Project manager in a technology company: what sets them apart?
The role of a Project Manager in a technology company goes far beyond technical skills. It requires adaptability, multitasking, and building strong relationships within the team and with clients. Katarzyna Samsel-Ciapała, Project Manager at Altimi, shares her experiences, challenges, and career path.
Readiness for change and multitasking
Every technology project is different, and unexpected changes often arise. Katarzyna sees change not as stress, but as motivation:
“Change doesn’t paralyze me – on the contrary, it motivates me to take action. Thanks to Agile, it’s easier to respond to new challenges and quickly adapt to situations.”
One of her biggest achievements was reorganizing processes during major organizational changes – selecting the right tools and guiding the team through adaptation.
Career path and education
Katarzyna began in recruitment, managing HR projects and talent acquisition. Over time, she moved into client collaboration and technology project management. Practical experience, self-education, and mentorship from leaders helped her develop the managerial skills essential in her current role.
Why the IT industry?
Curiosity and ambition led her into IT. Without initial technical knowledge, she quickly learned the basics and gained confidence in managing technology projects. This determination allowed her to combine technical understanding with managerial expertise.
Soft skills vs. technical skills
While Product Owners focus on product vision and representing client needs, Project Managers oversee the whole project – schedules, budgets, teamwork, and communication. According to Katarzyna, organizational abilities and soft skills are crucial, while technical knowledge can be acquired over time.
Tools of the trade
PMs rely on tools that support communication and organization. Slack and Microsoft Teams facilitate collaboration, while JIRA and Azure DevOps help track progress, prioritize tasks, and maintain consistency with schedules and budgets.
Career development for project managers
The PM career path depends on the organization. Large companies often divide roles into junior, mid, and senior PM, with growth leading to Head of Development or similar leadership roles. In technology firms, PMs manage multiple client projects, while in product companies they focus on the long-term development of one product.
PM as partner and leader
An effective PM acts as both partner and leader. Katarzyna stresses:
“I strive to be a partner to the team while maintaining clear boundaries. Authority is earned through responsibility, consistency, and the quality of work, not just a formal title.”
Balancing collaboration with oversight ensures the team feels supported and secure in delivery.
The value of a project manager in tech
The role of a Project Manager in a technology company is a blend of leadership, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. As Katarzyna’s story shows, success in this position is not only about technical knowledge but also about the ability to navigate change, support teams, and build trust with clients.
In a rapidly evolving IT industry, a PM becomes the bridge between technology and people – ensuring projects move forward smoothly, teams feel supported, and business goals are achieved. This balance of partnership and leadership is what truly sets effective Project Managers apart.
Poject manager role in a technology company
Does a project manager need technical knowledge or IT experience?
While technical knowledge can enhance communication with the development team, the most important skills are managerial: planning, task coordination, and effective team management. Technical knowledge can be developed alongside work, allowing a PM to successfully combine soft skills with the technical requirements of projects.
What are the main differences between a project manager and a product owner?
The Project Manager is responsible for the overall success of the project – its schedule, budget, and team performance. The Product Owner focuses on the product itself: defining requirements, prioritizing features, and representing the client’s interests. Collaboration between these roles is crucial for achieving consistent results and delivering projects on time.
What tools support a project manager’s work?
Essential tools include project management systems such as JIRA and Azure DevOps, which track progress and prioritize tasks, as well as business communication platforms like Slack and Teams, which facilitate collaboration with the team and clients and enable rapid responses to project changes.
Is it possible to become a PM without prior IT experience?
Yes, many technology companies value managerial skills, organizational abilities, and leadership qualities. Technical knowledge can be acquired on the job, while openness to growth and adaptability remain key traits of an effective Project Manager.
