Every organization requires proficient program managers to handle and manage the entire project development process. Most program managers will be involved in handling more than one project simultaneously. Due to this particular reason organizations doesn’t step back from offering increased program manager salary.
Program Manager – Definition
A program manager articulates a program strategy and objectives in order to give a complete and clear picture of how it could impact a business.
They tend to supervise or oversee a list of projects that would help them accomplish the program’s goals. Their prime responsibilities involve enlisting teams, implementing strategies, measuring ROI, and by picture initiatives.
People often confuse program managers with project managers, so here is a brief explanation about program manager salary and their role and responsibilities within an organization through successfully implementing program management.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Program Manager
A project manager oversees the operation of individual projects within the program whereas the program manager focuses on a group of projects. The role of a project manager is more tactical than that a program manager. If a program manager is an architect, the project manager is like a plumber, electrician, or painter. They mainly focus on execution and managing the functional elements of the project which includes meeting deadlines and staying within the budget.
Probable Education Background of a Program Manager
- Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in business or related field
- Good experience in program management
- Should have a robust knowledge of Microsoft applications especially Word, Excel, and Outlook
- A good understanding of project management best practices
- Knowledge of running a Program Management Office (PMO)
- Industry-recognized project management certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, and more
Skills Required to Become a Program Manager
Some of the skills required to become a Program manager include, but are not limited to:
- Superior analytical skills
- Leadership and item building
- Strong communication skills
- Strong influencing and negotiating skills
- Conflict resolution
- Stakeholder management
- Planning and resource management
Salary of a Program Manager
According to the job portal “indeed.com”, the program manager’s salary in the US is approximately $84,958. The salary varies based on experience, organization, and the country they are working in.
Top Companies Where Program Managers are in Great Demand
Some of the top companies in the US where program managers are in great demand are:
Major Roles of a Program Manager
- Requires a broad vision of the program goals.
- Ensure that the plan goals and objectives are and remain consistent with the organization’s overall strategic objectives.
- Develop and execute the project, ensuring that it is carried out according to the schedule.
- Program management throughout the life cycle of the program, by planning the overall program and monitoring progress daily.
- Determines the system governance (controls) and then regulates and supervises the software interactions with the program management function.
- Familiarity with and processes of the organizational cultures.
- Familiarity with the methods and strategies used in project and program management.
- Keep all stakeholders involved.
- Maintain contact among all involved parties.
- Manage the budget for the program.
- Manage risks and problems, and take corrective measures.
- Coordinating the project and its interdependencies.
- Manage capital and use them through programs.
- Align the results (outputs) with the outcome of the program along with the business change manager and
- Manage details of all the programs.
- Ability to find creative ways to address issues or problems in a systematic and efficient manner in the program, such as integrating and sharing resources throughout the program to benefit from component-to-component monitoring and configuration management.
Program Manager’s Abilities and Qualities
The program manager will have good practical experience in broad and complex project management. He or she must possess the following:-
• Should have strong management and leadership skills
• Must possess strong communication skills to effectively interact with various stakeholders such as clients, sponsors, senior managers, project managers, project team members, vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders in the program
• Develop a Communications Management Program to address the needs and expectations of stakeholders, and to provide key information in a timely manner in the format designed by the applicant.
There is a great demand for program managers across the globe to manage complex and challenging projects and create better ROI for enterprises. Program Managers with industry-recognized project management certifications will stand apart from non-certified program managers and will have a better career progression across industry sectors.
Some of the popular project management certifications that individuals and enterprise teams can take up are:
Project Management Professional PMP Exam Prep Training
CAPM Certification Course Online
PRINCE2 Certification Training
