There are many people who are proficient at solving problems, communicating with stakeholders, allocating resources, and building timelines. But when you’re trying to hire technical project managers (TPMs), or folks who also understand complex IT concepts on top of all that, things get way more difficult… and fast.

Technical project managers aren’t run-of-the-mill. They’re a special breed that possesses deep technical expertise alongside a personable and business-savvy demeanor.

They can talk to both the “tech geeks” who live and breathe AI, computers, and the internet, as well as those who don’t understand any of it and only care about dollars and cents. And best of all? They can effectively oversee and complete any project you need, keeping it under budget and on time.

Sounds great, right? But where and how can hiring managers find these elusive unicorns? That’s the challenge we’re going to address in this guide.

Keep reading to learn how to locate and land skilled project managers who are also adept at all things technical. With our help, you’ll be better equipped to identify those candidates who bring both technical depth and project management know-how to the table.

There’s no time to waste. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and simplify the search for your next IT project manager star.

What Is Technical Project Manager?

A Technical Project Manager (TPM) is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing the planning, execution, and delivery of technical projects within an organization. This role is crucial in bridging the gap between the technical aspects of a project and the broader business goals. TPMs play a pivotal role in ensuring that technical projects are completed successfully, on time, and within budget.

The Best TPMs Don’t Just Manage – They Influence

It’s not just a matter of finding someone who knows how to define project objectives or manage technical tasks. While these skills are necessary, the key is to hire a project manager who can influence others, including both internal and external stakeholders.

Why is this so important? Because a TPM’s ability to shape perspectives, align priorities, and motivate both cross-functional teams and leaders is what truly drives a project’s success. When a technical project manager can encourage buy-in from engineers, product teams, and executives alike, they move projects along, promoting collaboration, eliminating resistance and friction, and achieving project objectives, even in high-stake situations.

To find this quality in candidates, recruiters often ask applicants to talk about times in the past when they successfully navigated challenges and mitigated project risks by being persuasive, an active listener, and adaptable. They might also ask questions about how the candidate secured support for a tough decision or brought multiple teams together during project planning stages. 

Project managers who can illustrate these skills show that they are true leaders, agents of change, and the ones you should probably hire for your team.

How To Hire Technical Project Managers?

Understanding The Role

Before diving into the hiring process, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what the role of a Technical Project Manager entails. A TPM is not just a liaison between technical and non-technical teams; they are the architects of success, responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects efficiently. Familiarize yourself with the core responsibilities, such as defining project scope, managing resources, and mitigating risks.

Defining Your Needs

Every organization has unique project requirements. Start by defining your specific needs and expectations from a Technical Project Manager. Consider the technical skills, industry experience, and soft skills required for success in your particular environment. Clearly outline the scope of the projects the TPM will handle and the technologies involved.

Crafting A Compelling Job Description

If you're not working with a trusted recruitment consultant who can take charge of the process for you, a well-crafted job description is your first step in attracting top-tier talent. Clearly communicate the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the role. Highlight the exciting challenges and opportunities that come with the position to capture the attention of seasoned TPMs. Use language that resonates with the tech community to ensure your job listing stands out.

Leveraging Your Network And Online Platforms

Don't underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to your professional contacts, industry groups, and online platforms to tap into the vast pool of technical project management talent. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, specialized job boards, and tech communities to connect with potential candidates. Engage in conversations, showcase your company culture, and make your organization an attractive prospect.

Screening And Shortlisting Candidates

Once the applications start pouring in, it's time to carefully screen and shortlist candidates. Look beyond resumes and delve into their project management experience, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills. Conduct thorough interviews to assess their communication style, adaptability, and how well they align with your organization's values.

• Resume Review: Look for a strong alignment between the candidate's experience and the project's requirements. Pay attention to the scope and scale of the projects they've managed.

• Initial Interviews: Conduct preliminary interviews to assess their technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. Use this opportunity to gauge their enthusiasm for the project.

• Assessment: Develop a practical technical assessment to evaluate the candidate's hands-on skills. This could be a case study or a coding exercise relevant to your project.

• Behavioral Interviews: Dive into their past experiences. Ask about challenging situations they've faced, how they overcame them, and what they learned from those experiences.

