Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Taiwo,
everyone made good comments and agrees there are significant differences. Not only in age.
Let me add
- you can be certified as a program manager, which means there is a body of knowledge, required skills and a mindset to grasp. While a senior XXX mainly adds experience and scars (and a knowing smile) as evidence.
- project managers and program managers are different species, as proven by research since 20+ years. You do not need to have project management experience as program manager (though it helps). The role of a product manager is typically benefiting from having a program manager on board.
And yes, many program managers evolved thru project management, myself included. You have to learn to change mindset and let loose for your project managers.
The expectations and responsibilities of these roles vary by company but in general a Senior PM would manage a single or concurrent independent projects of greater complexity or scale than that managed by a "regular" PM. A Program Manager is usually only going to manage a single program as the effort involved in orchestrating the integration and dependencies between multiple projects to achieve a significant business outcome over a long period of time would likely require their full focus. Senior PMs will usually not work directly with other PMs where as a Program Manager is likely to have a number of PMs reporting to her/him in either a solid or dotted line manner.
Kiron
Great Reply Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Hello Taiwo, the level of experience and competencies underlying a senior position will differ across organizations and industries. Typically, a senior-level position would denote that the individual not only possesses some number of years, but also carries a more macro perspective, able to connect the dots into other initiatives or to past projects, think strategically, and build, develop individuals; shaping the future of the organization.
A program manager would have further developed those competencies. Their responsibilities would encompass a broader spectrum with increased influence and expectations. Saving Changes...
Luis NavarroUpstream and Downstream Project Manager| Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA)Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Hi Taiwo. You have received very good explanations in all previous replies by the colleagues. I would only add that I would expect a Program Manager to be "Senior" in his/her knowledge of the project business and in essence is a "Senior Manager". Saving Changes...
Bill DowPMO Director| University of WARenton, Wa, United States
Great comments, it is really a breath vs depth thing, where a Program Manager will have breath and look wide over their program and a project manager will go deep into their respective projects. I have always said a Sr. Project Manager does not always make a good program manager because of the different skill sets. :) Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Apr 14, 2021 5:42 PM
Replying to Mayte Mata Sivera
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Vamos! La mejor respuesta del anyo!
hahaha
JAJAJAJAJA. Gracias! Saving Changes...
Valerie Denney Associate Professor| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University- WorldwideCleveland, Sc, United States
The answer really depends on the organizations involved. While the PMI clearly defines the difference between and project and program manager, the division in practice may not be as clear cut. Some organizations have a hierarchy such that one moves from a project manager to program manager role. In other other organizations, the terms are not as clearly defined and they can mean nearly the same thing. About the only thing I would assume from the original wording is that the ‘senior’ is more experienced and that the project/program size and complexity is larger than for the other one. Saving Changes...
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