Article
What is Digital Project Management
This guide aims to give a clear understanding of what project management looks like in the digital space. Have a click around their website to explore the career further!
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Digital Project Manager
In a world that is increasingly tech-driven, Digital Project Managers are the orchestras of innovation. At it's core, this role involves planning, executing, and overseeing digital projects - but saying this alone doesn't capture the incredible variety of what those projects could be. It may be ensuring a website is launched flawlessly one day, that an app functions seamlessly the next, and that last minute campaigns are rolled out on time in the meantime.
Imagine leading teams, streamlining workflows and delivering impactful projects that not only improve organisations but also shape the digital landscape - melding creativity, innovation and vision with organisational skills, collaboration and problem solving. If that sounds up your street, you might just have what it takes to steer the future of digital - and be a Digital Project Manager.
Imagine leading teams, streamlining workflows and delivering impactful projects that not only improve organisations but also shape the digital landscape - melding creativity, innovation and vision with organisational skills, collaboration and problem solving. If that sounds up your street, you might just have what it takes to steer the future of digital - and be a Digital Project Manager.
Summary
The role of a Project Manager is to plan, organise and oversee projects from start to finish, on time and within budget, to meet the needs of the organisation.
It follows, then, that a Digital Project Manager has the same role but focuses on digital projects. Projects could involve developing or building websites, apps, digital games, software or digital marketing campaigns.
A Digital Project Manager may work for an agency, tech firm or marketing department - but also for a company in any industry may that requires digital development.
Being a good Digital Project Manager carries a diverse set of responsibilities, and there are some important required skills and suggested qualifications for anyone who is seriously considering this role as a career.
Like other project management roles, a Digital Project Manager will need to collaborate. They may work aside Scrum Masters, Software Engineers, Web Designers, Product Managers, Digital Marketing Managers and other digital specialists, as well as other internal and external stakeholders.
Digital Project Managers may enjoy more opportunities to work remotely than some others (such as Construction Project Managers, who will most likely be required to visit a site). The job can be stressful but is also cited as being enjoyable.
It follows, then, that a Digital Project Manager has the same role but focuses on digital projects. Projects could involve developing or building websites, apps, digital games, software or digital marketing campaigns.
A Digital Project Manager may work for an agency, tech firm or marketing department - but also for a company in any industry may that requires digital development.
Being a good Digital Project Manager carries a diverse set of responsibilities, and there are some important required skills and suggested qualifications for anyone who is seriously considering this role as a career.
Like other project management roles, a Digital Project Manager will need to collaborate. They may work aside Scrum Masters, Software Engineers, Web Designers, Product Managers, Digital Marketing Managers and other digital specialists, as well as other internal and external stakeholders.
Digital Project Managers may enjoy more opportunities to work remotely than some others (such as Construction Project Managers, who will most likely be required to visit a site). The job can be stressful but is also cited as being enjoyable.
Responsibilities
A Digital Project Manager has a well-defined set of responsibilities - for most roles they will need to do some or all of the following.
Project Planning and Strategy A DPM must define the goals, deliverables and timelines of a project to align with company objectives. This involves producing roadmaps and other key documents.
Coordination and Communication Responsible for acting as a point of contact between stakeholders (i.e. clients, teams, executives, external companies and more).
Task and Personnel Management Part of the role of Digital Project Management involves delegating tasks to team members, for example, designers, developers, copywriters.
Quality Assurance and Testing Not only must a DPM produce deliverables - in many cases they should also ensure they meet quality standards and project requirements. This may involve testing and troubleshooting.
Risk and Issue Management Risk & Issue Management are separate activities, but both involve keeping the project on track, mitigating risks and handling unexpected issues.
Budget and Timeline Management Digital Project Managers must ensure that their projects do not spend more money than necessary and are completed on time.
Key skills & traits
Being a Digital Project Manager requires a blend organisational skills, analytical minds and interpersonal abilities in order to be successful. Digital knowledge is likely to be a requirement.
Project Management
Project Management is a skill in itself, which encompasses the ability to effectively plan, oversee and complete projects according to a methodology.
