Project Planning Job Description

Companies hire project planners to successfully carry out projects from start to completion. Since project planners can be found in all industries and companies, their specific duties range depending on skill level, client type and overall objectives. However, all project planning positions must interface and coordinate with team members, different departments and stakeholders to ensure that project goals are accomplished within the established project time line.

Function

Project planners create project plans that identify team members, deliverables, time lines, strategies and objectives. By developing and updating the project plan, project planners promote consistency across the entire project and maintain constant communication with team members regarding status, delivery dates and potential risks. These professionals often act as team leaders and serve as the liaison between different project groups and project stakeholders. Other duties assigned to project planners include analyzing project expenditures and budgets, sending out progress reports to team members, reviewing and administering contracts and alerting management about issues or problems that may hinder project completion.

Education

There are no formal educational requirements for project planner roles since the industry focus for the position varies. However, most companies prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent project planning work experience related to the employer’s sector.

Skills

Excellent project management and multi-tasking skills are needed in a project planner role. Because these professionals interact frequently with different levels and professionals within an organization, strong oral, written and interpersonal communication abilities are prized by employers. Other basic qualifications that are beneficial include knowledge of project management, word processing, presentation, email and spreadsheet software; and the ability to analyze, compile and distribute large amounts of data.

Salary

According to a November 2009 Salary.com survey, U.S. project planners with three to five years of experience earned a median salary of $68,573. Annual earnings for project planners vary depending on factors such as education and skill level, employer size, industry and location.

Potential

The Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition” states that jobs for administrative services managers, which include project planning professionals who coordinate a broad range of activities, are expected to rise by 12 percent between 2008 and 2018. Professionals working in management services and consulting firms will be in demand as companies look to hire workers who can handle various administrative tasks. Project planners will also be needed in areas such as information technology, space planning and design, energy conservation, telecommunications and building management.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11
• HR Management: Project Planner
• IFC Career Opportunities: Project Planner