Want A 50 Salary Increase?
Want A 50 Salary Increase?
Want a 50 Salary Increase? Move from Project Manager to Programme Manager
Recent data shows that the average salary for a Programme Manager in the UK is 68k compared to 45k for a Project Manager. Its important to understand the difference between the roles but it is certainly a realistic career progression for many project managers.
This article provides advice on training courses and certification which may help you on the journey to become a successful programme manager. The recently refreshed MSP best practice guidance is proving particularly popular; it sits within the same family of qualifications as PRINCE2.
Programme Manager An Increasingly Prominent Role Programme Management is about delivering strategic change in an organisation. It involves working across traditional functional boundaries. It has become the preferred management style used by organisations as they implement major investment projects or drive business change.
Demand for Programme Managers is Growing.
Recruitment statistics show strong growth in the number of Programme Management roles and recent salary surveys confirm the sizeable premiums that well qualified programme managers can earn 50 more than a Project Manager.
Data from leading specialist project management recruiter Wellingtone shows the following salary levels:
Project Coordinator Average 24100 Range 18000 to 30000
Project Manager Average 45050 Range 34000 to 58000
Programme Manager Average 68200 Range 52500 to 90000
A Programme Manager is not Simply a Manager of Multiple Projects The skills of the Programme Manager correspond as closely to those of the General Manager as the Project Manager. The successful Programme Manager not only directs a series of discrete projects but provides leadership allocates resources and ensures that project activity is fully consistent with the day to day requirements of the business.
Training and Certification Options
There are 2 main certification options available. The US based Project Management Institute PMI offers the Program Management Professional PgMP. As yet this has not become widely known in the UK but is recognised by many international organisations. In addition to an exam candidates must be able to demonstrate several years programme management experience.
The most respected qualification structure in the UK is MSP. Based on best practice guidelines developed over the past 15 years by the OGC the training is accredited by the APM Group. This puts it in the same family as PRINCE2.
MSP Managing Successful Programmes
There are 3 levels of MSP certification. The Foundation Certificate establishes basic understanding of the MSP framework and terminology. Training courses are typically 2 or 3 days duration with a short multiple choice exam.
The Practitioner Certificate requires a comprehensive understanding of the principles together with the ability to relate it to real life scenarios. Training is often close coupled with the Foundation so that both certificates can be obtained in 5 days.
The Advanced Practitioner distinguishes those who understand how to apply MSP to practical business situations.
Further Advice and Resources
The Focus on Training wesbite gives information on Programme Management Training and MSP. In addition you can search for most UK training courses and book online
The Project Management Institute site explains the structure of the PgMP qualification. http://www.pmi.org/
About the writer: Steve Twine B.Sc. is Managing Director and leads the Project Management team at Focus on Training. He has deep experience of complex and high profile international projects within the automotive industry
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