Tasks of the project manager
Understanding and defining requirements
- The MOA project manager engages internal teams to gather and analyse user requirements. They ensure that the project objectives and requirements are understandable.
- He assesses existing processes, identifies opportunities for improvement and consolidates requests for application or corrective maintenance of the information system.
- It estimates project costs, then defines priorities based on regulatory obligations, strategic orientations and consistency with the overall information system.
Structuring and preparing projects
- The project manager establishes the project framework. He/she is responsible for the budget, schedule and resources required.
- He/she sets up and coordinates a team of project management consultants and technical experts to assess the feasibility of business requirements and ensure that they are aligned with the overall IS architecture.
- He/she organises and leads scoping meetings with business managers to refine requests, identify impacts on other systems and assess potential risks.
- He or she provides accurate cost estimates, draws up schedules and defends projects and associated budgets before investment committees.
Project management and coordination
- The project manager breaks down the project into several phases and distributes the tasks between the various consultants or assistant project managers, whether internal or external.
- He/she monitors the progress of the project, chairs the steering committees involving the various stakeholders and draws up the necessary reports.
- He/she supervises the drafting of specifications, the validation of functional specifications and the mapping of processes.
- It is responsible for ensuring that deliverables meet initial expectations, monitoring functional tests, qualifying and prioritising anomalies, and supervising their resolution.
Change management and deployment
- Coordinates the roll-out of new applications to end users, ensuring a smooth transition.
- Plans and organises training sessions for operational teams (skills transfer).
- He/she works with the internal audit department to check that the new tools are being used correctly.
Leadership and team management
- The project manager is responsible for managing the tasks of his team. He sets objectives, plans holidays, carries out annual interviews and identifies training needs.
- He/she supervises the planning and budgeting of staff working on different projects and ensures that deadlines and costs are met.
- He/she plays an active role in the selection and evaluation of external service providers, helping to draw up invitations to tender and choose candidates.
Sectors of activity
MOAs have expertise tailored to the business sector in which they operate. For example, in finance or insurance, they have in-depth knowledge of the practices and requirements of the sector. When working in an ESN (digital services company), the project manager is the expert in his field, with no direct hierarchical role.
Skills of the project manager
Technical skills
The project manager has a good knowledge of databases such as Oracle and SQL Server, as well as Java/J2EE and .NET programming languages. They have a solid understanding of IT and project management systems. You will be proficient in drawing up specifications. Last but not least, they are up to date with the latest developments in IT law.
Some companies require certification in project management. PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is one of the most highly regarded for this profession. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute.
Soft skills
MOA project managers have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, which enable them to be at ease with the various project stakeholders. They must be diplomatic, meticulous and able to manage conflict. Their ability to listen and their analytical skills enable them to identify and understand customer needs and to translate these needs into functional requirements. They must be responsive and available to adapt to changes in scope or emerging problems.
MOA project manager education and training
To become an MOA project manager, you need a 5-year degree. This may be a Master's degree in IT or project management, often in Paris. This academic training can be taken at a university or engineering or business school.
Professional experience of at least 5 years in IT project management is often required. PMP (Project Management Professional) certification may be an additional asset, as it confirms the candidate's project management skills.
Possible career paths for MOA project managers
MOA project managers have a variety of career paths. The most common career path is to become a Project Director. This involves supervising more complex programmes and making strategic decisions for the company. Another career path is to become a Management or Information Systems Consultant, offering advice to various clients on project management and information systems optimisation.
Advantages and disadvantages of the profession
Advantages
- Attractive salary at the start of your career, with significant scope for career development.
- Variety of assignments and professional contacts.
- Numerous opportunities for career progression to positions of responsibility.
Disadvantages
- MOA project managers may have to work outside normal office hours, including weekends and public holidays, to meet project requirements.
- The responsibilities associated with this job can generate considerable stress due to the stakes involved and the deadlines to be met.
- Access to this job requires around five years' post-baccalaureate study, which can be a barrier for some applicants.
