what is a project coordinator?
As a project coordinator, you manage specific aspects of a project. You assist project managers with organizing and planning particular tasks. For instance, you perform administrative tasks on behalf of the project manager, like monitoring and assigning daily jobs to team members. You communicate the project details with team members and act as a liaison between team members and the project manager. You also create reports and updates for the management team.
The role of a project coordinator changes constantly depending on the project. For instance, in the initial planning stages, you facilitate the acquisition of resources and manage contracts. You also create a budget and ensure the workers optimize their resources.
what kinds of industries do project coordinators work in?
Project coordinators focus on organization and implementation, which makes them useful in every industry. Since most business sectors have projects that need supervision, project coordinators are always in demand. You may work in construction, assisting project managers in supervising successful building projects. Some project coordinators work in the mining industry, helping mining managers with administrative work like supervision and report writing.
project coordinator jobsaverage project coordinator salary
The median remuneration package of a project coordinator in Canada is $63,000 per year. Entry-level workers with minimal experience start their careers with an annual salary of $52,000. On the other hand, experienced project coordinators take home a remuneration package of $75,000. However, keep in mind that salaries in Canada can be higher in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, and lower in smaller towns or rural areas.
what factors affect the salaries of project coordinators?
Remuneration packages vary depending on the industry and specific roles. For instance, working in the public sector is likely to pay more than in the private sector, especially if you work in defense. Project coordinators in engineering and mining earn higher salaries than construction coordinators.
In some companies, a project coordinator works under a project manager. At the same time, other employers expect the project coordinator to perform similar duties to the project manager. When you take on additional responsibilities in project management, you are likely to earn a higher salary.
Your qualifications and experience also influence your remuneration package. With the right skills and experience, you will be a top earner in your company. Entry-level project coordinators earn less due to their minimal work experience.
types of project coordinators
The types of project coordinators depend on the industry sector. Some project coordinator roles include:
- government project coordinator: you help to oversee the various aspects of a government project. This can include coordinating between different government agencies, as well as private contractors.You ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
- construction project coordinator: you may work in the construction or infrastructure industry. Your job is to organize construction workers, prepare budgets and ensure the construction work meets building regulations. You also report to project managers or clients on the site work progress.
- information technology project coordinator: you assist in delivering IT projects on time. You may supervise software development projects, network upgrades or the creation of IT strategies. You also assist in integrating new technologies.
- business project coordinator: you can work in the finance, hospitality and health sectors to drive business improvement and transformation. You monitor the successful implementation of business improvement processes to ensure their success.
working as a project coordinator
Working as a project coordinator involves organizing and supervising various tasks related to project execution. Here are some of the duties and work environments of project coordinators:
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project coordinator job description
Some of the responsibilities of a project coordinator include:
- monitoring the daily progress of projects: you ensure company projects run smoothly by supervising the project activities and ensuring they align with the budget and project timeline. Your job is to make sure the workers complete their tasks on time and achieve the set milestones. If any project activity is behind schedule, you inform the necessary stakeholders to provide the required adjustments to the work schedule.
- updating the stakeholders: you report to the project manager and clients. It is your job to keep them updated on the progress of the project and advice on necessary changes. If workers need additional time or resources to complete a project, you ensure the client is informed.
- planning meetings and organizing project logistics: you plan meetings with staff members to discuss work activities. You also schedule meetings with clients on behalf of the project manager. If the project requires logistical support or the team works at an offsite location, your job involves planning various logistics.
- ordering supplies and organizing contracts: you ensure projects have sufficient resources. You work with vendors to review the contracts and ensure they align with the budget. You also communicate with suppliers to ensure they deliver raw materials on time.
- completing administrative work: as a project coordinator, you are responsible for the administrative duties of the project. That includes performing billing and bookkeeping tasks to support the project. You organize reports, invoices, contracts and other financial documents. You also order necessary office supplies.
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work environment
Project coordinators work in various industries and diverse work environments. In construction or mining, a project coordinator works both indoors and outdoors. When you are supervising work on-site, you will work in noisy and dusty work settings. You should wear a hard hat and protective clothing when managing work sites.
When you work in manufacturing, you are likely to work indoors in climate-controlled factory settings. You work in office settings supervising IT or finance professions in business sectors like finance or information technology.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include mining managers, architects and project managers. You might also be working close to finance managers and estimators, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, construction managers, engineers and accountants.
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work schedule
As a project coordinator, your work schedule depends on the project you are working on and the industry sector. Most project coordinators work full-time work schedules with occasional weekend and evening work. In the construction and mining industries, your work schedule starts early, while in office settings, you work the traditional business hours. In technology companies, you work late nights to complete software upgrades when other employees are out of work.
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job outlook
Being a project coordinator prepares you for an exciting project planning and management career. Most project coordinators are poised to become project managers. Some project coordinators progress to become portfolio managers or programme managers. If you enjoy working in construction, you can find interesting career paths like becoming a construction manager, quantity surveyor or architect.
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advantages of finding a project coordinator job through Randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
project coordinator skills and education
The education required to become a project coordinator depends greatly on the industry and the needs of the employer. While some companies require only a high school diploma, a graduate degree in a relevant field is an asset. Fields such as business administration, project management, engineering, or a related area can be beneficial. The more solid training and experience you have in project management, the better your chances of advancing to a senior position.
skills and competencies
The following qualities can help you excel as a project coordinator:
- attention to detail: as a project coordinator, you supervise all project activities. Being detail-oriented helps you zone in on minor aspects of the project to ensure all activities run smoothly.
- organizational skills: as project coordinator, you require exceptional organizational skills to plan project activities and work schedules. Since you have multiple tasks to juggle, organization skills help you balance competing priorities and ensure everything runs smoothly.
- problem-solving skills: as a project coordinator, it is essential to think on your feet since you encounter various problems. Problem-solving skills help you stay calm in a crisis and promptly fix any issues.
- leadership skills: as project coordinator, you supervise various work activities and colleagues. Hence, you need leadership skills to make decisions. Leadership skills improve your confidence in managing the workforce and motivating project teams towards a specific goal.
FAQs
Here are the most asked questions about working as a project coordinator:
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what is the main responsibility of a project coordinator?
As a project coordinator, your main role is to handle administrative tasks on behalf of the project manager. You organize and coordinate workflows and ensure the team has adequate resources to complete projects within stipulated times.
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what skills does a project coordinator need?
You require good communication and interpersonal skills to excel in your role as a project coordinator. Interpersonal skills help you maintain good relationships with project teams. You also need strong multitasking and organizational skills to complete tasks on time. Problem-solving skills come in handy when resolving issues.
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how much do project coordinators make in canada?
A project coordinator earns a median remuneration of $63,000 annually. The qualifications and work experience usually determine the earnings. That's why entry-level project coordinators earn $52,000 annually while experienced employees take home over $75,000 yearly. Salaries also depend on the location and complexity of the job. For instance, working in metro areas has attractive remuneration prospects compared to smaller cities.
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how do you become a project coordinator in canada?
You can become a project coordinator with qualifications in project management. Most project coordinators complete a diploma in relevant field such as business administration, project management, engineering, or other related areas. You also require extensive work experience in entry-level roles to build your skills.
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what is the difference between a project coordinator and a project manager?
A project coordinator focuses on specific aspects of a project and assists in project execution. Project managers oversee project planning to completion. They take a bird's eye view of the project instead of implementing specific stages.
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how do I apply for a project coordinator vacancy?
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