Explore All Valuable Program Manager Roles and Responsibilities with Skills
Sometimes, an organisation implements multiple projects together. This may be to mitigate risks or gain a market advantage to know which project is better for the organisation. Now, these projects collectively refer to a program.
The professional who oversees and makes all the interdependent projects run while facilitating change internally and externally is a program manager.
It is a demanding role where real experience in project management, stakeholder management, leadership, and key managerial functions are expected.
For more clarity, let’s go over the program manager’s roles and responsibilities.
Who is a Program Manager?
A program manager groups and manages multiple interrelated projects in an organisation strategically. They look into a high-level perspective of constraints, timing, interdependencies, and budgets. And skills such as cross-project coordination, risk analysis, and resource allocation, among others, are necessary.
You will know the role of a program manager better when you compare it first with a project manager.
How a Program Manager Differs from a Project Manager
These professionals’ duties differ from project managers in terms of the end vision of the programs, where the scopes of interdependent projects change. Project managers, on the other hand, have to work on a single project where deliverables have a defined scope. That’s the main difference between project manager and program manager.
Now, program managers also must include a corporate strategy that defines how the program will benefit throughout the implementation of the projects. A project manager focuses on outcomes. And the benefits are recognised when the project ends.
The Project Management Institute discusses the difference between project managers and program managers through the perspective of change.
“Project managers expect change and implement processes to keep change managed and controlled”
“The program manager must expect change from both inside and outside the program and be prepared to manage it”
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Program Manager Roles and Responsibilities
So, what does a program manager do?
The program manager must be able to fulfil the following duties.
- Plan, create, structure, and oversee interconnected projects.
- Manage the program every day throughout the life cycle of the program.
- Handle the cost of the program and allocate accordingly.
- Help project managers through bottlenecks and evaluate them with their teams
- Rectify issues and manage risks proactively
- Control project deadlines
- Allocate and manage resources for multiple projects
- Communicate and handle stakeholders
- Maintain and update program documentation for directors
These are the main program manager roles. They apply to IT program managers too.
What is Required to be a Program Manager?
As you read the program manager JD above, the professional must have some relevant work experience as a project manager or any other managerial role. Project management certifications are helpful to become one.
Project Management Methodologies
Expertise in Agile, Kanban, Scrum, PRINCE2, etc., is a primary requirement for a non-technical or IT program manager. These methodologies provide a structured framework and best practices that enable program managers to plan, execute, and control projects effectively.
Change Management
Change management is a vital aspect of program management. The correlation between change management and program management arises from programs often involving significant organisational changes. The role of the program manager is to introduce new processes, systems, structures, or working methods that require individuals and teams to adapt and embrace change.
Communications
Communication facilitates the exchange of project-related information, including goals, requirements, milestones, and progress updates.
Among the many program manager responsibilities, they ensure that project teams are aligned, have a shared understanding of objectives, and work towards common goals.
Clarity on Program Objectives
Programs usually contribute to larger organisational objectives, and the program manager ensures all projects within the program align with and support these strategic goals. It is extremely important for this professional to measure the program's intended benefits for the organisation. The focus could be on increased revenue, improved efficiency, or enhanced customer satisfaction.
Leadership and Management
Program managers need to address changes and help the project members achieve success. They must also create an environment where ideas are valued, and diverse perspectives are respected.
Micromanaging, lack of communication, and neglecting the professional development of others are some common leadership pitfalls to avoid.
Parting Thoughts
So now you know what is a program manager. Along with that, you found out the important skills required. If interested, consider Program Management Fundamentals ‘ Governing with Excellence to Drive Strategic Change on edX or similar courses.
Further Reads
FAQs
Is program manager part of PMO?
Yes, a program manager can be part of a Project Management Office (PMO). The PMO is a centralized department or group within an organization that establishes and governs project management processes, standards, and practices.
Is program manager higher than project manager?
The program manager has more duties than a project manager, as they have to handle multiple projects - decide whether they are interconnected and how they collectively benefit the organisation without any risks.
Aquib is a seasoned wordsmith, having penned countless blogs for Indian and international brands. These days, he's all about digital marketing and core management subjects - not to mention his unwavering commitment ... Read Full Bio
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