A project manager is in charge of the project from the initial phase to the end of the project. As a project manager, your role is to make sure that the project goals are met timely with high quality. Now, you know who and what a project manager does, there are many types of project managers depending on the industry type.
Although different types of project managers have their own focus, roles, and skills to use depending on the respective industry, they all share the same core of managing the project and meeting the client’s expectations. It is important to know the types of project managers, as it helps in choosing the right path.
In this blog, we will be focusing on 7 types of project managers and which special certification is needed to upgrade your project management career accordingly. Let’s start off with the first type of project manager. Continue reading!
1. Functional Project Manager
The first type of project manager is a functional project manager, who has to lead projects within a specific department; it can be HR, operations, or finance. A functional project manager’s role revolves around managing the people and resources needed for the project.
For example, a functional project manager in the HR (human resources) department will have duties that include developing recruiting strategies, managing compensation and benefits, and ensuring everyone follows labor laws while maintaining a positive work environment.
A functional project manager has a set of general responsibilities that are universal regardless of the department, whether it’s HR, marketing, or finance.
Here are a few general responsibilities of a functional project manager:
- Track the progress and performance
- Risk management
- Resource management
- Staffing and development
- Budgeting and cost control
These are the general set of responsibilities of a functional project manager. To be able to manage these responsibilities, a functional project manager should know how to blend both core and specific skills.
For entry level based roles, you need to have CAPM certification. And for experience based roles you should have PMP certification. (For more clarity, read our blog on CAPM certification and PMP certification)
2. Technical Project Manager
A technical project manager (TPM) acts like a messenger between the technical and nontechnical teams. Unlike project managers, TPMs need to look into schedules and funds plus the technical aspects of the project.
For example, a TPM in a software development project has to work with developers and stakeholders to make sure the product is built on schedule, meets the technical standards, and satisfies user needs.
A technical project manager needs to balance technical knowledge and management skills to manage both the human and technological sides of a project productively.
Here are a few technical project manager responsibilities :
- Supervising the project from start to finish
- Managing development teams
- Check product quality
- Identify and solve technical risks
- Communicate updates between technical teams and nontechnical teams
For authenticity, you need to get credentials like PMP Certification or CAPM, which are valuable. In addition, TPMs can benefit from specialized certifications such as PMI ACP or Certified Scrum Master (CSM).
3. Agile Project Manager
An agile project manager leads projects using agile methodology, which mainly focuses on collaboration and constant changes instead of fixed structures. Agile project managers have to work with cross functional teams to reach the project goal in short and manageable cycles known as sprints for consistent progress and flexibility.
For example, an agile project manager working in a software development team makes sure that developers, designers, and testers stay on the same page.
In agile project management, the project manager’s main goal is to help the team stay organized and motivated while maintaining strong communication between stakeholders and the project team.
Responsibilities of an Agile project manager:
- Simplify daily standups, sprint planning, reviews and retrospectives
- Collaborate with product owners to define and prioritize the backlog
- Identify and remove any blockers that hinder progress
- Monitor sprint performance and adjust plans
- Maintain transparency with the team
To handle these responsibilities effectively, an agile project manager also needs a mix of soft skills and agile specific skills.
To grow in this role and gain credibility, certifications like PMI ACP or SAFe Agile are highly recommended. For project managers who already have a PMP certification, adding an agile certification creates more versatility and builds on expertise.
4. Construction Project Manager
A construction project manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising construction projects from start to finish and has to maintain the project within the given budget according to the safety and quality standards.
For example, a construction project manager handling a commercial building project will work with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure the design is practical, materials are available, and construction activities progress according to schedule.
A construction project manager’s role is highly active, they act as a link between the office and the site to make sure there’s smooth communication and execution.
Here are the responsibilities of a construction project manager:
- Plan and schedule construction activities
- Estimate costs and prepare project budget
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, and contractors
- Ensure safety and building regulations are followed
- Monitor progress and resolve on site issues
To manage these responsibilities effectively, a construction project manager needs strong technical knowledge, leadership and organizational skills.
To build credibility in this field, certifications such as PMP, CAPM, or Certified Construction Manager are valuable.
