What is the difference between a program manager and a project manager? This is the question that many business owners struggle to answer when trying to find the right manager for their team.
Both managerial positions are increasing in importance and demand as they fill the gap between projects and teams. It’s important to realize that these managerial positions don’t necessarily have to be interchangeable. They are different roles that have different responsibilities at work.
Understanding the type of managerial position you are seeking can help you develop and manage your projects more effectively. This article will help you to understand the unique characteristics of each managerial position.
What is a Program? What is a Project?
Before we discuss the similarities and differences between program managers and project managers, it is important to understand what distinguishes these managerial positions within an organization.
Projects: These are temporary, one time projects in a company. They are more limited by time, cost, budget, and resources. Many projects have clear deadlines and short-term goals that produce tangible results.
Programs: These usually consist of multiple interconnected, underlying projects within the business. Each project builds on the previous to achieve a long-term goal. Every program that succeeds drives organizational growth and has strategic benefits, rather than single tangible deliverables.
Continue reading: Creative Projects vs. Technical Projects: What Are They? And How Do They Work?
What is a Program Manager?
Program managers create and manage a program’s strategy and objectives. They also evaluate how it affects the business. The program manager’s goal is to oversee all dependent projects necessary to achieve the program’s overall goals.
Program managers are responsible for ensuring that the program is long-term successful.
What is a Project Manager?
A project manager oversees the success of each project within a program. These managers coordinate resources and budgets to complete tasks within the program guidelines.
The project manager reports on the progress of the project as well as any changes made to the program manger. Because they are primarily responsible for executing and managing the functional elements of projects, a project manager’s role can be more tactical. These include managing deadlines, tracking progress and delegating tasks, organizing projects, and completing deliverables.
Program Manager vs Project Manager
What Are They Like?
Despite the differences between program managers and project managers, they are often very similar. A program manager does the same tasks as a project manager. However, the program manager is able to perform these tasks on a larger scale.
Program managers ensure that all project managers complete the tasks they have been assigned in the same manner as project managers ensure that their team members do their jobs. It allows all parties to complete the tasks as they are required.
Both managerial positions require similar skills. Both managers need to be able to communicate effectively with their team members at all levels of the organization and have strong leadership skills. Both program managers and project managers must be able to plan and delegate tasks to their teams. They should also be able negotiate and think critically in difficult situations.
You will find that both managerial roles are very similar in many ways. There are only a few key differences that make them different.
Continue reading: 10 Must-Have Skills for Project Management New PMs
What Makes Them Different?
Now you are familiar with the program and project management.