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Introduction
When you explore the job market and look for manager roles, you will come across two jobs: program manager and project manager. A manager must oversee the teams, ensure completion and deliver to clients. However, the scope of the roles of a program manager and a project manager differs. In this blog, let’s explore the program manager vs project manager and understand how they serve distinct functions in an organization’s management hierarchy.
Program Manager vs. Project Manager: What Do They Do?
Project managers execute one project and hand it over to another project, typically bringing physical deliveries. They use several project management tools with the aim of enhancing delivery. The program manager, for their part, has a long-term vision for the company and is responsible for delivering on the strategic goals of the company.
It is now time to use a simple example to explain the difference between program and project managers.
In a restaurant context, the executive chef controls the menu, where they are in charge of all the subordinates in the kitchen, as well as the perception of the dishes that is ultimately reflected in the dining experience that the customers will have. This is true since the position of the chef is also in a position to support the vision and objectives of the restaurant.
The sous chef will have several line cooks who prepare and cook certain meals offered at restaurants. They follow the sous chef’s instructions and work very hard to deliver part of the menu that has been assigned to them.
The executive chef is the same as a program manager since they are in charge of cooking and serving individual dishes from the myriad on the menu. The Sous chef manages each section of the menu; in other words, they are the project manager.
The executive chef focuses on customer experience, and the sous chef focuses on delivering dishes on time for the waiters to serve.
Program Managers vs. Project Managers: How Are They Different?
Learning project management is the first step to preparing yourself for the managerial position. While both program and project manager carry out similar tasks, their scope and deliverables vary. Here is a table that compares a program vs project manager:
| Feature | Project Manager | Program Manager |
| Focus | Delivering a single project | Achieving strategic organizational objectives through multiple projects |
| Scope | Specific, defined project deliverables | Broader, encompassing multiple interrelated projects |
| Timeframe | Short-term, project lifecycle | Long-term, aligned with organizational goals |
| Role | Tactical execution | Strategic planning and coordination |
| Key Responsibilities | Project planning, scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, risk management | Program definition, benefits management, stakeholder management, resource allocation across projects |
Program Vs. Project Manager: Salary And Job Growth
A program manager generally commands a higher salary due to the broader scope of responsibilities. Their strategic focus is ensuring that the company meets its long-term objectives for the whole program. A program manager in India earns an average of Rs. 18L per annum. An organization expects its program manager to have dedicated expertise so that they can contribute to the well-being of the entire program.
Project managers, too, are well paid because the project performance and deliverables depend on the efficiency of the one leading the project. Depending on the type of project, a manager may spend a few weeks to a few months before moving on to the next one. Such a role offers variety as you will have an opportunity to work with different types of projects. In India, a project manager may get an annual pay of Rs. 15L per annum.
The introduction of agile and hybrid approaches to projects has resulted in a great deal of increased requirements for capable and certified project managers. According to the US BLS, management specialists are in high demand, and a 6% job growth is projected from 2022 to 2032. It is one of the fastest-growing jobs.
To qualify for managerial roles, you can complete a project management master program if you prefer to go through the traditional route. You can also gain the same skills and expertise through certification training programs that allow you to earn the certificate after demonstrating your managerial skills in globally recognized examinations.
Program vs. Project Manager Skills
Program manager vs project manager responsibilities are similar, so they need skills such as leadership, communication, and organization. However, there are distinct skill sets required for each role:
- Program manager – Strategic thinking, change management, stakeholder management, and business acumen.
- Project manager – Technical skills and other project management skills such as scheduling, task and resource allocation, budgeting, and risk management.
Program and Project Manager Certifications
Gaining professional certifications is a surefire way to grow in your career and become a manager. You can become a program manager only after being successful as a project manager. Hands-on experience managing different types of projects will impart the expertise you need to handle several group projects at once. You must continuously update your skills and knowledge through the project management tutorial.
To become a project manager, you enhance your profile with a PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) from PMI (Project Management Institute). Let me clear the air here that you do not need to be a CAPM to become a PMP. After the completion of the training, the next course of action is that you can directly apply for the PMP certification.
The only globally recognized certification for program managers is PgMP (Program Management Professional), which PMI issues. It is designed for experienced individuals and has more stringent eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
As long as you are passionate about knowing how to become a project manager, you don’t always need to follow the traditional education path. Getting certified in a particular field is one of the safest ways through which one can excel in his career and be a manager. To become a program manager, one has to start as a project manager first and succeed in it. Such hands-on experience in one’s management of different types of projects will equip one with the necessary expertise to handle several group projects at the same time.
FAQs
1. Is a program manager higher than a project manager?
Generally, program managers operate at a higher level in an organization’s management hierarchy. They oversee multiple projects and align them with strategic goals. A project manager’s scope is limited to the scope of individual projects.
2. Who earns more, the program or the project manager?
A program manager often earns more than a project manager due to a broader scope of responsibilities.
3. Is the program manager the same as the PMO?
No, a PMO (Program Management Office) is a group or department within an organization that standardizes the governance process and facilitates the sharing of resources, tools, and techniques. A program manager leads and manages specific programs within or across the PMO structure.
4. Can a project manager become a program manager?
Yes, a project manager can grow to become a program manager. You must gain experience, expand your skill set, and get relevant certifications to grow into this career.