5. Marketing Project Manager
A marketing project manager (MPM) is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering marketing campaigns and projects that help promote a brand, product, or service. They work closely with creative teams, content writers, designers, and marketing strategists to ensure every campaign is aligned with business goals and completed on time.
For example, a marketing project manager running a product launch campaign would coordinate between the content, social media, and design teams to ensure the right message is delivered through the right channels. They would also track campaign performance, manage budgets, and make sure the project achieves its marketing objectives.
A marketing project manager’s role requires a mix of creative thinking, strategic planning, and organizational skills to balance creativity with measurable results.
Here are a few general responsibilities of a marketing project manager:
- Plan and execute marketing campaigns across multiple channels
- Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors
- Define timelines, budgets, and deliverables for marketing projects
- Track project progress and campaign performance metrics
- Ensure brand consistency across all marketing materials
- Manage communication between creative, digital, and analytics teams
To handle these responsibilities effectively, a marketing project manager should have both project management expertise and a strong understanding of marketing strategies.
To build credibility and advance in this role, certifications such as PMP, CAPM, or PMI ACP are beneficial. Additionally, marketing related certifications like Google Analytics, or Digital Marketing certifications can be advantageous.
6. IT Project Manager
An IT project manager is responsible for planning, executing, and supervising tech related projects like software development, system upgrades, network installations, or cybersecurity initiatives. IT project managers have to look after IT projects and timely delivery within the given budget.
For example, an IT project manager will supervise a system moving project and coordinate between developers and vendors to ensure a smooth transition without messing with business operations. They manage both the technical and managerial aspects, from setting up schedules and allocating resources to troubleshooting issues that arise during implementation.
The IT project manager acts as the link between the technical team and business stakeholders, translating complex technical details into clear, actionable plans.
Here are a few general responsibilities of an IT project manager:
- Plan, coordinate, and execute IT related projects
- Define project scope, objectives and deliverables
- Manage cross functional technical teams and vendors
- Ensure compliance with IT standards and security protocols
- Monitor progress, budgets and timelines
- Identify and solve problems related to technology or integration
- Report project updates to stakeholders and senior management
To perform these tasks effectively, an IT project manager must have strong technical expertise combined with leadership and project management skills.
To build credibility and enhance career opportunities, certifications like PMP, Certified Scrum Master, PMI CPMAI, or PMI ACP are valuable.
7. Freelance Project Manager
A freelance project manager is an independent professional who manages projects for different organizations on a contract basis rather than being tied to a single company.
For instance, a freelance project manager who is hired by a startup to set up their project management framework or by a large corporation to manage a short term product launch or system implementation.
The role of a freelance project manager involves planned direction and performance optimization, helping organizations achieve goals without long term hiring commitments.
Here are a few responsibilities of a freelance project manager:
- Understand client requirements
- Create project plans and budget timelines
- Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders
- Monitor project progress
- Prepare reports and documentation
To succeed in this role, a freelance project manager needs to be highly adaptable and organized. To have a genuine profile, it is important to have certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or CAPM, which are highly valuable.
Conclusion
Every type of project manager plays an important role in bringing ideas to life, whether it’s in tech, marketing, or freelancing. While each role demands unique abilities, the core skills for project managers remain the same leadership, communication, and strategic thinking.
Earning certifications like PMP, CAPM, or PMI ACP can help you strengthen these skills and stand out in your career. No matter your career route, the key is to keep learning and adapting to the trends in your projects with confidence, like AI (artificial intelligence).
If you want to know more about AI and project management, check out this blog on AI project management.
FAQs for types of project managers
These are a few commonly asked questions regarding the types of project managers on the web. We have compiled these top 5 questions and answered them for you to clear your doubts.
1. How many types of project managers are there?
There is no set number of types of project managers. Mainly, project managers are categorized by industry type, like technical, IT, marketing, agile, functional, freelancing, construction, etc.
2. What are the major types of project management?
The major types of project management includes the different types of frameworks or methodology like agile, hybrid, kanban, scrum and lean.
3. Are technical and IT project managers the same type of project managers?
No, technical and IT project managers and not the same, they have different responsibilities and specialization.
4. What is the highest level of project manager?
The highest level for a project manager is an executive position like Vice president of project management or VP of project portfolio management
5. What is another name for a project manager?
An alternative name for project manager can be project lead or project team leader.
