Project manager

Project managers oversee projects and project teams. They manage the planning, resources, schedule, administration and budget of projects.

Also known as

ICT project manager, construction project manager, engineering project manager, joinery manager

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
  • Usually work in offices, and may travel locally and nationally
  • Need to be organised, communicate well and lead others

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$59K-$189K 59000

Typical tasks

  • Estimate costs for projects
  • Manage project budgets
  • Make sure projects stays on schedule
  • Manage resources, buying and supply for projects
  • Talk to clients and suppliers
  • Manage relationships with clients and suppliers
  • Lead project planning and review meetings
  • Manage project teams
  • Recruit project staff
  • Write reports on projects

Outlook

Project management is evolving as organisations deliver increasingly complex projects involving digital transformation, sustainability and emerging technologies. In New Zealand and globally, businesses are using artificial intelligence, data analytics and collaborative digital tools to improve planning and delivery. Agile methods, risk management and stakeholder engagement continue to play an important role as projects adapt to faster-changing environments.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong organisation and planning skills
  • Leadership and team coordination abilities
  • Clear communication with stakeholders
  • Problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Ability to manage priorities, budgets and timelines
  • Adaptability and resilience in changing environments

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Content is reviewed by our experts, but information can change over time. Some content is created with AI support.

This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.