Working Vendor Side as a Project Manager

ausadmin

— 2 min read

Working as a project manager (PM) on the vendor side presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities compared to traditional client-side project management. Vendor-side PMs play a crucial role in ensuring that the products or services their company provides meet the client's requirements, budget, and timeline. This article explores the intricacies of working vendor side as a PM, drawing insights from industry experts and seasoned professionals. 

Understanding the Vendor-Side PM Role 

Vendor-side project managers are responsible for overseeing projects from the perspective of a supplier of goods or services. This role involves direct interaction with clients, managing expectations, and ensuring that deliverables are completed to satisfaction. Unlike client-side PMs, who focus on the project's success within their own organization, vendor-side PMs must balance their organization's interests with those of their clients. 

Key Challenges and Strategies 

  1. Defining and Agreeing on Scope: One of the primary challenges is ensuring a clear understanding of the project scope among all parties. Misunderstandings or assumptions about the scope can lead to conflicts and scope creep. Vendor-side PMs should work closely with clients to define and document the scope in detail, facilitating agreement from all stakeholders. 
  2. Managing Scope Creep: Scope creep is a common issue that can derail projects. Vendor-side PMs need to be adept at managing changes to the project scope, employing strategies such as the "say yes, but" approach to negotiate extensions or modifications while keeping the project on track. 
  3. Navigating Stakeholder Expectations: Dealing with stakeholders who have differing views on a project feature or deliverable requires tact and diplomacy. Building a strong case and engaging in open dialogue can help reconcile these differences and keep the project moving forward. 
  4. Change Control: Implementing a structured change control process is essential for managing scope changes effectively. This includes conducting impact assessments for each change request and ensuring that any changes are formally agreed upon and documented. 
  5. Streamlining Estimation 

As most client engagements require an SoW Vendor teams need to produce estimates quickly and accurately.   Here are some approaches to increase efficiency: 

  • Use of Templates: Employ templated Excel sheets listing standard activities and implementation times, adjusting for specific client needs. 
  • Automated Questionnaires: Consider developing automated questionnaires that clients can fill out to provide necessary information for effort estimation. 
  • Pre-filled Resources: Utilize Excel or Google Sheets with pre-filled resources and standard implementation times to plug in client-specific requirements. 

 

Best Practices for Success 

  • Clear Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with clients and stakeholders, ensuring that expectations are managed effectively throughout the project lifecycle. 
  • Documentation: Rigorous documentation of agreements, changes, and project progress is crucial for transparency and accountability. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Engage stakeholders in the definition and change control processes to ensure buy-in and minimize resistance to changes. 
  • Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt to changes and challenges, employing creative problem-solving to find solutions that satisfy all parties involved. 

Conclusion 

Working as a project manager on the vendor side requires a unique set of skills and strategies to navigate the challenges of meeting client expectations while delivering successful projects. By focusing on clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and effective change management, vendor-side PMs can build strong relationships with clients and drive project success. 

Read more