Technical Project Manager Job Description in 2023: Everything You Need to Know

A technical project manager job description provides detailed information about the roles, responsibilities, required skills, qualifications, and salary expectations for this position. With the rise of complex IT projects in 2023, there is growing demand for experienced technical project managers who can deliver software and technical projects on time and within budget. This article covers a complete technical project manager job description, so you have all the details to evaluate if this is the right career path for you.

What is a Technical Project Manager?

A technical project manager is someone who manages complex IT or engineering projects. They oversee all aspects of technical projects from planning to delivery. Technical project managers lead technical teams, coordinate resources, manage budgets and timelines, track project risks, and ensure stakeholders are satisfied. They require a blend of project management skills and technical expertise. Technical project managers play a critical role in the successful execution of software development, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and other technology-driven projects.

How to Become a Technical Project Manager

To become a technical project manager, you typically need a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, engineering, or a related field. Many employers also require formal project management certification like PMP or PRINCE2. Here are important steps to advance into a technical project management role:

• Gain relevant experience in technical project coordination or management. Many technical project managers start as technical specialists or project coordinators to build experience.

• Develop a solid understanding of project management terms, methodologies, tools, and best practices. Take project management courses and get certified.

• Improve soft skills like leadership, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building. These skills are vital when leading cross-functional technical teams.

• Serve as a project manager or lead for a few small technical projects. Success here can demonstrate you have what it takes for larger projects.

• Browse technical project manager careers on job sites to learn about requirements and salaries. Look for entry-level project management jobs to get your foot in the door.

• Practice interviewing and highlight your experience managing technical requirements, resources, budgets, risks and using project management software.

With the right experience and credentials, many technology professionals advance into technical project management roles over 5-10 years. It's a great way to take on more responsibility and leadership within IT organizations.

Technical Project Manager Job Description Explained

Technical project managers must have a high level of technical expertise along with strong project management skills. Here are some of the most common qualifications and responsibilities included in a technical project manager job description:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in IT, engineering or related field

• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, etc)

• 5+ years experience in a technical role

• Experience using project management software like MS Project

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of technical projects from initiation to closure

• Create detailed project plans and schedules with milestones

• Assemble project requirements, resources, budget and identify risks

• Lead and motivate cross-functional technical teams

• Monitor technical project progress and adjust as needed

• Manage relationships with stakeholders and set expectations

• Ensure projects adhere to quality standards and requirements

• Deliver technical projects on time and within budget

• Conduct post-project reviews and create reports

• Work closely with management to evaluate and improve processes

Technical Project Manager Salary Expectations

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a technical project manager in the U.S. is $99,514. However, salaries can range from $72k for entry-level roles to $135k+ for experienced technical project management professionals. Variables like location, industry, company size and years of PM experience impact average salaries. Technical project managers tend to earn more than non-technical PMs given their specialized technical expertise.

Responsibilities of a Technical Project Manager

Technical project managers are responsible for the planning and execution of complex IT or engineering projects. Here is an overview of the typical duties and tasks performed in this role:

• Develop detailed project plans with technical specifications, tasks, resource requirements, timelines and budgets

• Assemble project documentation like statement of work, risk management plan, requirements documentation, vendor contracts 

• Manage day-to-day project activities across remote/virtual technical teams

• Monitor technical project progress including deliverables, milestones, and costs

• Identify and analyze project risks and create mitigation strategies

• Lead regular technical team meetings to discuss status, issues, and risks

• Communicate project status clearly to stakeholders and leadership

• Manage relationships and expectations for clients, vendors, and team members

• Make adjustments to project plans to keep work on schedule and budget

• Implement and oversee project governance model and change control

• Ensure technical projects adhere to quality standards and requirements

• Deliver projects on time within budget and to client/stakeholder satisfaction

• Conduct lessons learned/post-project reviews to improve processes

As you can see, technical project managers juggle a wide array of responsibilities. Excellent multitasking, technical expertise, leadership, and communication skills are essential to thrive in this role.