Time Management
Handling multiple tasks, timelines, and responsibilities will require strong organisational skills.
Analytical Skills
The ability to interpret data, measure the performance of a project or make data-informed decisions.
Relevant Technical Knowledge
Familiarity with relevant digital concepts is always beneficial. Examples include knowledge of programming frameworks / languages (such as HTML or CSS), marketing channels (such as SEO or PPC), etc.
Problem Solving
Possible problems for a DPM include scope creep, balancing constraints, budgeting or timeline issues, scheduling conflicts and personnel incidents.
Knowledge of Key Tools
Including Project Management Tools (Asana, Basecamp, Trello, Jira), Communications Tools (Slack, Teams, email) and specific digital tools.
Communication and Collaboration
For example, managing team members who will carry out work, reporting to executives and liaising between stakeholders.
Adaptability
Projects often face unforeseen changes, so a DPM must be comfortable thinking on their feet and adapting to find solutions under pressure.
Education & qualifications
Any serious career in Project Management will likely involve gaining certifications. It’s likely that most Junior or entry-level Digital Project Managers are studying or preparing for either PRINCE2 or PMP.
For mid-level positions, senior positions or contracts in the UK, you will generally find that PRINCE2 or equivalent is a requirement. Many organisations will use this to screen candidates and will not consider applications without it.
AgilePM or CSM may be good additions to your application as a Digital Project Manager - some companies will value these for digital projects.
Finally, it is not uncommon for companies to require a relevant BA (for example in project management or business administration).
For mid-level positions, senior positions or contracts in the UK, you will generally find that PRINCE2 or equivalent is a requirement. Many organisations will use this to screen candidates and will not consider applications without it.
AgilePM or CSM may be good additions to your application as a Digital Project Manager - some companies will value these for digital projects.
Finally, it is not uncommon for companies to require a relevant BA (for example in project management or business administration).
Lifestyle
The lifestyle of a Digital Project Manager is balanced - the role can be challenging but good work-life balance is certainly achievable. Some companies allow remote work, whilst others require boots on the ground. In general it is reported to be enjoyable, and typically has a 40 hour working week.
50%
Remote SuitedMay be suitable for remote working - however many Digital PM’s are still required in office.
40%
StressfulDigital Project Management is considered moderately but not overly stressful. You will likely have to juggle many balls.
70%
Work Life BlanceGood opportunities for work-life balance. Overtime may be required for tough projects or those approaching deadlines.
Our collection of reviews from professional Digital Project Managers have scored enjoyment as 4.0 out of 5.0 on average.
40/hrs
WeeklyTypical working hours for an an employer are a standard 40 hours / week.
Salary data
The average salary for a Digital Project Manager in the UK is £41,000 before tax. Junior Project Managers will make less - around the £33,000 mark, whilst for more senior DPM’s a salary of £52,000 or more is not uncommon.
£33,000
Entry
£41,000
Average
£52,000
Senior
Career path
In Project Management generally there is a distinction between a Junior and Senior; usually a Junior will have more support by a Senior PM or mentor. If a role does not specify either Junior or Senior, you should assume that you will be responsible for managing projects independently.
It is certainly possible to pivot from a different digital role into a Digital Project Management role, however this may require studying for certifications.
It is certainly possible to pivot from a different digital role into a Digital Project Management role, however this may require studying for certifications.
Entry-Level Digital Project Manager
If you are entering the field of digital project management with no direct experience, it is likely that you will have had to complete a relevant BA, or are pivoting from another related role (such as a software developer or scrum master).
Alternatively, an Entry-Level Digital Project Manager may be promoted from an Assistant Project Manager role. For the first year of the job, they can expect to be supported by more experienced PM’s and possibly required to study for a certification.
Alternatively, an Entry-Level Digital Project Manager may be promoted from an Assistant Project Manager role. For the first year of the job, they can expect to be supported by more experienced PM’s and possibly required to study for a certification.
Junior Digital Project Manager
Generally, a Digital Project Manager is considered Junior if they have less than five years experience. They likely have or are studying for their PRINCE2 Foundation or equivalent.
