Project Management Career Track Template

This project management career track outlines clear growth opportunities across both individual contributor (IC) and people manager paths. It defines expectations for ownership, influence, and leadership at each level, supporting consistent career development across programs, teams, and functions.

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Career Levels Overview

Individual Contributor (IC) Track

ICs in project management deliver value through executional excellence, program ownership, and cross-functional influence—without formal people management responsibilities.

Level 1: Project Coordinator

Supports project planning, communication, and logistics across cross-functional teams.

• Tracks task completion, dependencies, and blockers
• Maintains documentation and meeting schedules
• Supports resource allocation and timeline updates
• Coordinates with vendors or internal teams on logistics

Key Competencies:
Reliability, Tools, Communication, Collaboration & Feedback, Scope & Complexity

Level 2: Associate Project Manager

Owns small projects or sub-projects within a larger initiative and begins applying formal project management methods.

• Plans and tracks deliverables, risks, and team alignment
• Facilitates daily standups, retrospectives, and task updates
• Begins creating project timelines, budgets, and documentation
• Communicates updates and progress to stakeholders

Key Competencies:
Autonomy & Prioritization, Tools, Problem Solving, Communication, Product Knowledge

Level 3: Project Manager

Drives medium-complexity projects from kickoff through delivery. Trusted to manage scope, risk, and stakeholder alignment.

• Owns end-to-end delivery for cross-functional projects
• Manages budgets, vendors, and resources
• Aligns stakeholders through meetings, status updates, and escalation paths
• Ensures project goals stay aligned with business priorities

Key Competencies:
Scope & Complexity, Communication, Expertise, Collaboration & Feedback, Reliability, Problem Solving

Level 4: Senior Project Manager / Program Manager

Owns complex or multi-team initiatives. Leads strategic projects with wide business impact.

• Leads cross-functional or multi-phase programs
• Develops program-level OKRs, success metrics, and roadmaps
• Manages high-stakes stakeholders including executives
• Identifies and resolves systemic delivery challenges

Key Competencies:
Expertise, Autonomy & Prioritization, Product Knowledge, Scope & Complexity, Communication

Level 5: Lead Program Manager / Strategic PM

Drives transformation across the organization. Partners with leadership on program strategy and execution.

• Leads large-scale, cross-org programs with business-critical outcomes
• Shapes portfolio planning and execution frameworks
• Advises executives on delivery models and operating rhythms
• Champions process maturity and best practices

Key Competencies:
Scope & Complexity, Expertise, Communication, Autonomy & Prioritization, Product Knowledge

Level 6: Principal Program Manager / Portfolio Lead

Defines project delivery standards, systems, and structure for the entire organization.

• Leads enterprise portfolio strategy and governance
• Defines tooling, methodology, and PMO operations
• Serves as a trusted advisor to execs and department heads
• Mentors senior PMs and elevates IC discipline org-wide

Key Competencies:
Scope & Complexity, Communication, Expertise, Product Knowledge, Problem Solving

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People Manager Track

Project management leaders drive value by scaling delivery through others—building teams, leading portfolios, and aligning project execution to business strategy.

Level 2: Project Manager (Manager Path)

First-line project leader managing junior PMs or owning a small team’s project portfolio.

• Leads small project teams and reviews PM deliverables
• Aligns program goals with stakeholder expectations
• Mentors early-career PMs
• Ensures consistent process adoption across the team

Key Competencies:
Supervision, Communication, Tools, Responsibility, Collaboration & Feedback

Level 3: Senior Project Manager (Manager Path)

Manages multiple PMs and programs with moderate complexity and visibility.

• Oversees team-level program delivery and resource planning
• Leads planning across multiple projects or departments
• Resolves portfolio-level blockers and dependencies
• Shapes standard practices across teams

Key Competencies:
Development, Scope & Complexity, Communication, Responsibility, Problem Solving

Level 4: Program Director

Senior leader responsible for execution quality, program health, and alignment across multiple initiatives or teams.

• Sets program strategy and operating rhythm for business units
• Leads cross-functional planning alongside Finance, Product, Ops
• Defines tools, cadences, and success measures for programs
• Builds and develops a high-performing PM team

Key Competencies:
Responsibility, Communication, Expertise, Supervision, Scope & Complexity

Level 5: Senior Director, Program Management

Owns portfolio governance and executive-level delivery alignment.

• Partners with executive team on planning and resourcing
• Manages senior PM leaders and strategic initiative owners
• Advises on portfolio structure, investment, and prioritization
• Defines culture and standards for delivery excellence

Key Competencies:
Scope & Complexity, Responsibility, Development, Communication, Expertise, Product Knowledge

Level 6: VP of Program Management / PMO Head

Top project leader for the business. Defines the company’s program delivery strategy and supports enterprise-wide execution.

• Sets vision for program ops, delivery excellence, and PM development
• Leads enterprise portfolio planning and exec alignment
• Drives transformation initiatives and program maturity
• Represents PM discipline to the Board and external partners

Key Competencies:
Scope & Complexity, Responsibility, Expertise, Communication, Autonomy & Prioritization, Product Knowledge

Final Notes

This framework is a flexible guide to support clarity and consistency in project management roles. Customize it for your org's size, delivery model (agile, waterfall, hybrid), and strategic goals.

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