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IT Project Manager

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An IT Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing technology projects within an organisation. This role involves managing teams, timelines, budgets, and resources to deliver software, infrastructure, or digital transformation projects on time and within scope. IT Project Managers work closely with stakeholders to define project requirements, monitor progress, and address risks or issues as they arise. The job requires strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills, as well as a solid understanding of IT systems and processes. Most IT Project Managers have experience in both technical roles and management, often holding qualifications such as PRINCE2 or Agile certifications.

IT Project Manager

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an IT Project Manager in the UK ranges from £40,000 to £75,000 per year, with higher earnings possible in London and for those with extensive experience.

Job Openings

There are over 12,000 IT Project Manager positions advertised annually across the UK, reflecting steady demand in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government.

Typical Working Hours

Most IT Project Managers work standard office hours, but around 20 percent report regular overtime during critical project phases.

🚀 Careers in this path

Develop Strong Educational Foundations

Achieve Good GCSE and A Level Results

Focus on subjects like Maths, Science, IT, or Business at GCSE and A Level to build relevant knowledge.

Strong GCSEs and A Levels in IT-related or analytical subjects can set you up for further study in project management or computing. Universities and employers often look for evidence of logical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are developed in these subjects.

Study for a Degree in a Relevant Subject

Complete a university degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Management, or a related field.

A degree is highly valued for IT Project Manager roles. Courses in project management, computing, or business will teach you about information systems, team leadership, and effective communication. Some universities offer specific degrees in project management or IT management.

Gain Practical Experience

Find a Junior Role or Internship in IT

Start your career in an entry-level IT or project support role to gain hands-on experience.

Look for internships, apprenticeships, or junior positions such as IT Support, Project Assistant, or Business Analyst. These roles will help you understand how IT projects are run, get used to common software, and begin building a professional network.

Develop Project Management Skills On the Job

Volunteer to assist with project tasks and look for opportunities to coordinate small projects.

Practical experience is crucial. Offer to lead minor projects, coordinate meetings, or manage documentation. This will help you develop confidence in planning, organisation, and leadership, all essential for an IT Project Manager.

Build Professional Credentials

Achieve a Project Management Qualification

Complete professional courses such as PRINCE2, Agile, or PMP to enhance your CV.

Professional certifications like PRINCE2, Agile Project Management, or PMP are widely recognised in the UK. These courses provide frameworks and best practices for managing IT projects and can set you apart from other candidates.

Join Professional Networks

Become a member of organisations like the Association for Project Management or the British Computer Society.

Joining professional bodies helps you network, find mentors, and stay up to date with industry trends. It also demonstrates your commitment to your career and can lead to job opportunities.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

The IT project manager and business project manager roles both involve overseeing and coordinating projects to achieve specific objectives within organisations. They require skills in planning, resource management, stakeholder communication, and delivering results, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • computing
  • information systems
  • project management
  • computer science
  • 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

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Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Associate Project Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital Product Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Project Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.

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

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Work

You may be able to start with an organisation as an assistant project manager if you've got experience of working in IT.

You could then do further training on the job and take on more management responsibilities.

Other Routes

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

More Information

Career tips

It might help when looking for work if you have an understanding of agile project management methods.

Further information

You can find out more about computing careers and training through The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.

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