice alongside technical and hard skills.
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Get a recognised qualification or certification
Options sit across three levels: university degrees (useful in highly regulated industries), nationally accredited vocational qualifications such as a Certificate IV in Project Management Practice or a Diploma of Project Management, and professional certifications like PMP or PRINCE2. For most Australians, a vocational qualification or certification offers the fastest, most affordable path to a recognised credential. Formal education from university is only one of several valid pathways.
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Maintain your credentials and advance your career
Continuous professional development is required to maintain most certifications, keeping project professionals current with industry standards and best practice. Training courses can help you progress from project manager to senior project manager, program manager or PMO manager, and from there into business improvement, consulting or executive leadership roles.
Pathway options
Project management career paths are varied and portable across industries, from an entry point in project coordination through to senior leadership of a portfolio of projects. Demand for project management skills continues to grow across industries, supporting a strong job outlook at every level.
Possible project management career path:
Junior
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Project coordinator
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Project Management Practice
Mid
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Project manager
Most common qualification: Diploma of Project Management
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Senior project manager
Most common qualification:Project Management Professional (PMP)
Senior
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Program manager
Most common qualification: Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2
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Project management office manager
Most common qualification: Diploma of Project Management or PRINCE2
Explore related qualifications
Nationally recognised VET courses through TAFE or RTOs provide the high-quality qualifications you need to work as a project manager. Project management courses can be flexible, full-time or part-time if required, and offer in-class and online learning options.
Certificate IV in Project Management
The Certificate IV in Project Management Practice is a nationally accredited, practical qualification well suited to project coordinators ready to step up, or to those already executing projects informally and seeking formal recognition. It’s a strong, affordable entry point into a project management career without the time or cost of a university degree.
3 providers offer this course
Diploma of Project Management
The Diploma of Project Management builds on Certificate IV-level skills, covering the full project life cycle, including planning, budgeting, resource allocation, risk management and quality standards, for professionals ready to take full responsibility for project delivery.
3 providers offer this course
Project Management Professional
The PMP is globally recognised and highly valued by experienced project professionals. It signals strong project management experience and is widely sought after for senior project manager and program manager roles.
PRINCE2
PRINCE2 is a process-based methodology widely used in government, financial services and large-scale projects. It’s a common credential for project managers working towards project management office or program manager roles.
