Project Management guide · Careers and certification
Assistant Project Manager: Duties, Skills and Career Path
An assistant project manager supports a project manager in planning and running projects, taking responsibility for parts of the work such as schedules, documents, supplier follow-up and reporting. It is a common stepping stone to becoming a project manager.
Key takeaways
- Assistant project managers support delivery and own parts of a project.
- The role sits between coordinator and project manager.
- Owning workstreams and keeping an experience log prepares you to step up.
Typical duties
- Maintaining the project schedule and tracking progress.
- Updating the RAID log, issue log and action lists.
- Preparing status reports and meeting packs.
- Following up with suppliers and team members on deliverables.
- Managing a workstream or small sub-project under supervision.
- Helping with budgets, purchase orders and invoices.
Assistant PM vs coordinator vs PM
| Role | Main focus | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Project coordinator | Administration, scheduling and communication | Limited |
| Assistant project manager | Supporting delivery and owning parts of the project | Some, within agreed limits |
| Project manager | Accountable for the whole project | Full, within the charter |
The line between coordinator and assistant PM varies between employers. In construction, the assistant project manager title is especially common.
A sample week
- Monday: update the schedule and flag any slipped tasks to the PM.
- Tuesday: chase supplier deliveries and update the procurement tracker.
- Wednesday: run the weekly progress meeting for one workstream.
- Thursday: update risks and issues and draft the status report.
- Friday: review next week's priorities with the PM and record lessons.
How to step up to project manager
- Ask to own a workstream or small project end to end.
- Learn the fundamentals behind what you do: project management processes and phases.
- Get a certification such as the CAPM or PMAI.
- Keep an experience log for a future PMP application.
- Practise presenting to stakeholders and handling escalations.
Frequently asked questions
What does an assistant project manager do?
Supports the project manager by maintaining schedules, logs and reports, following up actions and managing parts of the project.
Is assistant project manager an entry-level job?
Often it is a step above entry level, after a coordinator or administrator role, but some employers hire graduates into it.
What is the difference between an assistant project manager and a project coordinator?
Coordinators focus on administration and communication; assistant PMs usually own parts of delivery and make more decisions.
What qualifications does an assistant project manager need?
Employers often look for a degree or relevant experience, and a certification such as the CAPM helps.
How long does it take to go from assistant project manager to project manager?
It depends on the employer and your progress. Owning workstreams and building evidence speeds things up.
Does assistant project manager experience count towards the PMP?
Experience leading and directing project work can count. Describe the tasks you led when you apply, and check PMI's current rules.
What skills does an assistant project manager need?
Organisation, attention to detail, communication, basic scheduling and budgeting, and comfort with PM software.
Is the assistant project manager role common in construction?
Yes. Assistant project managers are common in construction, where they support PMs on site and commercial work; see construction project manager.
What tools should an assistant project manager learn?
A work management tool such as Wrike, spreadsheets and the reporting tools your employer uses.
How much does an assistant project manager earn?
It varies by country, sector and employer. Check current job adverts and salary surveys for reliable figures.