Data scientists are vital in helping healthcare organizations advance patient care through innovative data management. When hiring, you may picture a lone professional working away at their computer. In reality, data scientists rarely work alone.

Instead, they collaborate closely with other team members, including project managers, executives, and stakeholders. The more you understand the differences between these roles, the better prepared you’ll be to identify the right candidate for your needs. Learning how to hire a data scientist who can seamlessly integrate into your team is crucial for success. This guide will clarify the differences between project executives and project managers so you can make informed hiring decisions that will help your organization achieve its goals.

Azulity’s provider credentialing services can help you get there. By easing the burden of provider data management, our solution allows healthcare organizations to get a handle on their data to improve operations, reduce costs, and perform better on regulatory and quality measures.

Project Executive Roles and Responsibilities

employees in a meeting - Project Executive vs Project Manager

What is a Project Executive? 

A project executive is the head of an organization’s project management team. They’re experienced, usually with at least 10-15 years of project management and leadership roles behind them. The project executive has the final responsibility for the projects under their purview.

The project executive has support on the customer side from the senior user and on the supply side from the senior supplier. The project executive is the primary decision-maker and tends to be employed for larger, more complex projects as opposed to smaller ones that don’t usually have this position.

Other names are sometimes used for a project executive. For example, they can be called a project owner, though they shouldn’t be confused with a product owner. Also, a project owner defines various roles, from the project sponsor to the project champion or the owner’s manager. For our purposes, project executive is the best title to avoid confusion.

What Does a Project Executive Do? 

The project executive works at a high level and helps develop and implement the organization’s strategic planning. The project executive monitors the progress of the organization’s various projects and is responsible for evaluating the project team and staff.

In terms of projects, the project executive will monitor their progress and ensure they’re on time for when they should be according to the project timeline. They do the same regarding the budget, ensuring that the project isn’t overspending and keeping track of costs to deliver the project within its budget.

The project executive communicates with the project manager and project team, informing them of staffing decisions and ensuring they know project priorities. They’ll also check in with the project clients to make sure the project is meeting their expectations and specifications.

This gives you a general idea of what a project executive does. We’ll get into greater detail later, but it’s clear that project executives need an overview of the project’s progress. ProjectManager has real-time project dashboards and portfolio dashboards so project executives can get a high-level overview of one or many projects whenever they want to. 

The dashboard captures live project data in easy-to-read graphs and charts showing time, cost, and more metrics. Unlike lightweight project management software, no time-consuming setup is required. Our dashboard is plug-and-play. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities of a Project Executive 

A project executive is responsible for many aspects of the project. One of their duties is to lead the project team through all project phases, from initiation through closure. They’ll also interview potential project team members when filling an empty position is necessary.

The responsibilities of a project executive not only reside within the project team and with the project client and vendors. They’ll develop relationships with both to identify and leverage opportunities as they show themselves.

Back to the project, though, where many project executive’s duties reside. They serve the client and the vendors in this regard, as well as the project team, by ensuring the project is operating on schedule and supporting the high-level business objectives of the organization.

Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities

woman in a meeting - Project Executive vs Project Manager

What Exactly Does a Project Manager Do?

Project managers help organize and execute projects. As the name suggests, project managers are responsible for projects from initiation to close, ensuring the work gets done efficiently and satisfactorily. As team leaders with day-to-day schedules that are constantly changing, a static project manager job description would be hard to come by. 

Days can be filled with planning the project process, assigning project management tasks, creating a budget, managing a team, or communicating with clients. Project managers span across a wide range of industries, from engineering to financial services. Every company wants to keep costs down without lowering standards; project managers help make this possible. 

What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Project Manager?

Though there are variations in project management positions across industry lines, the general project manager’s duties remain the same. The responsibilities of project managers include: 

Plan and Develop the Project Scope

Every project starts as an idea. A project manager’s responsibility is to work with internal stakeholders and external clients to define that concept and create a process to bring it to fruition. This includes setting and managing client expectations, developing a detailed project plan, defining the project’s scope, understanding project risks, and assigning team members to specific tasks. 

