Why Outsource a Dedicated Project Manager?

Project management enables businesses to effectively plan, organize, and utilize their resources, ensuring that web development projects or activities are successfully completed. However, some business owners hire a dedicated project manager (PM) to supervise website or web app project development teams, which results in enhanced productivity. 

According to Top project management statistics, only 34% of businesses reported that their projects were mostly or always completed within budget. This figure highlights the importance of proper project management.

Fortunately, businesses can collaborate with dedicated development teams as part of their corporate strategy to maximize success.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

A project manager plans, organizes, and supervises website and web app development teams. They ensure that your vision becomes reality while staying within budget. 

A project manager collaborates with the web development team to meet the client’s needs and requirements. For example, an entrepreneur who wants to establish an online presence can partner with a project manager to oversee the creation of a sleek and functional website.

Moreover, they use various techniques to deliver the best solutions based on a business’ goals and objectives. Also, as the leader of a web development team, the project manager regularly monitors and evaluates the team’s progress. 

Part of their work is to coordinate with and send regular feedback to clients while completing projects within the budget and time frame. 

Why Outsource a Dedicated Project Manager?

Project Management Statistics for 2024 revealed that 68% of businesses hire project managers, often via outsourcing. It highlights the increasing recognition of the critical role of project management during development.

Here are the key reasons for outsourcing a dedicated PM:

High-Level Skills and Experience

A project manager brings an extensive array of experience from managing various projects across different business sectors. This skill allows them to develop and implement the best practices that lead to successful development projects.

Gaining Objectivity

Dedicated PM focus solely on your projects and are also involved in other areas of your business. Their unbiased objectivity ensures that every team member uses the most effective solutions to achieve the client’s business goals.

Client-Centered

A remote project manager can also ensure that client feedback is heard and communicated to the team. Thus, they make any necessary adjustments to keep the project aligned with client expectations.

Proactive Planning

A professional project manager can also bring foresight to identify potential risks before they arise. 

They manage any challenges and keep the project on track by crafting preventative measures and contingency plans, such as creating a comprehensive project timeline. 

Cost-Efficient

Project managers will be using their own devices and internet connection which eliminates the need for additional office space or equipment, helping you reduce operational costs. 

They may also offer flexible compensation packages that include a base salary with performance-based incentives.

Scalability

Whether you need to onboard a project manager or an entire development team, you can ramp up or downsize resources as needed to complete more projects.

Access to best project management tools

A remote project manager works efficiently using the best project management tools available online. These include the following:

• Project collaboration (Bitrix, Trello, Slack, etc.);
• Creating diagrams and wireframes (Draw I.O, Gliffy, Figma, etc.), and 
• Building mockups and prototypes (Invision, Adobe Photoshop).

Key Technical Skills of a Dedicated PM

A project manager is equipped with a diverse set of must-have technical skills. They possess the knowledge and expertise necessary for the successful completion of complex projects, such as:

Project Planning and Scheduling Skills

Project planning and scheduling skills allow project managers to develop a comprehensive roadmap to successful project completion. 

By defining tasks, setting project timelines, and assigning resources, the project can progress in a well-structured manner, preventing backlogs and delays.

This skill involves using tools like Gantt Charts and project management software to visualize task dependencies, milestones, and deadlines. This way, PMs can convey a realistic timeline of the project to the dedicated team. 

Risk Management Skills

A project manager has the skills to handle potential issues and create contingency plans. Risk management skills involve the following:

• SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis;
• Qualitative or quantitative analysis, and 
• RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrices. 

Project managers with risk management expertise can prioritize and address the most critical risks that can hinder or complicate the project.

Budgeting and Financial Management Skills

This skill involves the ability to create a financial plan for client projects, including the estimated costs of labor and resources. Also, a project manager tracks actual expenses versus projected costs to prevent overruns. 

Budgeting and financial management skills also extend to the following aspects:

• Resource allocation;
• Cost forecasting, and
• Financial reporting. 

Resource and Workforce Management Skills

Businesses can hire a project manager with resource and workforce management expertise to ensure that staff with the right skills are working on your project. After all, they allocate dedicated team members to tasks at the appropriate time. 

