Project manager job description template: Everything you need to include

Hiring a project manager can be challenging, especially when it comes to crafting a job description that will attract the perfect candidates. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive project manager job description template to get you started.

We explain why this template will work for hiring project managers, but we don’t stop there. A job description is only one of the many talent discovery strategies you should have in your recruitment arsenal. So we’ll also show you how to adopt a skills-based hiring approach to ensure you find the best fit for your team.

Project Manager Job Description Template

Job Title: Project Manager

Location: [Specify Location or Remote]

Company Overview: At [Your Company Name], we are passionate about driving innovation and delivering exceptional results. Our company thrives on the strength of our team, and we believe that great projects are the result of skilled and motivated individuals working together towards a common goal. 

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading projects from conception to completion, ensuring that objectives are met on time and within budget. The Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating teams, managing resources, and maintaining communication with stakeholders to achieve project success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage projects from initiation through to delivery, ensuring that all project objectives are met.

• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, timelines, budget estimates, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.

• Coordinate internal and external teams to ensure seamless collaboration and project execution.

• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure project success.

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, providing regular updates on project status, changes, and milestones.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by providing feedback, conducting post-project reviews, and implementing lessons learned.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and company policies throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in project management, with a minimum of [X] years in a similar role.

• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., JIRA, MS Project).

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage stakeholder expectations and build strong relationships.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality results.

• Professional certification such as PMP or PRINCE2 is preferred.

• Familiarity with [industry-specific knowledge, tools, or technologies] is an advantage.

Objectives of This Role:

• Assemble and lead a high-performing project team, providing direction, motivation, and support to achieve project goals.

• Oversee project planning and execution, ensuring that all deliverables meet quality standards and are delivered on time and within budget.

• Manage resources effectively, balancing workload and priorities to maximize efficiency and productivity.

• Identify and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that potential issues are addressed before they impact project outcomes.

• Maintain clear and open communication with stakeholders, ensuring that expectations are managed and any changes are clearly communicated.

Benefits:

• Competitive project manager salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options.

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment where your skills are valued.

Application Process: At [Your Company Name], our application process is straightforward and candidate-focused. After reviewing applications, we may reach out for an initial screening to discuss your experience, interest in the role, and answer any questions.

Selected candidates will be invited to interviews, which could include technical assessments, discussions with team members, and role-specific exercises. If you advance, we'll connect for a final interview before making our decision. We aim to keep you informed every step of the way.

[Call to Action] Ready to take your career to the next level? Apply today and join us in making a difference through exceptional project management.

Why this project manager job description template works

The Job Title and Location are at the top so project manager candidates can see immediately if the role is a good fit. Next, the Company Overview highlights the company culture and values—critical so that candidates can ensure their values align with those of your organization.

The Job Summary shares the main requirements of the role, like coordinating teams and budgeting, without overwhelming candidates with detail.

Next, the Key Responsibilities section clearly outlines the essential tasks the candidate will be responsible for, helping them understand the scope and expectations of the role. This allows project managers to gauge whether they can handle the workload without risking burnout. 

The Skills and Qualifications section shows what you’re looking for in a project manager. We highlight essential industry tools and technical skills first, then preferred certifications, like PMP or PRINCE2, that they’ll need for the role. This way, we’re clear without being too vague or overly specific.  

Then, we specify how candidates will apply their skills in the Objectives of This Role section, highlighting the core competencies that define successful project management.

Finally, the Benefits section highlights perks that appeal to project managers, like flexible working arrangements. We also explain the Application Process to emphasize the company’s commitment to skills-based hiring for the best fit.

Next steps: Attracting and assessing project manager candidates 

You can share your description on our online job board and other places. Once you’ve received your applications, it’s time to assess them. Remember, stronger job descriptions help attract the right candidates, but skills-based assessments ensure you find project managers who can do the job well – plus avoid unconscious bias in your recruitment process.

You can also choose up to five customizable tests from our library of over 400+ tests. We suggest some most suited to project manager applications:

Role-specific

• Project Management test 

• Program Management test

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Development test

• Microsoft SharePoint Administration test

Cognitive ability 

• Problem Solving test

• Attention to Detail (textual) test 

Situational judgment / soft skills

• Communication skills test

• Business Ethics and Compliance test 

• Time Management test

• Leadership & People Management test

Personality and culture

• Enneagram test  

• DISC Personality test

• Culture Add test

• Motivation test

To find your perfect project manager, be sure to ask critical thinking questions at the interview and find out if they have the work ethic required to succeed in such a pressured role.

Ready to start assessing candidates? Check out TestGorilla’s tests for project managers, sign up for a free account, and get going. If you’re unsure where to begin, schedule a free demo and our team will show you around! 

FAQs 

What is a project manager not responsible for?

A project manager isn’t typically responsible for the technical execution of tasks – they oversee the project but don’t do the hands-on work.

What is another name for a project manager? 

Another name for a project manager can be "project coordinator" or "program manager," depending on the scope and industry.

What degree is best for a project manager?

A degree in business, management, or engineering is often the best fit for a project manager role.

What is the lowest position in project management? 

The lowest position in project management is usually a "project coordinator" or "assistant project manager."