Create and Lead a Team

Project managers are accountable for every aspect of the project, including leading a team capable of meeting or exceeding client expectations for their vision. Successful project managers assemble and manage these individuals to make a fine-tuned project machine. If the team needs guidance, training, or coaching, a project manager must set them up for success. To build and maintain a dynamic team mentality, a project manager must be able to keep open and honest communication, form working relationships, and motivate anyone who needs it. 

Monitor Project Progress and Set Deadlines

Organization and follow-through are a big part of a project manager’s role. From creating an accurate timeline of project completion to ensuring tasks are finished within the confines of the assignment, the project manager must remain aware of how the project is progressing. The project manager also anticipates delays that may occur on the client side and apprises the team of any changes in the client’s needs. 

Overcome Obstacles That Arise

During every project, issues arise that need to be solved. The project manager is the first person to whom clients and team members turn when something goes wrong, so it is in these professionals’ best interest to anticipate any potential hiccups before they happen. Adaptability and problem-solving are key to keeping control of a project. One issue that project managers need to have a plan for is change or expansion in a project’s deliverables throughout a project, also known as scope creep. This usually occurs when the scope of a project isn’t correctly defined from the start, and it can seriously affect the budget and ability to deliver on time. 

Manage the Project Budget

Budget management is another primary project manager’s duty. These professionals make sure that the project gets done without excessive spending. A good project manager has mastered the art of cost efficiency. Project managers must also be transparent and realistic about the cost so clients know how much they are likely to spend from the beginning. 

Ensure Stakeholder Satisfaction

Project managers have the closest relationship with clients of anyone who works on a project. Because of this, they must keep open lines of communication for updates and feedback. If any issues or changes arise in the timeline of a project, for example, the project manager is in charge of keeping the client up to date. 

Evaluate Project Performance

After a project is finished, the project manager is responsible for evaluating its efficiency and effectiveness. With the data they’ve tracked throughout the process, they can begin to identify shortcomings and plan for ways to fix similar issues in the future. This is also an opportunity to highlight what went right, including building camaraderie and rewarding team members who excelled during the project. 

Azulity specializes in healthcare master data management and provider credentialing services, bringing proven expertise in implementing healthcare data solutions and credentialing across the US. Our comprehensive platform ensures consistent patient, provider, location, and claims data synchronization across all systems and departments. 

Key features include healthcare MDM, provider MDM, reference data management, credentialing, and provider enrollment. 

We serve healthcare technology leaders – from CIOs and CDOs to VPs of data platforms and credentialing – helping them eliminate the costly problems of fragmented data systems. Book a call to learn more about our healthcare master data management services today!

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Difference Between Project Executive vs Project Manager

woman using a laptop - Project Executive vs Project Manager

Whether a construction project is big or small, it will have a project manager. The project manager oversees the project’s day-to-day operations, including coordinating with subcontractors, communicating with the client, organizing schedules, and managing the budget. The project manager may be supported by a senior project manager or project executive for large or complex projects. 

The project executive and senior project manager will take on some of the project manager’s responsibilities to alleviate their workload and ensure the successful completion of the project. The key difference between a project executive and a senior project manager is their level of responsibility. A senior project manager focuses on completing individual projects, while a project executive oversees multiple projects, aligning them with organizational goals. 

The Role of a Senior Project Manager 

Senior Project Managers (SPMs) oversee large or complex construction projects. They ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. SPMs lead project teams, coordinate with subcontractors, and serve as clients’ primary point of contact during the project’s execution. They address issues during construction, making decisions to keep the project on track. Typically, SPMs have extensive experience in project management, often overseeing multiple projects from start to finish for over 15-20 years. 

The Role of a Project Executive 

Project Executives (PEs) oversee multiple projects or an entire business unit. They align project outcomes with the organization’s strategic goals. PEs supervise numerous project managers, providing guidance and support for successful project delivery. They maintain high-level relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships. 

PEs make high-level decisions that impact multiple projects and the organization’s direction. They usually have a deep understanding of construction management, project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and financial management, often with 10-15 years of experience in construction management and project leadership. 

