Project managers are essential for the successful delivery of challenging projects—their demand is increasing in today’s complex business environment. Although it's a demanding job with a broad skill set and significant responsibilities, the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment is immense. This article will introduce the roles, responsibilities, and salary of a project manager.
With the advancement of DX (Digital Transformation) across industries, the DX market is expected to continue its upward growth trajectory. Specifically, the domestic market in Japan is projected to rapidly expand to 6.5195 trillion yen by 2030 according to the study by Fuji Chimera Research Institute. As IT technology evolves and AI, IoT, and data science become indispensable in society, projects themselves are becoming more complex. Consequently, the demand for project managers who can manage and promote advanced projects is higher than ever.
Other than leading the project team and bringing the team together, there’s no clear definition, so the responsibilities vary depending on the company and the nature of the work. In the IT industry, their role involves managing the progress of system development. System development aligns with client requests, such as creating a system for cloud-based personnel evaluation or facilitating DX in medical institutions.
The project manager's role is extensive, including project planning, schedule management, and reporting on progress and challenges. They are a vital part of project progression. They communicate not only with team members but also with management and clients, bringing the entire project together.
What makes being a project manager rewarding?
Project managers have the responsible task of overseeing the entire project, from concept to completion, and often have visibility with high-level stakeholders across the business. While the pressure is high, completing a project brings a sense of accomplishment that's unmatched in other positions.
Projects also require collaboration with various people, including team members and management. The growth of others and the enriching relationships formed during the project are also rewarding aspects of the job.
Project manager (PM) vs. project leader (PL)
The difference between a project manager and a project leader is that the project manager oversees the entire project, while the project leader acts as a field supervisor, coordinating the on-site team.
The project manager listens to client requests and is responsible for everything from planning to review. Schedule management and progress reporting also fall under their duties.
On the other hand, the project leader is like the leader of several teams within a project and may also engage in fieldwork. Their job is to facilitate the project while educating and guiding subordinates on-site.
Project manager (PM) vs. product manager (PdM)
The difference between a project manager and a project manager is that the project manager focuses on "project progress," while the Product manager emphasizes "product strategy."
The project manager considers and implements what needs to be done from a system development perspective to achieve the client's goals. They strive for smooth project progress through planning, risk management, schedule management, and communication with stakeholders.
In contrast, the product manager's primary task is product development. They conduct market research, customer analysis, and competitor analysis, taking a long-term perspective to conceive products that meet the times and needs, making final decisions as a manager.
The roles and responsibilities of a project manager can be categorized into the following three areas:
Project planning: They plan what kind of system or service to create based on the client's needs. This includes determining the system's development scale, budget, necessary personnel, and work environment.Schedule management: One of their roles is to manage the schedule to ensure work progresses according to the plan. This involves communicating the project's objectives, goals, schedule, and deadlines to team members, ensuring everyone is aligned. When there are requests or changes from the client, they share this information with the team and adjust the schedule as needed.Reporting on progress and challenges: They also play the role of checking progress with each department and reporting to management and sponsors. By bridging internal and external communication, they dispel concerns and anxieties related to the project, enhancing team cohesion.
A progress report (status report) summarizes the current state of the project. They share information not only with team members but also with stakeholders who aren't directly involved in the project to prevent problems from arising. Reviewing the project after completion is also an essential task. They identify project challenges, share them with stakeholders, and apply the lessons learned to future projects.
Looking at job postings can help aspiring Project Managers get a sense of the required skills and the job-hunting process. It's particularly important to check the application requirements to see if you possess the necessary skills.
Below is a specific example of a project manager job posting:
Job Title: Project manager
Estimated Annual Salary: 8,000,000 to 14,000,000 yen
Job Description:
Evaluate and oversee implementation project proposals and detailed schedules, confirming feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
Supervise the solution process after receiving the order, effectively coordinating with customers, the engineering team, analysts, and other project managers.
Instruct the team on detailed planning, scheduling, and deployment execution, including User Acceptance Testing (UAT), to achieve top-class implementation and customer satisfaction.
