Project managers carry multiple responsibilities including servicing the client; building/recruiting a project team; overseeing contracts; managing time, costs, resources and people; negotiating with suppliers and contractors; risk assessment; maintaining schedules; assessing the suitability of work (potentially including safety requirements in building-related projects); signing off stages and budgets and generally mediating between everybody involved in a project.
There are dedicated degree and postgraduate degree courses in project management, but many people move into the role through experience. There are also specific methodologies and systems used by project managers, such as the PRINCE2 system developed by the Office of Government Commerce and used extensively in government projects. Project managers can train to different levels of qualification in such methodologies.
An understanding of creative and production processes will be beneficial in seeking a project management role within the design industry, but it may not always be essential to have design experience initially. Gemma Ballinger is an account director and project manager at design group Studio Output, but her first job was as head of administration in a university. She then moved into design via a marketing assistant’s job in an internet marketing and web design agency and now handles client accounts, new business and marketing plans for Studio Output.
‘I didn’t know that the design industry was going to be my career path until it happened,’ says Ballinger. ‘At the web design agency my role was really varied, which gave me a great grounding for the next stage. I looked after everything from market research, to event management, putting together presentations, quoting and dealing with external suppliers. Now, another side of my role is new business. I have a sector focus which changes on a regular basis and I need to make sure I am working towards the long term targets we have set out. Unlike the designers and other members of the team, I am very much the manager of my own time. The role is a balance between client deadlines and self-imposed deadlines, many of which come from the marketing plan I create at the start of the year.’
Project management roles are common in building design projects, including exhibition design, where there are construction elements. In other areas of design, account managers often oversee multiple client projects in a similar way and may be called project managers, account managers or account handlers.
‘If you are interesting in getting into a position like account or project management make sure you are a people person who is good with time and is happy juggling the demands of a client and the designer, which can sometimes be a challenge,’ adds Ballinger.