A Technical Project Manager is a trump card behind today’s most powerful tech products and services in the business market. The Technical Project Manager works on launching new apps and implementing new software designed for organizations. They make sure that everything runs smoothly and at ease by balancing the code, having strong communication skills, and coordinating like a boss.
So in this blog, we will explain exactly what a technical project manager is, how they are different from traditional project managers, project manager skills, the high job demand in the market, and many other points. So let’s get started.
What is a Technical Project Manager?
A technical project manager is a person who has a strong understanding of technology to handle a project effectively. Contrary to our traditional project managers, a technical project manager not only pays attention to schedules, funds, materials, and manpower, but they also need to understand the technical part of the work that is being done.
Just for an example, in a software project, a TPM might work with developers, understand the architecture of the app, help troubleshoot issues, and still make sure the project is completed on time. They act as the bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders.
Difference Between Technical Project Manager Vs. Project Manager
Both roles have similar points of handling a project, yet there is a difference:
- A project manager pays more attention to planning, budgeting, and communicating. They don’t need knowledge of the technical aspects of the project.
- Whereas a technical project manager does everything that a project manager does, apart from that, they also need to know the technical side of the project.
A technical project manager can get involved in technical discussions, be a problem solver, and better support the engineering team.
In simpler terms, all technical project managers are project managers, but not all project managers are technical project managers. Their strong skills in the technical field keep them apart from the rest of the project managers and give them value in industries like IT, software, etc.
Technical Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities
A Technical Project Manager role is to look after the tech projects from start to end, making sure they are finished on time as decided, within the given funds, and meet the organization’s goals.
Below are detailed roles and responsibilities that a technical project manager should follow:
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Define Project Scope and Objectives
Create a partnership with stakeholders to clearly explain to them the goals and proposals of the project. Make sure the expectations agreed upon are written down and documented before the work begins.
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Create Project Plans
Make in-depth plans that state the tasks, schedules, funds, and milestones of the project. These plans will help and guide the technical team at each phase of the project.
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Coordinate Technical Teams
Give responsibilities to the tech team members and make sure to effectively collaborate across different departments. Keep teams on the same page with project goals and schedules.
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Manage Project Execution
Look after the everyday working of the project, making sure the tasks are completed on time and within the given funds. Detect the progress and maintain the pace of the project.
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Track and Report Progress
Keep an eye on project status and submit daily updates to stakeholders. Communicate the risks, the obstacles, and the accomplishments throughout the project lifecycle.
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Promote Communication
Be a bridge between the technical teams and non-technical stakeholders. Make sure the right information is relayed smoothly across all parties.
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Technical Quality
Review deliverables to make sure they meet technical standards and business requirements. Coordinate testing, reviews, and approval processes.
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Manage Risks and Issues
Find the possible risks at the early stage of the project execution and diminish their effects. React quickly towards the issues, by making sure the loss is less to the project.
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Handle Changes in Scope
Make an estimate of any change request for its effect on project schedules, expenses, and quality. Update the plans and convey changes to pertinent project stakeholders.
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Project Termination
Check that all the project proposals have been completed and are approved. Conduct a post-project review on what went well, what did not, collect reviews, and jot down the pointers for reference so that the mistake is not repeated and everything goes well.
Technical Project Manager Skills
Becoming a successful Technical Project Manager is a demanding path that necessitates a diverse skill set comprising both technical and interpersonal proficiencies.
Below are the essential skills you need as a Technical Project Manager to use in managing your projects:
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Technical Knowledge
As a technical project manager, you must possess the necessary knowledge and expertise in the specific technical field required for your projects. This understanding involves software development, Agile, Scrum, and tools like JIRA, Asana, Notion,etc.
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Communication
Excellent communication skills are necessary while executing the project. A technical project manager must make sure that there is a smooth flow of information and transparency among the members and the stakeholders of the technical project.
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Improve Processes
A technical project manager must look for ways to make things work better. It means to gauge how the team performs, spot the issues or delays, and make changes to conserve time and improve the quality.
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Technical Documentation
Preparing documentation means jotting down all the pointers, including how things are going, what work decisions were made, or how to utilize the system or products. This is a record that will help the team and technical project manager to refer to future projects, and to not repeating the same mistakes again.
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Time Management
Handling a project schedule includes the usage of tools like calendars, Gantt charts, kanban, and sprint plans to keep track of what will happen and when. The technical project manager makes sure things are done according to the timetable and deadlines are met, to avoid any last-minute delay in project performance.
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Scope Management
A project scope tells you what a project is about and what work it will cover. By compiling comprehensive requirements and generating task lists, also known as work breakdown structures, a technical project manager provides a precise definition of scope and the extent of the project.
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Operations Management
Operations include handling the daily work of the project, like assigning tasks, managing budgets, and using company resources well. A successful Technical Project Manager makes sure everything works smoothly, and also makes sure time and funds are spent smartly to attain the project goals.