Establish and maintain feedback channels from stakeholders and customers, skillfully utilizing insights to improve project management processes and promote product improvement and development.
Lead the development of the project manager team through the Associate Project Manager Program.
Application Requirements:
Over 5 years of project management experience in enterprise software or consulting firms.
Over 3 years of team management experience, with the ability to inspire, nurture, and lead high-performing teams.
Broad technical understanding and experience in implementing large-scale software solutions or industrial equipment.
Business-level proficiency in Japanese and English to facilitate effective communication with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to and learn new tools and technologies, with a commitment to continuous professional development.
Experience leading and delivering results on projects in a cross-functional environment.
Work Location: Tokyo's 23 Wards
In today's digitally advanced world, project managers are almost always involved with digital technologies. To get a sense of the earning potential in this field, check out the salary for digital projet manager and our salary guide for other IT professionals.
Project managers are required to have a diverse skill set. Among them, the following four skills are particularly crucial:
Organizational and management skills: At the heart of project management lies effective organization and management. They manage people, budgets, schedules, and more, taking into account the project's progress. With many elements to manage, the ability to see the big picture is essential. Understanding who possesses what skills within the company allows them to respond appropriately to client needs and contributes to employee growth. Having certificates such as P2M or PMP is beneficial, as they enhance a manager’s ability to see the big picture and coordinate numerous elements efficiently.
Communication skills: Project managers interact not only with team members but also with clients and various other people. To ensure smooth project progress, communication skills are necessary to build good relationships with everyone involved.
It's not just about being good at talking. The ability to listen to opinions, convey information clearly, and understand the other person's situation is crucial.
Problem-solving skills: Problems, both big and small, inevitably arise during project execution. Depending on the problem, schedules and personnel might need to be revised. Therefore, the ability to quickly identify the root cause of a problem and resolve or improve it is essential.
Anticipating potential risks in advance and preparing for them is also a necessary skill for project managers.
IT knowledge and technical skills: Project Managers need specialized IT knowledge and technical skills related to their projects. Having knowledge and skills in technology allows them to create plans that meet client requirements and is also helpful when allocating personnel. Oskar Takenaka, Division Director of Enterprise Technology & Consulting at Robert Half Japan, states, "In the IT field, a high level of expertise is essential. The most sought-after professionals in the market combine specialized knowledge and experience with strong interpersonal skills."
While there are no mandatory certifications to become a project manager, the following four certifications can be beneficial for their work:
Project Manager Examination: This examination, conducted by the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), grants a national qualification upon passing. It tests not only the management skills necessary for project managers but also knowledge of technology, such as computer systems and security.
Among the national IT certifications, it's classified as an "Advanced Information Technology Engineer Examination" and has the highest difficulty level of Level 4. The process of studying for the exam helps instill the mindset and knowledge of a project manager, making it an ideal qualification for building a foundation for the job.
PMP® Certification: The PMP® (Project Management Professional) certification is an international qualification accredited by the Project Management Institute established in the United States. PMP® is recognized worldwide, making it valuable across various industries and countries. The exam can be taken in Japanese.
However, to be eligible, you need to meet the following conditions:
Bachelor's degree (4-year)
・36 months of project leadership experience within the past 8 years
・35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification
High school diploma or equivalent
・60 months of project leadership experience within the past 8 years
・35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification
While PMP® is not a national qualification, it proves your skills internationally, making it recommended for those dealing with overseas companies.
P2M Certification: The P2M certification is accredited by the Japan Project Management Association (PMAJ). It certifies that you possess the "practical skills" required for both program managers and project managers.
There are four types of certifications, and renewal is required every five years.
PMC (Project Management Coordinator)
PMS (Project Management Specialist)
PMA (Program Management Architect)
PMR (Program Manager Registered)
PMC and PMS measure knowledge of P2M, while PMR and PMA assess practical skills. This certification is recommended for those looking to expand their capabilities as a project manager.
