A manager of project managers is typically referred to as a Program Manager or, in larger organizations, a Director of a Project Management Office (PMO), a Portfolio Manager, or even a VP of Project Management. This is a senior position responsible for providing overall direction and management for a collection of projects and the project managers leading them.
Understanding the Role of a Manager of Project Managers
The role that oversees individual project managers shifts the focus from managing a single project to managing a broader scope of work, often encompassing multiple, related projects or even an organization's entire project portfolio. These roles are critical for ensuring strategic alignment, consistent methodology, and effective resource utilization across various initiatives.
Common Titles and Their Nuances
While "manager of project managers" isn't a formal title itself, several senior roles fit this description, each with distinct responsibilities and organizational placement:
Program Manager
A Program Manager oversees a group of related projects that are managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually. They manage the interdependencies between projects and often lead multiple project managers, guiding them to ensure their projects contribute to the overarching program goals.
Learn more about Program Management from PMI
Director of Project Management Office (PMO)
The Director of a PMO is responsible for establishing and maintaining project management standards, methodologies, and governance across an organization. They often manage a team of project managers, ensuring best practices are followed, and providing support, training, and tools. This role provides strategic oversight and ensures consistency in project delivery.
Explore the benefits of a Project Management Office
Portfolio Manager
A Portfolio Manager is responsible for the centralized management of one or more project portfolios to achieve strategic objectives. While they might not directly manage project managers daily, they make high-level decisions about which projects and programs to pursue, oversee their strategic alignment, and indirectly manage the project and program managers by setting strategic priorities and resource allocation.
Discover more about Portfolio Management
VP of Project Management / Head of Project Management
In larger organizations, a VP of Project Management or a similar Head of Project Management title denotes a very senior leadership position. This individual is typically responsible for the overall strategic direction of project management capabilities, setting organizational standards, managing significant budgets, and leading a large department that includes program managers, PMO directors, and directly or indirectly, all project managers. This role is responsible for the enterprise-wide direction and management of projects.
Key Responsibilities and Scope
Regardless of the specific title, a manager of project managers typically assumes a higher-level strategic and operational role compared to an individual project manager. Key responsibilities often include:
- Strategic Alignment: Ensuring all projects and programs align with organizational goals and strategic initiatives.
- Resource Optimization: Allocating and managing shared resources across multiple projects and programs.
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating high-level risks that could impact multiple projects or the overall program/portfolio.
- Mentoring and Development: Guiding, coaching, and developing the skills of individual project managers.
- Methodology and Governance: Establishing and enforcing consistent project management methodologies, processes, and tools.
- Stakeholder Communication: Managing expectations and communicating progress to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
Distinguishing Levels: Project, Program, Portfolio
Understanding the hierarchy helps clarify the role of a manager of project managers:
| Role | Primary Focus | Oversees | Strategic Alignment | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | Delivering a specific, defined output or result | Project team members, individual project tasks | Tactical (within project) | Completion of a single project |
| Program Manager | Achieving strategic benefits from related projects | Project Managers & their individual projects | Operational/Tactical | Coordinated achievement of program goals |
| Portfolio Manager | Maximizing business value across all initiatives | Programs, Projects, and often Program Managers | Strategic | Optimal resource allocation and strategic achievement |
Practical Insights and Career Path
Transitioning into a role that manages project managers often requires a strong foundation in project management, coupled with significant leadership, strategic thinking, and people management skills. These positions are crucial for organizations that manage a high volume or complexity of projects, ensuring that individual projects contribute effectively to broader organizational objectives and are executed consistently. It represents a significant career progression for seasoned project management professionals.