Technical Assessment And Skills Testing

To ensure the technical prowess of your candidates, incorporate assessments and skills testing into your hiring process. Develop real-world scenarios or case studies that mimic the challenges they might face in your projects. This step is crucial for validating their technical capabilities and assessing how well they can apply their knowledge to practical situations.

Key Skills To Look For:

• Technical Proficiency: Your TPM should have a solid technical background relevant to your project. This ensures they can effectively communicate with the development team and understand potential challenges.

• Leadership Skills: A great TPM is a natural leader who can inspire and motivate the team. Look for candidates with a track record of successfully leading technical teams.

• Communication Skills: Effective communication is paramount for a TPM. They need to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and vice versa. Assess a candidate's communication skills through interviews and practical scenarios.

• Problem-Solving Abilities: Technical projects often come with unexpected challenges. Your TPM should be adept at problem-solving and making quick, informed decisions under pressure.

• Adaptability: In the fast-paced tech industry, adaptability is key. Ensure your candidate has a history of adapting to new technologies, methodologies, and project requirements.

Cultural Fit And Team Dynamics 

A successful Project Manager not only possesses the right skills but also aligns with your company's culture. Assess how well candidates will integrate into your team and contribute to a positive work environment. Consider their leadership style, collaborative approach, and ability to adapt to your organization's values and norms.

Reference Checks And Background Verification

Before making a final decision, conduct thorough reference checks to validate the information provided by the candidates. Reach out to their previous employers, colleagues, or clients to gain insights into their work ethics, reliability, and overall performance. A background verification process adds an extra layer of assurance.

Negotiation And Onboarding 

The hiring process doesn't end with an offer acceptance. A robust onboarding process is essential to integrate the new TPM seamlessly into your team and ensure they understand your company's processes and expectations. Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to keep your TPMs at the forefront of technological advancements and project management best practices.

Stop Looking for Unicorns: Hire TPMs That Can Grow With You

Don’t fall into the trap of seeking the “perfect” candidate who checks every single box on your list, especially when hiring for a complex role like a technical program manager. Expecting folks to possess every skill from the start can be unrealistic and might limit the pool of highly capable applicants. 

Rather than searching for someone who matches an exact set of requirements, hire project managers who have a strong foundation in both technical and project management skills, as well as a proven ability to learn and adapt.

An experienced project manager who demonstrates a solid grasp of core competencies, curiosity, and a growth-oriented mindset can be an incredibly valuable asset. As your business changes, these TPMs can grow alongside it, adapting to new project management tools, technologies, and methodologies. 

Investing in versatile individuals with strong leadership skills who are eager and hungry to learn will help you build a team that’s not only capable today but also ready to meet future challenges head-on.

The Future of Technical Project Management: AI, Automation, and Beyond

As we look toward the future, what’s in store for this role? How will advanced technologies like AI and machine learning impact the average freelance project manager and all the technical project management experts out there? Let’s discuss.

Just like so many other industries, technical project management is being reshaped by AI, automation, and digital tools. These advancements are transforming how projects are planned, executed, and delivered. 

For example, AI-powered software already helps TPMs more accurately predict timelines, track project progress, analyze risks, and automate repetitive tasks, freeing up their time to work on strategic initiatives instead. Meanwhile, automation tools make managing projects easier, streamlining workflows, cutting down on errors, and increasing consistency, especially in large-scale or complex projects.

Beyond all these efficiency gains, AI analyzes vast data sets in record time, providing real-time insights and data-driven recommendations that assist TPMs in making timely and well-informed decisions. Plus, as technical projects grow in scope—often involving remote teams across multiple time zones—telecommunication tools will only grow in importance. In the future, recruitment firms will seek TPM candidates who not only have project management experience but also know how to manage and leverage these popular technologies and tools.  

With all these advancements, TPMs will shift from mere task managers to strategic leaders, driving projects that are smarter and faster than ever before.  

Big Takeaway

In the dynamic realm of technical project management, success hinges on assembling a stellar team of professionals.

By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you're on the path to finding the perfect Technical Project Manager who not only possesses the required skills but also aligns with your company's vision.

For ongoing talent solutions and expert assistance in building your dream team learn about our talent solutions and how we help you hire PMs. Your journey to project excellence begins with the right team—take the next step and elevate your projects to new heights.