Project Supervisor vs. Project Manager: What Are the Differences?

A project supervisor and project manager are both responsible for ensuring the successful completion of a project. However, there are several key differences between these two roles. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between a project supervisor and project manager, and we provide tips for those interested in pursuing a career in project management.

What is a Project Supervisor?

A Project Supervisor is responsible for the overall coordination and completion of a project. They work with other managers to ensure that all aspects of the project are on schedule and within budget. They also work with team members to ensure that tasks are completed according to the project plan. A Project Supervisor typically has a background in project management, engineering or a related field. They must be able to multitask and have strong communication and organizational skills.

What is a Project Manager?

Project Managers are responsible for leading and coordinating a team of employees to complete a specific goal within a certain timeframe. They develop project plans, including timelines, budgets and objectives, then they monitor and adjust the project as needed to ensure its successful completion. Project Managers typically work in the construction, engineering or IT industries, although they can be found in a variety of businesses. They often have a background in the field in which they’re managing projects, as well as experience leading and managing teams.

Project Supervisor vs. Project Manager

Here are the main differences between a project supervisor and a project manager.

Job Duties

Although the two roles share some similar duties, project supervisors often have a more limited set of responsibilities. They’re typically in charge of ensuring that the construction or installation process goes smoothly and without any issues. This involves checking on the crew to make sure they’re following the correct procedures and providing assistance when needed.

In contrast, project managers have broader job responsibilities. They oversee the entire project from start to finish, making sure each aspect is completed successfully. This includes overseeing the work done by the project supervisor and the rest of the team, as well as communicating with clients to ensure all needs are met.

Job Requirements

Project supervisors typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration or project management. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher. Additionally, many project supervisors have several years of experience working in a related field before moving into a supervisor role. For example, they might start their careers as project coordinators or assistant project managers before becoming supervisors.

Project managers also usually need a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. In addition to their education, project managers must also have several years of experience working in a related field. They might start their careers as project coordinators or assistant project managers before becoming project managers. Project managers may also pursue certifications through the Project Management Institute (PMI) to improve their job prospects.

Work Environment

Project supervisors and project managers often work in different environments. Project supervisors typically work in the field, where they can observe their team members’ progress firsthand. They may travel to job sites or construction sites to ensure that projects are progressing as planned.

Project managers usually spend most of their time in an office environment, although they may also visit a site occasionally to check on the status of a project. They may have regular meetings with clients, stakeholders and other project team members via phone or video conference.

Skills

There are several similarities in the skills needed for a project supervisor and a project manager. Both roles require excellent communication skills, as they will need to interact with team members, clients and other stakeholders. They also both need to be highly organized and detail-oriented to ensure that projects stay on track and meet deadlines.

However, there are some key differences in the skills needed for these two roles. A project supervisor is typically more focused on the day-to-day operations of a project, while a project manager is responsible for developing the overall strategy and plan for a project. As a result, project managers need to have strong strategic planning and decision-making skills. They also need to be able to manage multiple tasks and priorities at one time.

Salary

Project supervisors can earn an average salary of $62,103 per year, while project managers can earn an average salary of $87,628 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.