Name: The Difference Between Project Manager and Project Lead
Rating: 5

Projects manager, project leader, aka project lead, team leader, there are so many project manager jobs that it’s easy to get confused. Some organizations hire one of them, others hire them all.

If you still don’t know the difference between the project manager and project lead, we’re here to help.

What Is The Difference Between Project Manager And Project Leader?

You’ve probably heard these two terms being used interchangeably. But are they synonymous? Today with TimeCamp you’ll find out about the differences and similarities between the two. We prepared a comparison of the position of the project lead and project manager. You’ll see which tasks belong to them and which don’t, what makes their work different and how important it is to know the distinction between them in case of a project leadership.

It may not be easy to see the difference at first but you don’t have to worry, the two are similar that’s why it may be a challenge.

So make yourself comfortable and follow up!

Who Is Project Lead And Who Is Project Manager?

In general, a project leader can be a project manager, but the project manager is not a project lead. Still, they both have certain tasks and plans. They carry out the projects and make sure everything is finalized. But their roles are not the same.

There are slight differences and it’s worth to know them. Especially, if you’re planning to become one of them.

Project Lead

Here are some of the most important duties of the project lead:

Leads people throughout the project. The project leader tells people all the basic information concerning the project. They’re always there in case any trouble appears and is a guide for the team in their tasks.

Is concerned with the project’s outcome. They’re interested in the effects. The how, why, what for. She aims to make sure the project is carried in the best way possible. That every detail is taken care of and there are no understatements.

Project lead has a vision in which he engages people. He motivates them and gives clues and ideas. They listen to the team, care for its needs, and pay attention to employees’ feelings. Also, he ensures the atmosphere at work is friendly so the work is done productively and with dedication. So, ideally, he has great project leadership skills.

Has people beneath him. The project lead has more freedom than the project manager when it comes to giving orders and controlling people. They lead the project.
Adds value to the project and team. Project lead gives the team’s work a meaning. They make people feel that their work is appreciated and important. She’s spiritual support for the team.

Project Manager

Here’s how a project manager job is different than a project lead:

They are concerned about meeting deadlines. There is a project and it needs to be done. Everyone has to do his/her job and that’s what matters the most.

Has a tactical approach. Takes care of budget, schedule, deadlines, documentation, staffing, HR, people, etc. project managers are not there to motivate people but to keep things organized.

Reports the progress. Is responsible for delivering updates on the project progress and possible obstacles.
Is beneath the project leader. He doesn’t have that much freedom when it comes to people. He manages the project and that’s his main role.
They handle the business administration and related activities and synchronize work to meet the objectives.

Leadership — the Common Goal

Being either a project manager or a project lead requires a lot of work in terms of managing business administration, analyzing data and tackling challenges. And sometimes, it may be tough to keep a hand on all these aspects. After all, both positions are about project leadership skills — leading and guiding people through all the stages of a project or product life. And a good leader doesn’t only talk, he also does a lot to enhance the work.

Leadership is undeniably the common goal in project management. Both personas lead and project all aspects of work to unite the team and ensure processes are on track.

Since both roles have to be performed with attention to details, it is extremely important always to have access to all data. A leader must act smartly, so they need to use tools to improve and synchronize the work. A PMP certification course ensures that leaders gain essential project management skills. This course emphasizes efficient data handling and smart leadership, enhancing work synchronization and continuous improvement.

There are many project management tools available on the market and one of them is TimeCamp, one of the top 10 time tracking software with the desktop app.

Leaders need to know how much time employees spent on work. It’s also important to control the budget.

Invoicing and a wide range of integrations are also a great advantage as they allow those who lead to work on different aspects of work in one place, which is so important in the duties of project managers and project lead.

And TimeCamp works as a great assistance tool for leaders. If you like to have everything under control, it’s a perfect solution for you. Especially if you’re a project manager or a project lead.

Remember, both the project manager and project lead have to be able to see the projects and the company’s progress. It’s a significant part of their work as leaders.

Find out more about TimeCamp’s great features which make the work of a leader better.

Start tracking today for free

To Sum Up

Even though the role of the project lead and project manager may seem similar, they have small but important differences. The terms may be used interchangeably in one company but for other businesses, they can mean something completely different. You don’t want to end up doing the project lead’s work when you’re supposed to do the work of a project manager! 😉

BEFORE YOU GO!

Make sure to check out TimeCamp Planner – our new innovative task management app with chat! Perfect for leaders and teams wanting to enhance productivity. Keep up with the deadlines and stay on top of your work!

Last updated January 29, 2020

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Kate Borucka Kate is a professional freelance copywriter and translator with a niche focus on time tracking software, time management, and SaaS solutions. With a degree in English studies, she has a knack for turning complex technical topics into clear, engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. When she’s not immersed in the latest software trends or navigating linguistic differences between English and Polish, she’s busy trying to master the art of squeezing more hours out of the day—juggling work, life, and embarking on new adventures with her endlessly curious daughter, discovering the world together (and loving every minute of it), always finding ways to weave the insights from their adventures into her creative work.

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