What is a technical project manager?
What is a project cycle?
A project cycle features six steps that are necessary for the efficient completion of a project:
- Initiation
- Planning
- Execution
- Monitoring & controlling
- Closing
Project initiation
This is the stage where PMs assess the project’s feasibility. This involves conducting thorough research to determine whether the project is executable. In this step, a broad outline of the project is drawn and then presented to stakeholders for approval. Once the approval is granted, planning for the project can begin.
Project planning
In this stage of the project cycle, the PM lays out all the project’s variables, identifying the goals, defining the scope, and crafting a proper plan for the project. A basic management plan covers the costs, resources, KPIs, and timetable for all the tasks involved in the project.
Project execution
This is the stage where you put your project plan into action. The PMs brief all the involved people on the project’s goals and then assigns them their designated tasks.
Project monitoring & controlling
At this stage, the primary focus is on reporting on the performance. The PMs keep a check on whether the project is going according to plan. If not, then they check the factors impacting the performance and make necessary changes.
Project closing
The project finally comes to its completion. But this does not mean that the project is over. At this stage, it’s time for project review. PMs evaluate what worked and what didn’t during the execution of the project and then provide feedback on how to make improvements moving forward. During this stage, team members are also acknowledged for their work.
What is technical project management?
Technical project management involves planning, organizing, and overseeing technical projects to ensure successful completion. It combines project management principles with technical expertise to manage resources, timelines, and risks.
What is a technical project manager?
A technical project manager (TPM) is a professional who oversees the technical aspects of a project. TPMs are important in the tech & engineering sector because they possess the communication skills of a PM along with the technical proficiency required to guide a team through technical projects. In times of need, TPMs also mentor the engineering teams to ensure teams adopt best practices to resolve any potential issues. It must be kept in mind that a technical project manager is different from a project manager. Let’s take a look at the differences.
Technical project manager vs. Project manager
TPMs and PMs are two essential roles in project management. Here are some key differences between the positions:
Skills for technical project manager
An efficient TPM possesses a specified set of skills that help them in steering technical projects:
- Data analysis
As a TPM, you’re tasked with managing large amounts of data. The ability to analyze and extract meaningful insights is a necessary skill for any TMP. This helps in making informed decisions about the projects, streamlining processes, and ensuring project efficiency.
- Decision-making
Technical projects have high stakes. One wrong decision can lead to costly delays and subpar deliverables. For this reason, a TPM should have a strong capacity for decision-making.
- Strong leadership skills
TPMs have multiple technical teams under their supervision. With such diverse teams, a TMP’s leadership serves as a binding force. They coordinate with teams, address team concerns, and maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Aptitude for problem-solving
Technical projects often present unexpected challenges, such as performance bottlenecks, software glitches, and broken code. In the face of such issues, problem-solving is a crucial skill for any TPM.
- Technical expertise in a specific field
Directing a technical team necessitates possessing strong technical knowledge. A TPM needs to be able to address technical issues, and that is only possible when the TPM knows the intricate details of the project.
How to become a TPM?
There is no defined path to becoming a TPM. Most TPMs generally have a career in one field and then make a career shift after gaining technical expertise and polishing their leadership skills. We’ve crafted a list of specific steps that you can follow to pave the way for a career as a TPM:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in a tech/engineering field
- Take courses to equip you with the necessary skills
- Pursue project management courses to demonstrate your specialized skills
- Take on technical projects to showcase your skills
- Secure a place in an organization, gain experience in the field, and work your way up the ladder
Final Word
Technical project managers play a crucial role in the completion of technical projects. Their blend of technical expertise and leadership skills helps them to navigate through technical hurdles in projects. Without TPMs, tech teams would find it hard to juggle tasks and manage timelines, and they would also struggle with resource allocation. It’s the TPMs that link the technical details of the project with the broader goals of the organization.
Want to learn how PM and EMs can collaborate to create a great product? Read on!