PMO Specialist™ Certification: The PMO Specialist™ certification is accredited by the Japan PMO Association. It certifies your ability to serve as a PMO (Project Management Office), which supports project management activities.
As of July 2024, there are two types of certifications: PMO specialist (*)™, which certifies PMO knowledge, and PMO specialist (** ™, which certifies technical skills. With video-based e-learning and online exams, it's easy to take even for busy individuals. It's less difficult than the Project Manager Examination, making it a recommended stepping stone for those preparing to become project managers.
People who are well-suited for project management typically exhibit the following four characteristics:
Ability to see the big picture: As the person in charge of the project, it's essential for project managers to grasp the overall picture, from planning to execution. They take a bird's-eye view and guide the project to proceed smoothly. As they need to prioritize the overall benefit, logical thinking that isn't swayed by emotions is necessary.
Flexibility: Projects don't always go according to plan. New requests from clients, unexpected problems, or team members falling ill may necessitate schedule adjustments. It's crucial to have contingency plans and be prepared for the unexpected.
High stress tolerance: As the leader in charge, project managers face inherent pressure. They need to listen to and coordinate opinions from various people, including management and clients, making it a stressful position. Those who find fulfillment in gathering opinions and finding the best solutions are well-suited for project management
Strong communication skills: Project managers interact with a wide range of people, including team members, management, and clients. To succeed, they need to actively communicate with everyone and build good relationships. As they connect many people, those who are adaptable and respond sincerely are a good fit.
The typical path to becoming a project manager is to gain experience in IT roles and progress in your career. IT knowledge is also necessary for project managers, so experience in IT roles will be valuable later on.
Engineer work involves upstream processes like planning what to do and by when, and downstream processes like actual production. Start by gaining IT skills and knowledge through downstream tasks like programming. Then, by engaging in upstream tasks that involve client interaction, you can acquire management skills and comprehensive knowledge.
Once you have sufficient experience, the next step could be becoming a project leader. By cultivating communication and management skills, the path to project managementt will open up. If you lack certain skills for becoming a project manager, obtaining certifications is a good way to upskill and enhance your evaluation.
Project manager can consider the following four career paths:
PMO: The PMO (Project Management Office) supports the activities of project managers. They create an environment for projects to run smoothly, such as coordinating costs between projects and conducting training for personnel development.
As you gain experience in the PMO, you may advance to roles such as senior project manager, program manager, portfolio manager, where you oversee larger and more complex projects.
IT Consultant: IT consultants are professionals who utilize IT technology to solve client problems. While project managers manage project personnel and deadlines after receiving an order from the client, IT consultants mainly handle the stage of gathering information from the client and making proposals to secure the order. As they are involved in upstream processes compared to project managers, they can leverage their management and leadership skills.
To become an IT consultant, you need more specialized knowledge in IT technology, such as IT infrastructure, cloud computing, and system development. Having a broad knowledge base to solve client problems is beneficial.
IT specialist: IT specialists support projects from a technical standpoint. They provide technical assistance in specialized areas within the project, such as networks and security, requiring advanced expertise in areas like IT system construction and operation. As management is generally not involved, this path suits those more interested in specialized technology than overall management.
To transition to an IT specialist, you need to have acquired at least one skill at Level 3 or higher in the IT Skill Standard (ITSS).
CxO: "CxO" represents the highest-ranking executive in a specific area, with the "x" replaced by the name of the function. For example, "CTO" stands for "Chief Technology Officer."
Besides CTO, you can also aim for other technology-related executive positions like CIO (Chief Information Officer) or CDO (Chief Digital Officer). In addition to existing IT knowledge, you'll need expertise in the latest technologies like AI and IoT, as well as strategic planning capabilities.
Project managers are the leaders who bring project teams together. While it's a pressure-filled job, accomplishing a project brings unique rewards not found in other positions.
As the required skills, such as project management skills and problem-solving abilities, are high, gaining knowledge and experience is crucial. Aim to become a project manager while supplementing your skills by obtaining certifications.