These skills involve managing workload distribution, resolving conflicts, and ensuring resources are available when needed. Thus, a project manager is excellent at managing the team. 

Quality Management Expertise

A dedicated PM with quality management skills will ensure the reliability, security, and seamless performance of your web project by way of the following: 

• Thorough testing and validation before project deployment;
• Detecting and fixing issues before delivering the final product;
• Improving usability, and
• Delivering spotless outputs.

In addition, a project manager also utilizes the following to monitor the project’s cost and schedule efficiency:

• The Cost Performance Index (CPI) is used to measure how well the project will stay within budget.
• Meanwhile, the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) tracks the schedule performance. 

Through CPI/SPI monitoring, they can perform the following practices:

• Assess the budget and schedule risks;
• Adjust resources;
• Forecast future performance, and
• Communicate progress to stakeholders effectively.

A project manager ensures that deliverables meet the required standards and are to the client’s satisfaction. Therefore, they can balance quality, budget, and project timeline.

Adaptability and Change Management Skills

In an industry where change is inevitable, a reliable project manager must possess adaptability and change management skills. They ensure that any alterations are properly relayed to all stakeholders. 

Every project is skillfully managed, particularly regarding changes in scope, schedules, and resources, so that the development team is aligned with the revised objectives.

Procurement Management Skills

This skill involves acquiring goods and services from external partners or vendors to complete the project.

Thus, a project manager also oversees the selection of suppliers while managing contracts, and ensuring that purchased resources are aligned with project’s requirements and the client’s budget. 

Expertise in Agile, Scrum, and Hybrid Methodology

Experienced project managers understand different types of project management frameworks, such as Agile, Scrum, and Hybrid methodologies. 

Agile prioritizes flexibility and iterative development, while Scrum emphasizes a more structured approach with defined roles. Hybrid, on the other hand, is a combination of Agile and traditional methodologies, which is suitable for project needs.

To achieve an efficient project execution, a project manager can perform the following:

• Problem analysis;
• Root cause analysis;
• Customer and team collaboration, and
• Continuous integration.

Advanced Communication and Client Management Skills

According to Northeastern University Research, 90% of a project manager’s time is spent on communication. 

This is the reason why the key to project success is a project manager’s soft skills — specifically, effective communication and client management skills. They’re responsible for regular updates, conflict resolution, and active listening. 

A dedicated PM must ensure that all stakeholders, including the client and the development team, are well-informed and satisfied with the project.

Technical Documentation

A project manager has the skills to create detailed documentation throughout the project’s lifecycle. Having clear and concise documentation ensures transparency, facilitates decision-making, and serves as a reference for future projects.

The best practices for technical documentation include the following: 

• Creating project charters;
• Defining scopes;
• Creating progress reports;
• Crafting risk registers, and 
• Conducting post-project reviews.

Keep Projects On the Fast Track to Success!

Businesses can partner with a dedicated project manager to ensure that web projects are completed on time, within budget, while they focus on growing their brand!

Frequently Asked Questions About Project Managers

How much does it cost to hire a project manager?

It can vary based on factors like their experience and skills and whether they’re freelancers or full-time staff. For instance, some freelancers can charge $50 to $200 per hour.

How do I hire a project manager?

Follow these steps:

• Define the skills and experience needed.
• Post job listings.
• Review resumes and screen candidates.
• Conduct interviews.
• Check references to verify performance and work ethic.
• Once you’ve found the right candidate, make your offer.

What are the 4 types of project managers?

Here are four common types:

• Traditional Project Manager (uses established methodologies like Waterfall)
• Agile Project Manager (often uses methodologies like Scrum or Kanban)
• Hybrid Project Manager (uses both traditional and agile methodologies)
• Digital Project Manager (manages digital projects, such as software development, web development, or digital marketing campaigns)

How do I choose a dedicated development team?

Here’s how to choose a dedicated team:

• Define the project scope, timeline, and budget.
• Research on dedicated development teams, their portfolios, reviews, and testimonials.
• Assess their technical expertise.
• Evaluate their communication and collaboration skills.
• Ensure that the team’s work culture aligns with your expectations and needs.
• Discuss and agree on the terms and pricing.