Business project managers oversee various types of commercial enterprises. Employers in many different industries employ individuals in business project manager jobs. These jobs include managing construction projects, company acquisitions, marketing promotions and company reorganization.
Building companies employ those with a background in engineering, architecture or construction in both short-term and long-term business project manager jobs. These individuals oversee construction of entire neighborhoods, commercial buildings and even major projects like dams, bridges or sports stadiums. The manager is ultimately responsible for hiring workers to complete the project. Managers also control the budget and must negotiate deals with suppliers to provide workers with the necessary tools and equipment to complete the project. A permanent employee of a construction firm may oversee numerous projects for the company while in other instances firms hire independent contractors to preside over different projects.
When a major corporation decides to acquire or merge with another firm, the business project manager is tasked with overseeing the integration of the two companies. Many firms employ individuals to work in the human resources (HR), payroll, and information technology (IT) departments; the project manager must streamline the new company by eliminating jobs and departments where multiple people are performing the same task as result of the merger. The project manager must ensure that signs and marketing materials at the acquired company are replaced with marketing materials carrying the name and logo of the purchasing company. When mergers have been completed, those employed in business project manager jobs may be assigned different tasks, or relieved of their duties.
Manufacturers and service providers often employ individuals in business project manager jobs when new products or services are about to be launched. These managers are responsible for developing the product brands and deciding how best to market the new products and services. Managers work with advertising companies on strategies and they must ensure that the marketing costs do not exceed the assigned budget. Some firms employ large numbers of project managers who are constantly given new products to market. In other instances, a firm may hire an individual with marketing experience on a short-term basis to promote a particular product.
Those with a background in accounting or finance are sometimes employed in business project manager jobs that are focused on improving efficiency. These individuals must find ways to reduce costs by negotiating less expensive contracts with suppliers and installing energy-efficient upgrades to lower utility costs. In some instances, these managers conduct staff audits which are designed to highlight job families that can be eliminated without impacting the firm’s productivity levels. Like many project managers, they are typically hired on a short-term basis.
Generally, the business project manager must have a college degree in business administration, management or similar topic. In many instances, employers only hire managers who have industry related experience. People overseeing projects for insurance or investment firms must also pass regulatory exams because people involved with insurance and securities must hold licenses.