Companies looking for project or program managers have widely differing requirements when it comes to years of experience attached to the "Senior PM" title. What do you think? Is there an absolute minimum? Saving Changes...
Cris:
It depends, many industries require years of technical knowledge with practices, frameworks, products, KSABs, certifications, years in managing projects, project sizes etc. There will be both minimums, required, nice to have and implied in many contracts. The list is long and varies; take a look at some procurement contracts in your state, federal,city or county. Saving Changes...
JOSEE DUFOURIT Programme Manager| WorldlineSavigny Sur Orge, ., France
Difficult question and very subjective answer...
I was once "sold" as a senior PM having 1 year of experience and the client was satisfied...
I would say a senior PM is someone who knows the business area/domain, has the technical PM knowledge and soft skills "a gogo"... As Naomi is suggesting, some experience in managing multiple suppliers can be a big plus.
I would suggest asking exactly what the employer means by "senior"... Again, it is subjective (hey! the requirement is not SMART ;-)) Saving Changes...
Ruth PearceAttorney, Author, and Coach | Guardian Ad Litem in North Carolina| A Lever Long Enough (ALLE LLC)Durham, Nc, United States
In addition to the great advice from Naomi, I would look hard at the details in the job description.
I have seen job descriptions where the title has been Senior Project Manager but the duties and experience requirements are much more basic. Sometimes this is because the employer is trying to get a more qualified person for a junior job, other times it is because employers are no more clear about what makes a Senior PM than we are!
I don't think there is an absolute minimum or a hard and fast rule, it is all about the detail of the role.
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1 reply by JOSEE DUFOUR
Feb 12, 2017 1:28 PM
JOSEE DUFOUR
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+1 !
Saving Changes...
JOSEE DUFOURIT Programme Manager| WorldlineSavigny Sur Orge, ., France
Feb 12, 2017 1:26 PM
Replying to Ruth Pearce
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In addition to the great advice from Naomi, I would look hard at the details in the job description.
I have seen job descriptions where the title has been Senior Project Manager but the duties and experience requirements are much more basic. Sometimes this is because the employer is trying to get a more qualified person for a junior job, other times it is because employers are no more clear about what makes a Senior PM than we are!
I don't think there is an absolute minimum or a hard and fast rule, it is all about the detail of the role.
+1 ! Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
As mentioned, it is a variable. Could be 3+ years dependent on company size and role requirements, or a bait and switch. Reading the description carefully and asking the right questions. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I agree with both Ruth & Naomi.
From my experience, it all depends on the nature and size of the projects and organization:
1- Ive worked with international companies where the projects range from 300 Mil - 1 Billion and in order to be a PM you need at least 10 Years of site experience and Senior PM, you need to have at least 20 Years of experience.
2- Ive worked with local companies where senior PM's are required to have only 5 Years of experience.
3- Ive seen job posting for Senior PM but as Ruth mentioned, the Duties & Responsibilities are very basic. Saving Changes...
Denise CantyAgile Coach, Life Coach, Author, Senior Project-Program Manager| Cenden CompanyWashington, Dc, United States
I think senior level means at least 10 years. Saving Changes...
Efrain PacaFunctional Manager| WORLD VISION ECUADORRiobamba, Ecuador
I think they need at least 20 years of heavy duties, experiences and know - how in that business. Saving Changes...
Primarily,the Project Manager should satisfactorily meet the qualification,skills set and specific experience needs of the project.Age and hands on, varied and consistent, experience under unforeseen/trying circumstances will define seniority .In my opinion,a seasoned Project Manager,with the stated requisites , having served a minimum of 10 years as PM should be an eligible contender as Senior PM.Hope this helps ! Saving Changes...
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
I posted a while ago a similar question regarding the role and responsibilities of a Project Manager I, II and III. In that respect, it seemed that years of experience was the main classification criteria. In my opinion, the size and complexity of projects should also be taken into account. Saving Changes...
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