Project Manager Roles: Permanent or Temporary?

The perception that project manager positions are temporary is often due to the belief that they act as change agents and people find change uncomfortable. However, in reality, the role of a project manager can be quite diverse and enduring, depending on the context in which they operate. This article explores whether project manager positions are truly temporary or if they can be long-term roles, addressing common misconceptions and providing examples of when and how these positions can be permanent.

Are Project Manager Positions Really Temporary?

It depends on the type of business and organizational structure. In many cases, project managers can run multiple projects simultaneously, with organizations maintaining a steady pipeline of ongoing and new projects. Even when a single project concludes, a project manager can transition to another role or take on another project. For instance, in large organizations like banks, the demand for project managers often outstrips supply, resulting in a continuous and dynamic work environment.

Strategic Role in Large Organisations

Larger organizations might have numerous concurrent projects, managed by a team of project managers. In such environments, project managers can be utilized for a wide array of tasks, from leading large-scale transformations to managing smaller, specialized initiatives. For example, in the context of building a new core banking platform, a single programme director might oversee multiple tiers of project managers, each responsible for different aspects of the project. This structure ensures that there are always experienced project leaders available, regardless of the stage of any given project.

Experience as a Valuable Asset

Project managers with extensive experience in leading multiple projects and managing significant changes are highly sought after. As these experienced professionals are often in high demand, they can maintain a relatively stable and permanent role within an organization. This is especially true in large-scale, long-term projects, such as the Y2K project, where the scope and impact of the project ensured that skilled project managers remained in demand for years. Even after a project concludes, these individuals are often brought in for new projects, making the position effectively permanent.

Change Management and Project Leadership

Change does not inherently create discomfort; uncertainty does. A skilled project manager, acting as a change agent, addresses uncertainties and manages expectations throughout the project lifecycle. Effective project managers build strong relationships with stakeholders and ensure clear communication, contributing to a smoother transition and better outcomes. Therefore, the fear of change itself is a misinterpretation, as it's well-managed change that brings value and stability.

Permanence of Project Management Roles

Many project manager roles are not temporary. They can be permanent positions within an organization, especially in environments that prioritize consistent change and improvement. Such roles require a mix of leadership skills, technical knowledge, and interpersonal abilities, making them valuable assets to the organization. Some companies recognize this and keep their project managers on staff, ensuring a consistent level of expertise and continuity. This approach fosters a culture of adaptability and long-term planning, where project managers are seen as integral members of the organizational structure rather than fleeting consultants.

Conclusion

Project manager positions can be both temporary and permanent, depending on the nature of the projects and the organizational context. In the case of long-term and strategic projects, project managers can play a permanent role, contributing to the success and consistency of an organization. Understanding the true value of these roles and the benefits they bring to an organization can help in recognizing the importance of maintaining a stable and experienced project management team.