What an IT project manager does
An IT project manager leads technology initiatives such as software development, system implementations, cloud migrations, infrastructure upgrades and cybersecurity programs. They translate business requirements into plans, coordinate developers, analysts and vendors, manage budgets and timelines, and keep business stakeholders informed in plain language. Much of the role is managing risk: integration problems, data issues and changing requirements can derail a technology project quickly if no one is watching closely.
Technical projects vary widely, so Finch defines your environment before searching: the type of project, your methodology, the systems involved and how technical the role needs to be. We screen candidates for delivery of comparable projects, experience with Agile, waterfall or hybrid approaches and their ability to bridge technical and business teams. We also check relevant credentials, such as the PMP or Scrum certifications, and confirm results with former sponsors or managers.
Typical responsibilities
- Plan and lead software, infrastructure, ERP or system implementation projects
- Gather and confirm business requirements with stakeholders and analysts
- Coordinate developers, IT staff, vendors and implementation partners
- Run sprints, stand-ups or phase reviews depending on the methodology
- Manage project budgets, timelines, risks and change requests
- Plan testing, training, cutover and go-live support
Qualifications and credentials
- Experience managing IT projects of comparable scope and complexity
- Understanding of software development, infrastructure or enterprise systems
- The PMP from the Project Management Institute, or Agile credentials such as Certified ScrumMaster, are often preferred
- Experience with the project and work management tools common in IT teams
- A degree or diploma in computer science, information technology or business is typical
Who hires an IT project manager
- Software and technology companies
- Banks, insurers and financial services firms
- Healthcare organizations implementing clinical or administrative systems
- Manufacturers and distributors upgrading ERP systems
- IT consulting firms and managed service providers
Where we recruit IT project manager candidates
We fill IT project manager roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Technology projects they led, including systems, budgets and team structure
- Methodology experience that matches how your team works
- Vendor and implementation partner management
- Ability to explain technical risks to non-technical stakeholders
- PMP, Scrum or other credentials, verified where required
Interview questions to ask
- Tell me about a go-live that did not go as planned. What happened and what did you learn?
- How do you handle a vendor who is missing milestones on a critical integration?
- How would you explain a major technical delay to a business sponsor who is not technical?