Skills Needed for Technical Project Management Jobs

Technical project management jobs require both hard technical skills and soft project management skills. Here are some of the most important abilities to have:

Technical Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of software development, engineering, and IT systems

• Understanding of technical programming languages and frameworks

• Hands-on experience with project management software tools

• Knowledge of system implementation, integration, data migration

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills

Project Management Skills:

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and schedule complex projects

• Strong leadership skills and ability to influence with authority

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

• Relationship building and stakeholder management

• Decision making, organization,Attention to detail

• Comfortable working with cross-functional teams and clients

• Skills managing budgets, resources, changes, risks and conflicts

Technical project managers occupy an important middle ground between technical staff and company leadership. Soft skills allow them to effectively collaborate across functions and lead teams to success. While technical skills ensure they understand project goals and details.

Interview Tips for Technical Project Managers

Landing a job as a technical project manager means showcasing both your technical expertise and project management abilities. Here are some tips for interview success:

• Review the job description and highlight where your skills and experience align. Make matching your credentials to their requirements a priority.

• Brush up on commonly asked technical project manager interview questions and prepare stories that demonstrate relevant experience.

• Be ready to discuss both the technical and soft skills you possess. Provide examples of how you’ve applied them.

• Ask smart questions that show your understanding of technical project delivery and constraints.

• Convey your leadership style and provide examples of how you’ve successfully led project teams.

• Don’t underestimate soft skills. How you communicate in the interview is just as important.

• Express your passion for technology, problem-solving, productivity and delivering complex projects.

• Ask about career development opportunities. Technical project managers often progress into senior PM or IT management roles.

Preparing responses with specific examples ahead of time will help you provide concise and compelling answers. Prove you have what the role requires and you’ll stand out from the pack.

Finding the Right Technical Project Manager Job

With demand growing for skilled technical project managers, how do you find the right job opportunities? Follow these tips:

• Identify companies, industries and geographic areas you want to target. Technology, engineering, construction and healthcare industries frequently hire technical PMs.

• Search for technical project manager jobs on sites like Indeed, Monster, Dice, Glassdoor and LinkedIn. Look for entry-level project coordinator roles to get started.

• Focus on job listings that closely match your skills and interests. Avoid applying to jobs you lack qualifications for.

• Follow technical project management thought leaders on social media and join local Meetup groups and tech Slack channels to expand your network.

• Check company websites directly and sign up for job alerts so you don't miss newly posted jobs.

• Attend technology and project management conferences and events to connect with hiring managers and recruiters.

• Leverage your network and let contacts know you're looking. Referrals can help get your resume noticed.

• Consider working with an IT staffing agency that specializes in technical project management placements.

• Be open to contract technical project manager opportunities to gain experience while seeking full-time roles.

The more effort you put into your job search, networking and resume, the better your chances of landing the perfect technical project management position.

Career Advancement Opportunities

A technical project manager role can serve as a springboard to other leadership positions within IT and engineering organizations. Here are some common career progression opportunities:

• Senior Technical Project Manager - Lead large, complex enterprise IT projects

• Program Manager - Oversee a portfolio of related technical projects

• PMO Manager - Lead a team of project managers and govern processes

• IT Director - Manage an IT department with technical project managers reporting to you

• Vice President of IT - Strategic leadership of all technology and technical resources

• Chief Information Officer (CIO) - Executive-level oversight of technology vision and operations

• Technology Consultant - Provide technical project management consulting services

• Technical Project Management Trainer - Develop training programs and teach PM best practices

The right combination of technical expertise and leadership experience allows seasoned technical project managers to move into executive and consulting roles. Gaining additional certifications also helps advance your career.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Technical project managers are in high demand across industries like IT, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. Companies rely on skilled technical PMs to deliver mission-critical technology projects.

To recap the key details of this comprehensive technical project manager job description:

• Technical PMs require technical expertise along with solid project management skills

• Obtaining a bachelor's degree, project management certification and technical experience is key

• Average salary for technical project managers is approximately $99k in the U.S.

• Responsibilities include managing budgets, resources, schedules, risks and executing projects

• Technical project managers need both hard technical skills and soft leadership abilities

• This role allows advancement into IT leadership and consulting careers

• Finding the right technical project manager job requires tailoring your search and networking

Technical project management offers great career potential for technology professionals seeking leadership roles. Use the insights from this guide to pursue technical PM job opportunities or evaluate if it is the right path for you.