The difference between PMO and a Project Manager (2024)

FAQs

The difference between PMO and a Project Manager? ›

PMO does not manage the project, like a project manager, but the PMO directly supports project managers once a project is underway. The PMO is a part of the project management team within the organisation. PM differs from management because it has a set timeline of when the project will be completed.

Is PMO Higher than Project Manager? Yes, the PMO is typically higher than an individual project manager role in an organization's hierarchy as it has broader responsibilities focused on enterprise-wide project governance, portfolio management, and establishing frameworks.

Team structure and responsibility

The following positions are included in a PMO: Project manager (PM) leader – A project manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the PMO and its projects. The leader reports to the PMO manager, who then reports to the director.

In a project, the project manager is primarily responsible for the scope, cost, and timeline. In a program, the program manager will also staff a project management office (PMO) to help manage program scope, costs, and overall timeline.

A project office and the project management office can both be present in a company at any time a project is ongoing. The main responsibilities differ as the PMO looks at all projects in all their phases, while the project office focuses on a single specific project especially at the execution and delivery phase.

The average pmo salary in the United Kingdom is £45,000 per year or £23.08 per hour. Entry level positions start at £34,960 per year while most experienced workers make up to £70,000 per year.

A PMO Coordinator may move to PMO Analyst or a managerial position. In time, they may take on line management responsibility for project managers or get promoted into a PMO Director role.

A supportive PMO is there to offer guidance to project managers. The office can offer advice and provide documentation and processes but doesn't generally have the power to enforce change on PMs, the focus is in the project KPIs rather than that of the manager.

Most PMOs have no portfolio functions, do not take part in project selection and do not own project resources.

PMOs and Senior Management

With their broad scope and varied responsibilities — and the highly strategic impact of PPM — many PMOs report to the CEO. This is especially true of Enterprise PMOs, which coordinate projects at the firm level.

Is PMO below project manager? ›

Accountability: Project managers are often accountable to the PMO, who provides instructions on project execution. The PMO is accountable to the organization's shareholders and serves as the liaison between key people, such as the stakeholders and the project manager.

A project management office (PMO) is a group, agency or department that defines and maintains the standards of project management for a company.

For instance, in the field of engineering, a project manager might be referred to as a “Project Engineer,” while in information technology fields, another name for a project manager could be “IT Project Lead.” Meanwhile, the construction industry might label a project manager as a “Site Manager” or “Construction ...

Almost everyone has heard of the four P's of marketing – product, pricing, promotion, and place. Marketers use these to help develop a marketing and go-to-market strategy for their product or services. The marketing four P's serve as a guideline.

The highest position in a Project Management Office (PMO) is typically referred to as the "Chief Project Officer" or "Chief Project Management Officer" (CPO or CPMO).

Project managers might go on to become senior project managers, directors, or even vice presidents and other executives.

Since the PMO manager position is at the senior level, it's best to have at least five years of experience working in project management.