Extract from IDS Executive Compensation Review 316

Project managers

Once confined to the construction and IT industries, project managers are now employed across every sector of the economy. A vital part of any organisation, project mangers’ tasks can range from implementing new systems to overseeing post-merger integrations.

The role tends to be seen as ‘revenue makers’ and, as a consequence of the buoyant economy, candidates are now returning to the occupation in large numbers following a downturn during the 1990s. In the past five years, in particular, due to the changing face of business and the continual need for companies to react to market forces, demand for project managers has increased considerably. In this growing market, project management requirements vary from sector to sector, with each industry requesting different qualifications and experience. One noticeable new trend is an emerging market for graduate trainees, especially since the introduction of specialised project management degrees.

As well as the latest information from recruiters in the field, this article provides an up-to-date overview of the job market for UK project managers and includes information from the Hay Group as well as advertised rates from a selection of recent job postings.