Skip to the main content
Business and financial project management professionals manage and oversee major projects across all sectors of modern industry, commerce and the public sector, in areas such as e-commerce, business analysis, finance, product development, marketing, human resources.

Main tasks

  • Reports regularly on progress to the client or to senior managers.
  • Ensures that each stage of the project is progressing on time, on budget and to the right quality standards.
  • Negotiates with contractors and suppliers for materials and services.
  • Selects and leads a project team.
  • Draws up a detailed plan for how to achieve each stage of the project.
  • Agrees timescales, costs and resources needed.
  • Finds out what the client or company wants to achieve.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£80,895.65

Average earnings

£48,257.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Economics and Accounting

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 0%
Level 1 2%
Level 2 8%
Level 3 15%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 9%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 47%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 17%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 2%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.