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Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will help turn ideas into reality by planning projects, organising people and resources, and keeping everything on track. You’ll work with different teams to solve problems, manage budgets and deadlines, and make sure projects are completed successfully, from the first idea to the finished result.



Project Manager is also known as Project Lead.

Role Characteristics

  • Plan and coordinate project activities and timelines
  • Monitor project budgets, risks and resources
  • Work with teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals
  • Track progress and report on project outcomes
  • Identify and solve problems that could affect delivery
  • Ensure projects are completed on time and to a high standard

Skills

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Creative thinking
  • Decision-making
  • Managing people
  • Problem-solving

Day in the life

Listen to Claire talk about her role as an NHS Digital Project Manager.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

  • Apply directly
  • GCSEs
  • BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels
  • An apprenticeship
  • Undergraduate degree

How to become

To become a Project Manager, you will usually need to complete a qualification, apprenticeship or degree in a subject such as Project Management, Business, Healthcare Management or a related area. There are many ways to access this, and you can explore lots of current opportunities in the section below. 

  • Study a course or qualification – useful qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths, alongside subjects such as Business, Health and Social Care, Computing, Science or Psychology, as well as relevant T Levels and BTECs.
  • Gain experience – you could get involved in school, college or community projects, volunteer with local organisations, or take opportunities that help you organise activities and work with others.
  • Explore apprenticeships – some people begin their careers through an Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship, gaining practical experience while learning project management skills.

You will then be eligible to study to be a Project Manager on a Project Management Apprenticeship or Degree Apprenticeship, where you gain experience in the workplace while studying a qualification. 

Alongside education, you may also want to build some relevant work or voluntary experience in healthcare, customer service, administration, community projects or event planning, and think about developing your organisation, communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and planning skills.

Where can this role lead

From your role as a Project Manager, you could specialise further by leading larger projects or moving into roles such as Service Manager or Primary Care Commissioning Officer. You could also move sideways into Business Analyst, Marketing Officer or Volunteer Coordinator roles, where you would continue using your planning, communication and problem-solving skills. With experience, you could progress into senior leadership roles such as Registered Manager or Service Manager. 

Location

  • Armed Forces
  • At Home
  • Care Homes
  • Community Settings
  • GP Practices
  • Hospitals
  • Laboratories
  • Offices
  • Prisons

Working hours

  • Casual Hours
  • Flexible Hours
  • Full Time
  • Irregular Hours
  • Overtime
  • Part Time
  • Weekdays

Opportunities

Two people smiling whilst working Woman in facemask working
Access to university
Project Management Degree Apprenticeship
This work-based programme is designed to provide the essential knowledge, understanding, and skills required to operate effectively as project managers and lead teams on a diverse range of projects and initiatives.
Organisation
Leeds Trinity University
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Volunteering
Volunteering in Health and Care
Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care
Organisation
Volunteering Opportunities
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Courses
APM Associate Project Manager Level 4
A Project Manager is someone who can take responsibility for projects which can be defined and delivered within different contexts across diverse industry sectors. The projects that are undertaken can be large or small and can be through a variety of sectors.
Organisation
Calderdale College
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Undergraduate Degree
BSc Project Management
Project management plays an important role in organisations across all sectors and industries, paving the way for numerous project management jobs.
Organisation
Leeds Beckett University
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Job Opportunities
NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme
Apply for a two-year graduate development programme in finance, HR, data or operational management.
Organisation
Graduate Management Training Scheme
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Undergraduate Degree
BA Leadership and Management in the Health Sector
If you’re working in the healthcare sector or looking to broaden your understanding of healthcare systems and management, this BA (Hons) Top-Up in Healthcare Management is your ideal next step to progressing your career in this sector.
Organisation
University Centre Leeds
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