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Useful experience for project managers includes:

• work in a project team
• work in an specialist area such as engineering, construction or ICT
• business and team management experience.

Project managers may do some or all of the following:

• lead project planning and review sessions
• estimate project costs and manage the budget
• produce and update all project documentation
• manage communication and relationships with clients, stakeholders and suppliers
• oversee the procurement, supply and allocation of project resources 
• manage the project delivery timeline
• manage the project team and hire staff to work on projects.

High demand for construction and ICT project managers 

Chances of getting a job as a construction project manager are good. They are in demand to manage:

• infrastructure projects that are in progress or planned for the next five years
• large-scale housing projects to address the housing shortage.

Demand for information and communication technologies (ICT) project managers is also high due to more organisations making ICT improvements and implementing new software systems.

However, there are not enough project managers to meet demand. As a result, the roles of construction project manager and ICT project manager both appear on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. Construction project manager also appears on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled project managers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Steady demand for project managers from public and private sectors

Demand for project managers in areas outside ICT and construction is steady. Public and private organisations consistently need staff to ensure projects are completed on time.

According to the Census, 19,131 project managers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Most project managers work as permanent employees or self-employed contractors in:

• engineering, construction and property
• forestry
• government
• ICT
• project management firms.

Project Management Institute New Zealand

(04) 970 2005 - PMINZ@pmi.org.nz - www.pmi.org.nz

Project managers usually progress from smaller projects to work on bigger or more complex projects, with bigger budgets and more responsibility. Project managers working for large organisations may progress to senior project management roles.

Experienced project managers may also choose to work as self-employed contractors.

Project managers can specialise in:

• architecture
• construction/infrastructure
• engineering
• forestry
• information and communication technology (ICT)
• property.

Project managers need to be:

• highly organised, with strong time management and planning skills
• analytical and observant, with an eye for detail
• able to lead and motivate others
• good at communicating and negotiating
• able to relate to a wide range of people
• able to work well under pressure.