Introductory-level project management roles
● Junior Project Manager: Performs all aspects of being a project manager alongside a
more experienced professional.
● Project Administrator: Assists the rest of the project team with administrative tasks.
● Project/Program Assistant: Supports team members working on a project and offers
administrative support. May perform research or create training documents along with
other jobs as assigned by program leaders.
● Project/Program Coordinator: Participates in hands-on project work and administrative
tasks. Works under a project manager to make sure projects are completed on time and
within budget.
● Project Support Specialist: Works alongside a project manager and team members to
oversee assigned projects. May also be responsible for training and developing
employees to perform designated tasks.
Traditional project management roles
Once you have gained some experience in introductory-level positions, you can explore
traditional project management roles, such as:
● Project Manager: Responsible for the initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and
closing of a project. Includes industry-specific titles like IT project manager, construction
project manager, or engineering project manager, which utilize skills that are transferable
among industries.
● Project Analyst: Moves a project along by sharing information, providing support
through data analysis, and contributing to strategy and performance.
● Project Leader/Director: Drives core decision-making and sets the direction for the
project. Usually knowledgeable about the product or deliverable.
● Project Controller: Primarily responsible for project planning. You are likely to see this
job title in industries like engineering and construction.
● Technical Project Manager: Conducts project planning and management for identified
goals within a company. Ensures that projects are completed to the requirements within
a defined time frame and budget.
● Project Management Office (PMO) Analyst: Manages the progress of complex
projects to ensure timely execution and completion.
Program and portfolio management roles
While a project is one single-focused endeavor, a program is a collection of projects. Program
managers are responsible for managing many projects.
A portfolio is a collection of projects and programs across an entire organization. Portfolio
managers are responsible for portfolios of projects or programs for one client.
Over the course of your career, you might progress from project manager to program manager
to senior program manager or a portfolio manager roles.
Operational management roles
In operational management roles, you will get the opportunity to experience several different
departments and how they interact and operate.
● Operations Analyst: Manages and coordinates research, investigates workflows,
creates business procedures, and recommends changes to improve the project and
company.
● Operations Manager: Oversees strategic decision-making and rolls out plans of action
based on financial, schedule, and resource reporting.
● Chief Operating Officer: Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and
operational functions of a business.
Agile roles
● Scrum Master: Coordinates and guides the Scrum team. Knowledgeable in Agile
framework and Scrum and is able to teach others about the Scrum values and principles.
May also be listed as a Technical Program Manager or Technical Project Manager.
● Product Owner: Drives the direction of product development and progress.
Industry-specific management roles
As you search for project management roles, you may see positions with titles like “engineering
project manager” or “construction project manager.” Keep in mind that the skills you learn in one
industry can be applied to another industry.