Web project manager

Tasks of the web project manager

• He/she gathers and analyses the needs of stakeholders (customers, internal teams) in order to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of the project.
• He/she draws up precise specifications including the definition of the main stages, the resources (human, technical, financial) as well as the estimated deadlines and budget.
• They draw up and monitor the project schedule. Depending on how the project is organised, you will allocate tasks between team members and call on external service providers.
• He/she coordinates internal and external teams (graphic designers, developers, copywriters and suppliers) so that they work together effectively.
• He/she supervises compliance with deadlines, budget and quality. He/she ensures that the deliverable meets the customer's expectations.

Web project manager skills

Technical skills

• Good knowledge of the main languages used in web development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Ajax.
• Skills in database management and administration (e.g. MySQL) to structure and use project data.
• Knowledge of technical environments: server architectures, hosting systems and CMS (e.g. WordPress, Drupal).
• Mastery of SEO (natural search engine optimisation) to optimise the visibility and performance of the websites developed.
• Notions in the use of creative and retouching software such as Photoshop, in order to be able to collaborate better with graphic designers.
• Experience of project management tools and methodologies (Agile, Scrum) to plan and manage teams.

Soft Skills

The web project manager is above all an outstanding manager, capable of coordinating and leading a team. With excellent people skills, they know how to establish and maintain lasting relationships with colleagues, customers and partners. Rigorous and organised, they are also good managers, ensuring that deadlines, budgets and targets are met. Always ready to listen to the needs of their team or customers, they are pragmatic when it comes to solving problems and prioritising tasks.

Study and training for web project managers

The job of Web Project Manager requires training at bac +3 to bac +5 level. There are several routes to this job: university courses, IUTs, business schools, engineering schools or schools specialising in multimedia. The courses offered include computer science, project management and specialisations in marketing, communication or management.

The most popular qualifications include

• Bac +3: BUT informatique, BUT MMI, or licence professionnelle en administration et développement de sites web.
• 5 years' higher education: Master's degree in IT, communication or multimedia, or diploma from recognised schools such as Epitech, HETIC or Les Gobelins.

This job is rarely given to beginners. It requires initial experience gained during internships or in operational roles in the digital sector.

Career progression

With experience, web project managers can take on more responsibilities and larger-scale projects. Initially, they may move into a PMO role. Then, with experience, they can become Web Project Directors, or move on to positions such as Information Systems Director, Marketing Director or Digital Strategy Director.