Types of project managers by industry
Project management is not limited to one industry. Project managers are needed in a variety of industries including the following.
Construction
A construction project manager understands the construction business, works directly with clients, obtains permits, plans the construction timeline, and manages contractors.
Qualifications and experience include:
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
- Understanding of how to read a blueprint
- Budget management experience
- Understanding of risk management
- Knowledge of construction materials
Architectural
An architectural project manager works closely with clients and often visits construction sites to consult with the construction project managers to make sure that the project is on track.
Qualifications and experience include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering
- Knowledge of building codes
- Experience with solving design and construction problems
- Good communication skills
Health insurance
A health insurance project manager works with clients after claims have been made and manages projects related to coding, compliance, and reimbursement. In addition, responsibilities include managing documents and developing customer communications about policy changes and other types of updates.
Qualifications and experience include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Knowledge of medical coding policies
- Good organizational skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Manufacturing
A manufacturing project manager maintains relationships between the company and clients to ensure that customer needs are met. In addition, a manufacturing project manager ensures quality control, sees that safety guidelines are followed, oversees the manufacturing process, and looks for ways to streamline processes.
Qualifications and experience include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience with manufacturing
- Experience with supervising people
- Knowledge of quality control procedures and best practices
- Experience with customer relations and product fulfillment
Engineering
Engineering project managers are involved in every stage in the creation of a new product or the improvement of an existing product. They oversee the research, planning, development, design, and manufacturing. These project managers typically work with other stakeholders, such as the manufacturing project manager, to ensure overall satisfaction.
Qualifications and experience include:
- Good verbal and written skills
- Experience reading blueprints
- Experience with mechanical tools
- Proficiency with CAD programs
- Good math skills
- Excellent organizational skills
Software/IT
Software/IT project managers will normally have a background in software development, computer science, or information technology. This way they can speak the same language as the software development teams they are working with. Software project managers work in Agile environments and manage timelines, iterations, track bugs, demonstrate new features to clients, and so on.
Qualifications and experience include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field
- Knowledge of and experience with working in agile environments
- Experience writing code such as Java and SQL
- Strong organizational and management skills
- Ability to solve problems
Whether you are planning your own career path or helping other employees realize their potential, get started with our career progression chart. It can help you map a path through the various project manager levels to reach your ultimate goal.
Want to learn more about project management? Check out these articles to learn basic project management practices and the skills you’ll need to pursue this career:
Project Management for Beginners
5 Universal Project Management Principles
A Guide to Project Management Jargon