Project manager – Career Choices

Job Title Project ManagerName: Simon Dadomo Company: IGD Professional Qualification(s): 13 GCSE’s, 3 A levels, BA (Joint Hons) Management Studies & Italian
Degree studied at: Leeds UniversityBrief job description I am responsible for the launch and development of IGD’s corporate website – www.igd.com. This involves design, content management, development of products and services and technical deployment. My career so far… I joined IGD from university in 1995 and worked as a project leader in the research team analysing UK retail issues. I was then seconded to work with the CEO as her business analyst. At the end of this secondment, I was asked to project manage IGD’s new media strategy. What does your job involve in a typical day? My work has both an internal and external focus. I work with many areas of the business to develop new products and services for the website. At present we are introducing downloadable publications from IGD.com so I am constantly speaking with the authors of the first ones to be offered online, to finalise their requirements. We are also implementing the promotional plan for IGD.com and I have been putting the finishing touches to the activities we have lined up. I am also involved in the day to day management of the website content, although this is mainly handled by our webmaster and communications team. The external focus involves dealing mainly with suppliers. Today I have spoken to our web development agency about the online publication development; our hosting company about performance of our site; and I had a meeting with a potential supplier of website visitor analysis software. What do you like most about your job? I like the whole aspect of corporate change – new media involves new processes, new mindsets and a new culture. Being involved in a whole new strategy is very interesting. What skills are required in your job? Very good communication and influencing skills, both internally and externally Good planning and organisation skills Good understanding of internet business models How many people work for you? One What is your advice to people looking for a career in the food and grocery industry? The food industry is so varied and dynamic that there is bound to be something just right for you. Do your research, understand what you can offer in terms of skills etc. and plan at least the first few years of your career path in advance.