Episode 520: What Does a Project Manager Do? (Free)

Written by Cornelius Fichtner.

PM Basics

This episode is part of our Project Management Basics series, where we review the core principles of effective project management.

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Episode Summary

Project managers play a pivotal role in turning strategy into execution, but what exactly do they do daily? From ensuring teams stay aligned to mitigating risks and keeping projects on schedule, their responsibilities are both broad and essential. This episode breaks down the core tasks defining a project manager's daily work and explores how their roles evolve from junior to senior levels.

We start by defining the fundamental responsibilities every project manager must master: planning, resource allocation, stakeholder communication, and issue resolution. Next, we compare the responsibilities of junior and senior project managers, illustrating how expertise grows over time. Whether you’re new to project management or looking to refine your skills, this episode provides clear insights into how project managers drive success and ensure business objectives are met.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

That project managers align teams, manage risks, and keep projects on schedule.
The six key responsibilities that define a PM's role across industries.
The differences between junior and senior project managers in scope and leadership.

Quotes from This Episode

"80% of project management is communication—but it’s not just emails and meetings." - Cornelius Fichtner
"Project managers don’t just track tasks; they align people and processes to strategic goals." - Cornelius Fichtner
"Junior PMs focus on execution, senior PMs shape strategy—it’s a journey of growth." - Cornelius Fichtner