Key Differences Between Senior Project Managers and Project Executives 

The differences between senior project managers and project executives can be summed up in four key areas: 

Scope of Responsibility

SPMs focus on individual projects, while PEs have a broader scope, overseeing multiple projects or entire business units. 

Management Level

SPMs manage project teams directly, whereas PEs manage the managers, providing strategic direction and oversight. 

Strategic Involvement

PEs align projects with organizational goals more, whereas SPMs concentrate on successfully executing specific projects.

How to Hire Project Managers and Executives

employees using their laptops - Project Executive vs Project Manager

For Project Managers: Use Azulity

Azulity specializes in healthcare master data management, providing data solutions and services to the healthcare industry. Our comprehensive platform ensures consistent patient, provider, location, and claims data synchronization across all systems and departments. Key features include healthcare MDM, provider MDM, reference data management, credentialing, and provider enrollment. 

We serve healthcare technology leaders — from CIOs and CDOs to VPs of data platforms and credentialing — helping them eliminate the costly problems of fragmented data systems. Book a call to learn more about our healthcare master data management services today!

Define the Role 

Start by clearly defining the role of the project manager. Identify the scope of responsibilities, including project planning, execution, team management, and problem-solving. Specify required certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) and industry experience.

Write a Clear Job Description 

Next, write a detailed and precise job description. Emphasize technical skills like scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. Highlight the importance of soft skills like communication, leadership, and adaptability.

Use Targeted Platforms 

Post the job on targeted platforms. Use professional job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Explore niche platforms such as the PMI Job Board for certified PMs.

Assess Candidates 

Evaluate technical knowledge through case studies or problem-solving scenarios. Conduct behavioral interviews to assess leadership style and decision-making.

Look for Industry Experience 

Prioritize candidates with experience in your specific sector (e.g., IT, construction, or marketing).

For Project Executives: Understand Strategic Needs

Project executives are different from project managers. While project managers ensure a single project is completed on time and within budget, project executives align project goals with organizational strategy. Start by clarifying the role’s focus on aligning project outcomes with organizational goals and overseeing multiple projects or business units. 

Highlight Leadership Qualities 

Next, highlight the leadership qualities needed for success in the role. Seek candidates with a proven track record in high-level decision-making, client relationships, and financial management.

Expand Your Search 

Don’t limit your candidate search to online job boards. Use executive search firms like Korn Ferry or Egon Zehnder. Leverage personal networks, referrals, and LinkedIn’s premium tools to identify experienced professionals. 

Assess Executive Experience 

Look for candidates with 10+ years of experience in project management or leadership roles. Assess their ability to manage teams, influence stakeholders, and drive organizational success. 

Evaluate Cultural Fit 

Finally, panel interviews will gauge how the candidate’s leadership style aligns with the company’s culture and goals. 

For Both Roles: Include a Practical Assessment 

Include a practical assessment for both roles: test problem-solving, strategic thinking, or leadership through real-world scenarios. 

Check References 

Always check references. Verify past performance in projects or executive roles relevant to your industry. 

Offer Competitive Packages 

Both project managers and project executives are vital to the success of data science projects. Offer salary, benefits, and perks that reflect the importance of the role. 

Onboard Effectively 

Finally, a thorough onboarding process should be provided to set clear expectations and integrate them into the team.

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Book a Call to Learn More About Our Provider Credentialing Services

Azulity focuses on managing healthcare master data and provider credentialing services. With years of experience implementing healthcare data solutions and credentialing across the US, Azulity helps healthcare organizations eliminate the costly problems of fragmented data systems. Its comprehensive platform ensures consistent patient, provider, location, and claims data synchronization across all systems and departments. 

Key features include healthcare MDM, provider MDM, reference data management, credentialing, and provider enrollment. We serve healthcare technology leaders – from CIOs and CDOs to VPs of data platforms and credentialing – helping them eliminate the costly problems of fragmented data systems. Book a call to learn more about our healthcare master data management services today!

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