Job Profile: Project Manager

A report by the Project Management Institute has predicted 2.3 million project managers will need to fill project management-oriented roles every year to keep up with the demand. Project management is an ideal career for ex-military personnel with their transferable skills and experience a great-match to help bridge the gap between this notable skills shortage. Strategic leadership skills, understanding and managing risks, while often under challenging environments - are all key proficiencies many ex-military personnel possess and are highly sought-after in the project management profession.

WHAT DOES A PROJECT MANAGER DO IN CIVVY STREET?

In general, project managers are responsible for planning, organising, and directing the projects for an organisation while ensuring these projects are delivered on time, on budget, in scope and to the highest professional standards.

HOW MUCH DOES A PROJECT MANAGER MAKE IN THE UK?

The average salary of a project manager in the UK is £44,000 - £60,000. As you climb the career ladder and move into Senior Project Manager roles you can expect to make up to £80,000 with a Programme Manager earning up to £100,000. 

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO I NEED TO BECOME A PROJECT MANAGER?

Many ex-military personnel have project management experience - just under a different name. For example, many are highly experienced in planning complex military activity and operations, delivering training, negotiating and understanding and managing risk. All key experience a successful project manager needs.

Soft Skills

• Well developed leadership skills

• Willingness to take ownership

• The ability to understand complex problems, develop practical solutions and implement them

• Negotiation skills, often developed in high pressure situations

• The ability to get things done

• Stakeholder management

• Team skills - building, leading, contributing

• Calmness under pressure

Hard Skills

• Understanding of project management methodologies e.g. PRINCE, APMP, Agile, CEng, ICE etc

• IT and Technical skills - proficient in the use of Project, Excel and standard software packages

• Proven budget management experience

• Proven risk and crisis management

HOW DO I GET INTO PROJECT MANAGEMENT?

The opportunities in project management are extensive with Forces-Friendly employers actively looking for ex-military leaders for project management roles.  If you’re interested in becoming a Project Manager, browse our latest employment opportunities. Or if you need further training and want us to keep your CV on hold, sign up and upload your CV today.

FORCES-FRIENDLY EMPLOYERS HIRING EX-MILITARY FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT  ROLES

Every company, charity and government organisation needs people with project management skills, qualifications and experience. So target those companies that have:

• Pledged to support the Armed Forces. Search those who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant in our Directory of Forces Friendly organisations.

• Been recognised by the MOD with the award of a silver or gold Defence Recognition Award. These are also shown in our Directory.

• Offer training and/ or development programmes specifically aimed at ex-Services personnel.