Project Manager vs Engineering Manager
In this blog, I will highlight the differences between the roles of a project manager and an engineering manager.
In many companies, there exist two roles one is for project management and the other is for engineering management.
Sometimes it feels that these two roles are the same.
But, there are subtle differences between the two roles.
This blog will provide information about the roles and responsibilities of a project manager and an engineering manager and the differences between the two roles.
Who is the Project Manager?
Project Managers are execution specialists. They are responsible for overseeing the project execution from inception to delivery.
Project Managers are responsible for ensuring that the project is delivered on time, the resources are utilized well and there is no scope creep.
In a few companies, budgets and profit and loss of the project are the responsibility of a project manager.
Project managers collaborate with different stakeholders to manage internal and external dependencies.
Project managers are responsible for identifying the risks and mitigating them with the help of the stakeholders.
Who is the Engineering Manager?
Engineering managers are technical specialists. They are responsible for overseeing the engineering team's technical excellence.
Engineering managers bring technical leadership to ensure the team builds high-quality, scalable software.
Engineering managers are problem-solvers. They ensure that complex problems are solved through strategic decisions about the architecture and technology stack.
Engineering managers also collaborate with other peer managers to resolve any dependencies.
Engineering managers foster an innovation culture to ensure continuous improvement. This helps the software be aligned with ever-changing technologies.
Engineering managers ensure the outcome of the initiatives and software meets the business objectives.
Differences
Final thoughts
While a Project manager focuses on process enablement and ensures the quality of project deliverables, an Engineering manager focuses on technical leadership and people management to meet the business outcomes by maintaining code quality.
Both the Project Manager and the Engineering manager play vital roles in ensuring the project is delivered on time and with the required best practices in place.
The project manager works across departments and products by acting as a bridge between stakeholders and facilitating smooth communication.
An Engineering manager also works closely with stakeholders, such as Product managers, designers, and others, to ensure alignment in scope.
The project manager manages the financial side of the project, while the engineering manager, focuses on assuring the quality of the release.
Both of these roles are essential for the success of any software development project.
Happy management!
Further reading
- Comparison between a Leader and a Manager
- Differences between a Team Lead and a Manager
- Fundamentals of forming a team
- Procrastination is a manager’s nightmare
- Free Udemy course: New Manager - Learn to become successful