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Stakeholder Management
Stakeholders include clients, users, or any person who is interested in the project. A technical project manager should communicate with them daily and be transparent about the work, understand their demands, and keep them informed of the progress.
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Risk Management
A good technical project manager must have the skills to detect the risks that might arise in the process of performance, and create a backup plan to minimize the problems by bringing in solutions to it. This proactive method helps the team to stay aligned and avoid any last-minute problems that can harm the project execution.
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Leadership
Leadership is not only giving instructions or orders, but it is more than that, like supporting and guiding the team members. A strong leader creates motivation among the team members, encourages them, and keeps them focused on their goals.
Being a skilled technical project manager means improving skills and expertise on a daily basis to handle technology, organizational goals, and project success in this competitive market.
Tools Used by A Technical Project Manager
To properly plan, execute, and submit successful projects, a technical project manager depends on a variety of tools. Below is the list of the tools that are available and are considered necessary for the Technical Project Manager.
1. Project Planning & Scheduling Tools
It is used to create schedules, allot tasks, and keep a check on the progress.
- Smartsheet
- Gantt Chart
- Critical Path Method
- Microsoft Project
- ClickUp
2. Task and Workflow Management Tools
These tools help allot, prioritize, and handle tasks for the teams.
- Trello
- Asana
- Jira
- Monday.com
- Notion
3. Communication Tools
This makes sure of smooth communication between the team members and the project stakeholders.
- Zoom/ Google Meet
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
4. Documentation Management
These tools are used to record and transmit relevant technical and project pointers or documentation.
- Google Docs/ Sheet/ Drive
- Notion
- Microsoft OneNote
- SharePoint
5. Scheduling and Resource Management Tools
These tools track time, funds, and productivity
- Float
- Harvest
- Clockify
- Toggl Track
6. Reporting Tools
Helps in visualizing data, KPI, and milestone tracking
- Power BI
- Jira Dashboard
- Google Data Studio
- Tableau
7. Risk Tracking Tools
This helps in detecting risks, assessing, and handling the issues detected
- Jira (Issue Tracking)
- Risk Register (Excel/ Google Sheets)
- Active Risk Manager
8. Agile and DevOps Tools
It supports Agile methodologies and sprint planning
- VersionOne
- Jira + Confluence
- Azure DevOps
- GitHub/ GitLab/ Bitbucket
9. File Share And Storage
Central location to manage and access shared files.
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- DropBox
Technical Project Manager Salary
The salary of technical project managers varies drastically. The salary depends on many factors such as industry, location, experience, company size, and technical skills.
According to Ambitious Box, the salary of a technical project manager in India is from INR. 10.1 Lacs to INR. 38.3 Lacs per year, and on average, they earn INR. 24.4 Lacs per year. Whereas the Senior Technical Project Manager earns from INR. 15 Lacs to INR. 45.5 Lacs per year, and on average, they earn INR. 29.3 Lacs per year.
In the international market, salaries always differ, but they always meet the demand for skilled technical leadership. Technical project managers are highly valued, and their pay packages reflect the important role they play in making sure the project attains success.
How to Become a Technical Project Manager
If you have ever wondered about transitioning to the role of a technical project manager, then here is where you will get a clear idea about the steps you can follow to become a TPM:
1. Is It the Right Career Path?
Ask yourself if this career is exciting you, if you are enjoying working in the technical area, and guiding the team to stay organized and keep them on a proper path. This career is for someone who likes to solve problems or issues and handle tasks from start to end.
2. Get the Right Education
A degree in computer science, IT, or something similar can help, but you can also start with general studies and learn technical skills along the way. What matters most is that you understand how tech projects work.
3. Get certified
Certifications like PMP or Scrum Master prove that you have knowledge of how to run projects smoothly. These certifications will give you a competitive advantage in the eyes of employers when applying for jobs, even if you have just started.
4. Gain experience in Tech and Team Work
Try to work in technical roles like coding, support, or testing so you understand how projects are built. Also, help with organizing tasks or leading small projects to show you can manage teams.
5. Make a Strong Technical Project Manager CV
Create a resume that shows your tech knowledge and how you’ve helped with projects, even small ones. Furthermore, list tools you’ve used and focus on what you’ve achieved, not just what you did.
6. Apply for Your First Job in Project Management
Look for junior Technical project manager roles or apply within your current company. You can also offer to help on projects to gain experience and grow into the role over time.
Conclusion
Starting a career as a technical project manager can be tough, but it can also be very enriching and beneficial. This career path expects you to be trained and skilled in technical as well as handling the teams and the project. Hence, if you enjoy working with technology and managing or leading others, then it is a great career offer for you to grow in, with a better salary and a variety of opportunities.
To get started, you can take project management certification courses like pmp certification from ProThoughts Solutions, which offers you Online as well as offline/classroom training, so that you don’t have to miss the chance of advancing in your career.
These courses will teach you relevant skills and get you certified, thus, which can help you succeed in the technical project manager role. All the Best!
