Project manager CV

A strong project manager CV can be the key to landing your next role, whether you’re an experienced professional or just stepping into the world of project management. This page is packed with everything you need to create a standout CV, including a project manager CV example, a free project manager CV template, and a step-by-step guide on how to write a winning CV that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements.

While this CV is designed for project management roles, it can also help professionals applying for related positions. If you’re aiming for a programme manager role, where you oversee multiple projects within an organisation, or a scrum master position, leading Agile teams and facilitating sprints, this template will give you a strong foundation. It’s also suitable for operations managers, ensuring business processes run smoothly, as well as consultants who provide project-based expertise to companies. Even product managers, responsible for managing a product’s lifecycle from development to launch, can benefit from a well-structured CV that highlights leadership, problem-solving, and organisational skills.

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Content of this CV template

How to write a project manager CV

A well-crafted project manager CV is essential for securing interviews and advancing your career. Project management is a highly competitive field, requiring a CV that not only demonstrates leadership, organisation, and problem-solving skills but also highlights experience in delivering projects on time and within budget. This guide will take you through every section of your CV, explaining what to include, how to structure your content, and how to tailor your CV for different industries and roles.

1. Structure and formatting

A clear, well-structured CV makes it easier for recruiters to see your key skills and experience at a glance. Stick to the following structure:

• Header: Your name, job title, and contact details
• Professional profile: A concise summary of your experience and key strengths
• Key skills: A bullet-pointed list of relevant project management skills
• Work experience: Your employment history in reverse chronological order
• Education and certifications: Relevant qualifications, including project management certifications
• Additional information: Professional memberships, publications, or languages (if relevant)

Use a professional font such as Arial or Calibri, keep your CV to two pages, and use bullet points for clarity. Avoid unnecessary graphics or excessive colour, as applicant tracking systems (ATS) may struggle to parse them.

2. Writing a strong professional profile

The professional profile (sometimes called a personal statement) is your chance to grab the reader’s attention. In a few sentences, summarise your experience, key strengths, and what you bring to a project management role.

Example:

“Results-driven project manager with over eight years’ experience delivering complex IT and infrastructure projects on time and within budget. Skilled in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. A PRINCE2 and PMP-certified professional with a track record of improving processes and delivering measurable business value. Seeking a role where I can apply my leadership skills to drive successful project outcomes.”

Your profile should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. If you’re targeting a project management role in construction, highlight relevant industry experience. If you’re applying for a digital project manager position, mention Agile methodologies or software development projects.

3. Highlighting key project management skills

Your skills section should be a concise list of the most relevant project management skills. These should align with the job description and demonstrate your ability to lead projects effectively.

Key skills to include:

• Project planning and scheduling
• Budget management and cost control
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies
• Stakeholder and client management
• Team leadership and development
• Process improvement and efficiency
• Contract and procurement management (for construction or engineering roles)
• Software proficiency (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Trello, Asana)

This section should reflect your expertise in both technical project management competencies and soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving.

4. Writing a compelling work experience section

The work experience section should demonstrate your ability to manage projects successfully. Focus on achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Use action verbs and quantifiable results to show the impact of your work.

Example 1: IT project manager

• Led end-to-end delivery of multiple IT infrastructure projects worth £2M+, ensuring 100% on-time completion
• Implemented Agile methodologies, reducing project cycle times by 30% and improving cross-functional team collaboration
• Managed budgets up to £500K, achieving cost savings through process optimisation and vendor negotiation
• Introduced a risk management framework that reduced project failures by 20%

Example 2: Construction project manager

• Oversaw large-scale commercial developments valued at £50M+, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Managed procurement and contractor relationships, achieving a 15% reduction in material costs
• Led teams of 50+ subcontractors and engineers, completing projects ahead of schedule 80% of the time
• Implemented lean construction principles, reducing waste and improving efficiency

Example 3: Marketing project manager

• Successfully managed multi-channel marketing campaigns, increasing client engagement by 35%
• Coordinated cross-functional teams of designers, developers, and content creators to deliver projects within scope
• Used project management tools like Asana and Trello to track progress and meet deadlines

Each example highlights specific project management skills relevant to the role while providing measurable achievements.

5. Showcasing education and certifications

Project management certifications are often essential in this field. Include them in the education and qualifications section, along with any degrees relevant to the industry.

Example:

PRINCE2 Practitioner | APMG International | 2022
PMP (Project Management Professional) | PMI | 2021
BSc in Civil Engineering | University of Manchester | 2015–2018

If you’re early in your career, highlight relevant coursework, university projects, or internships that demonstrate your project management abilities.

6. Tailoring your CV to different industries

Project management roles exist across various industries, and tailoring your CV accordingly can increase your chances of success.

• IT project managers should emphasise Agile methodologies, software development lifecycle (SDLC), and experience with platforms like Jira or Trello.
• Construction project managers should highlight budgeting, contract management, health and safety compliance, and experience with construction management software.
• Marketing project managers should focus on campaign planning, digital tools (e.g., HubSpot, Google Analytics), and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Engineering project managers should include experience in regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and working with technical teams.
• Financial services project managers should showcase regulatory knowledge, cost control, and experience managing risk in compliance-driven environments.

7. Additional sections to strengthen your CV

Adding extra sections can help set you apart from other candidates. Consider including:

• Professional memberships: PMI (Project Management Institute), APM (Association for Project Management)
• Publications or speaking engagements: If you’ve written articles or spoken at industry events
• Languages: Useful if working in international project management
• Awards or recognitions: If you’ve received industry recognition for successful projects

8. Avoiding common project manager CV mistakes

Even experienced professionals can make mistakes on their CVs. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Being too generic: Tailor your CV to the specific project management role and industry
• Using vague descriptions: Focus on achievements and measurable results
• Failing to highlight certifications: Many employers look for PRINCE2, PMP, or Agile qualifications
• Overloading with technical jargon: Keep it professional but accessible
• Ignoring ATS compatibility: Avoid excessive formatting that might prevent applicant tracking systems from reading your CV

9. Final checklist before submitting your CV

Before sending out your CV, make sure it meets these criteria:

✅ Uses a clear, professional layout
✅ Includes a strong professional profile
✅ Lists key project management skills relevant to the role
✅ Highlights measurable achievements in the work experience section
✅ Showcases relevant certifications and education
✅ Is tailored to the specific job and industry
✅ Is free of spelling and grammatical errors

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