Junior Digital Project Managers often assist their senior counterparts with planning, monitoring and control, and likely work under the guidance of a Senior PM. They are more concerned with the day-to-day of a project than the bigger picture.
Junior Digital Project Managers often assist their senior counterparts with planning, monitoring and control, and likely work under the guidance of a Senior PM. They are more concerned with the day-to-day of a project than the bigger picture.
Senior Digital Project Manager
Most Project Managers are not considered senior until they have had over five years of experience, and some companies may require more than this for their senior roles.
With the jump comes more authority and responsibilities; a Senior Digital Project Manager must have a strategic vision and consider how the project aligns with the goals of the organisation.
With the jump comes more authority and responsibilities; a Senior Digital Project Manager must have a strategic vision and consider how the project aligns with the goals of the organisation.
To find an entry-level role, it is likely that a company will want you to show initiative and interest in Digital Project Management. Perhaps you have experience in related work (such as a Web Designer or similar), or have a related university degree. Showing genuine intent to study for a qualification is always a good idea if you do not have any.
Junior Digital Project Managers likely have some relevant experience under their belt already. They may have pivoted from other jobs such as a scrum master or digital marketing manager, meaning they are familiar with the project landscape.
Similarly, it is not unusual for a Junior Digital Project Manager to pivot out of such a position; they may go on to become a Digital Marketing Manager, Product Manager or explore some other specialism.
The only real entry point to becoming a Senior Digital Project Manager is to gain experience as a Junior, and gain the necessary qualifications during that time. Having achieved this position, a senior DPM may go on to become a Product Manager, Program Manager, Project Management Office (PMO) Manager or even a Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Junior Digital Project Managers likely have some relevant experience under their belt already. They may have pivoted from other jobs such as a scrum master or digital marketing manager, meaning they are familiar with the project landscape.
Similarly, it is not unusual for a Junior Digital Project Manager to pivot out of such a position; they may go on to become a Digital Marketing Manager, Product Manager or explore some other specialism.
The only real entry point to becoming a Senior Digital Project Manager is to gain experience as a Junior, and gain the necessary qualifications during that time. Having achieved this position, a senior DPM may go on to become a Product Manager, Program Manager, Project Management Office (PMO) Manager or even a Chief Operating Officer (COO).
History of the profession
People have had to manage projects for centuries (dating back to Egyptian pyramids, Roman aqueducts and even further!) - so Digital Project Management is a comparatively new development! Technological innovations at the end of the 20th century brought with them a new wave of businesses, opportunities, and ultimately, careers, in the digital space.
Similar careers
The following careers are closely linked to Digital Project Management. As being a DPM is such a collaborative job, they will almost definitely work beside some of these roles.
Resources
Our mission here at Focus is to help people have better careers - and if you think a career as a Digital Project Manager is right for you then the following resources could help! Check them out.
Podcast
The Digital Project Manager
This podcast offers how-to-guides, tips, tricks, tools and more for the digital project manager. Listen for project guidance in the Digital Wild West.
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Video
The Fundamentals of Digital Project Management
A short but information-packed video that gives a great introduction to what a DPM does, as well as the difference between Project Management and Digital Project Management.
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Book
Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time
An easily readable and understandable book which gives insight into the foundation of Scrum and it’s benefits, with real-life business examples.
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Course
PRINCE2 6th Edition Foundation & Practitioner Masterclass
Udemy's top rated PRINCE2 masterclass. Having a teacher explain key topics is a worthy investment for PRINCE2 and will help you learn what it's all about much faster than relying on the textbook alone.
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Article
7 Reasons to Love Your Inner Digital Project Manager
This article is worth a read, and gives some great points in favour of becoming a Digital Project Manager.
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Regulatory bodies
Various regulations and compliance requirements may apply in the digital space - there are many that could be relevant, depending on the nature of the project.
One piece of regulation that is important for almost all website and marketing projects is the UK’s General Data Protection Regulation.
One piece of regulation that is important for almost all website and marketing projects is the UK’s General Data Protection Regulation.