Managing digital projects—whether building a new website, implementing new software, or launching a marketing campaign—requires careful planning, coordination, and execution. One common question we get from clients at Dura Digital is: “Should we hire a professional project manager, or can we manage this internally?”
The answer often depends on the complexity of the project, the experience of your internal team, and the desired outcomes. Here's how to determine the right path for your business.
The Case for Hiring a Professional Project Manager
Hiring a professional project manager (PM) ensures that your project is guided by someone with specialized skills and experience in managing timelines, resources, and stakeholders. Professional PMs bring a range of benefits:
- Expertise in Project Execution: Professionals have likely encountered similar projects and can foresee potential roadblocks, which helps in avoiding costly delays or mistakes.
- Efficiency and Focus: A dedicated PM is laser-focused on the project's success, ensuring that it stays on track while your internal teams can focus on their core responsibilities.
- Handling Complex Projects: If the project involves multiple departments, new technology, or significant organizational change, a seasoned professional will be better equipped to manage those complexities.
- Risk Mitigation: Professionals are skilled in identifying and managing risks, ensuring that the project stays on budget and meets all required milestones.
If your project requires tight coordination across teams or has high stakes, such as a website overhaul or software integration, a professional project manager will provide the structure and leadership needed to ensure success.
When an Internal Resource Might Be Enough
Many businesses already have team members with some level of project management experience. Leveraging these internal resources can be an efficient solution when:
- Smaller Projects or Short Timelines: For smaller projects or tasks that are already well-understood by your team, assigning an internal resource makes sense. If the project has a shorter timeline and fewer dependencies, internal teams can often coordinate and execute without the need for specialized project management expertise.
- Team Familiarity: Your internal resource is already familiar with your company culture, goals, and workflows. They don’t require onboarding or deep background knowledge of the business, which can help avoid delays.
- Lower Costs: Hiring externally incurs costs, whereas utilizing internal team members typically only involves their current salaries. If the project is less complex, relying on existing employees is often a more budget-friendly choice.
- Upskilling Opportunities: Allowing internal staff to take on project management responsibilities can also be an opportunity for professional development. If you have employees eager to grow their skills in this area, assigning them to manage projects can be a win-win.
Warning Signs You May Need to Bring in a Professional
Even if your project is already underway, there are warning signs that indicate it may be time to bring in a professional project manager to get things back on track:
- Missed Deadlines or Budget Overruns
- Lack of Clear Communication
- Scope Creep
- Overwhelmed Internal Teams
- Low Team Morale or Burnout
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
At Dura Digital, we encourage businesses to evaluate their specific project needs when deciding between an internal resource and a professional project manager…or if a change is needed mid-project. Consider the scale, complexity, and risk associated with your project and whether any of the warning signs exist. If your internal team has the capacity and skills to manage the project effectively, it might make sense to keep it in-house. But if the stakes are high or the project is particularly challenging, bringing in an experienced project manager can ensure success and drive value.
Whatever your decision, our Business Growth Studio has consultants who are ready to help. Our Program Management Services are designed to bring effective planning together with excellence in execution to help make your vision a reality.
Contact us for a consultation today.
Your Digital Future. Realized.
