The Actionable Guide to Become a Resource Manager

Every project management methodology must prioritize resource management as your project and revenues could suffer greatly from improper and unplanned resource management. So, how can you handle resources effectively? The skilled resource manager is a key to success. 

Many people may feel very confused about this job. That is why we want to explain it to you here. In this article, we will help you have an overall understanding of resource managers from their definition, responsibilities, skills, salary, and how to become one, to the tools they need to use. 

What is a Resource Manager?

A resource manager is in charge of organizing, allocating, and planning the resources required for different projects. These resources may include employees, finance, goods, property, machinery, and facilities, among others.

Resource managers are typically needed in mid-sized and big enterprises with large teams and a steadily rising number of projects, as well as in rapidly expanding businesses. Their objective is to ensure that a team can turn a project’s concept into reality, accomplish the task, create real deliverables, and accomplish project objectives. 

Project Manager VS Resource Manager: What are the Differences?

To guarantee that activities are done on budget and schedule, project managers oversee personnel and resource preparing processes. Project managers and resource managers collaborate closely to make sure that there are enough resources on hand to complete a particular task. Resource managers and project managers do separate tasks, despite the fact that both professions are project-focused. Some of the variations between them are as follows:

Goal

Following the organization’s contract victory, the resource manager’s duties begin. After making sure the appropriate personnel and resources are on board, the resource manager switches to a new project. It is the responsibility of the project manager to oversee these resources, complete the project milestones within the confines of the established service level agreement, and, most importantly, stay under the allocated budget.

Job Descriptions

In the Resource managers work on a management level because they are charged with allocating suitable resources to numerous projects. While project managers handle one or more projects at a time, they work at the project level. They are in charge of getting the project team to finish tasks.

Execution

The use of resources is monitored by a resource manager, who compares it to the project objective and looks for overuse, underuse, billable and non-billable activities. On the other hand, a project manager examines the project for risk and, if any is anticipated, creates a plan for risk reduction. In addition, they periodically use milestones to evaluate the progress of the project.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Resource Manager?

A resource manager’s job is to oversee the management of all the resources that your business has at its disposal, particularly its workforce. A resource manager’s duties can change from day to day, however, some of their primary responsibilities are as follows:

Assign specific resources to tasks.

Allocating team members and resources to projects based on their abilities and suitability is a resource manager’s most important responsibility. To make sure that no one is overworked or left idle, a resource manager also regularly supervises initiatives.

Assists project managers.

when there is excessive staff use, an unbalanced workload, or heavy workloads. A resource manager can intervene and assist the project manager with resource reallocation, objective or requirement adjustments, or adding additional team members.

Hiring

In most cases, the resource manager is also in charge of recruiting and onboarding new employees. This helps them get a solid idea of who is on their team. This makes it simple for them to match unique skill sets with appropriate tasks.

Monitoring Employees 

Resource managers to ensure that projects are successfully finished, and keep an eye on employees’ performance, punctuality, and security. 

What Are the Skills and Qualifications Resources Managers Should Have?

You must possess the following skills and qualifications to work as a resource manager:

Qualifications of the Resource Manager.

• Education

Human resource managers with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related discipline are sought after by the majority of employers.

• Certifications

Resource management certifications are an excellent method to raise your qualifications and deepen your understanding of the discipline.

• Work Experience.

The level of experience a resource manager has on the job is what sets them apart from novice resource managers. Since they perform better than those with less expertise, the majority of businesses choose to hire resource managers with extensive experience. 

Skills of a resource manager.

• Adaptability

Despite their expertise in efficiently distributing resources, resource managers may need to modify their plans in specific circumstances. When difficulties emerge, being adaptable will enable you to shift resources to new departments and initiatives.

• Abilities to solve issues quickly

To end power struggles between project managers, resource managers need to be equipped with quick problem-solving techniques.

• Setting priorities

The ability to prioritize projects according to their potential return on and other considerations is a quality that a resource manager must possess.

• Communication

Effective communication is a skill that resource managers must possess. You must be concise and interesting while speaking and writing to team members, project managers, or departmental heads. Additionally, he should not undervalue the importance of listening.

• Budgeting

Planning and overseeing project budgets fall under the purview of resource managers. This necessitates an understanding of how to construct a budget, manage costs, and make modifications to stay within it.  

What Is The Resource Manager’s Salary?

In the US, resource managers typically make $69,963 annually, or $33.64 per hour. The bottom 10 percent of resource managers, or those who earn the least, make about $45,000 annually, while the top 10 percent earn $106,000 annually. The pay for resource managers varies according to the company’s size and sector, size and degree of education, and years of experience. In addition, they might receive commissions or bonuses as additional remuneration. 

How to Become a Resource Manager?

It can be gratifying and fulfilling to begin a career in resource management. The procedures for turning into a resource manager are listed below.

• Take classes in resource management or a similar field to earn a degree.
• Consider certificates in resource management.
• Take a look at internships
• Obtain the Necessary Work Experience.
• Apply for a position as a Resource Manager
• If you want to pursue advanced studies, do so. 

What Tools a Resource Manager Should Know?

You need a resource management tool as a resource manager to make your job easier. These tools will assist in keeping track of your company’s resources, including the labor force, the necessary tools, and the amount of time required to complete a task. Some of the tools you should think about are listed below:

Monday.com

Monday.com is a versatile platform that enables teams to communicate in context and receive a bird’s-eye view of unfinished tasks, accessible materials, and anticipated completion dates. Teams can begin setting timeframes, identifying key stakeholders, and managing any project in just a few minutes thanks to Monday.com’s clever design and simple layout.

Forecast

The forecast is a different resource management tool that enables you to have a summary of both long-term and short-term resource preparation and implementation. The application has a zoom-in and zoom-out feature that allows users to quickly see all of the resources that are available on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

ClickTime

Your ability to track, schedule, and manage the time spent by your employees is improved with ClickTime. Through its easy-to-use timesheets that are accessible from anywhere, it aids in streamlining processes and increasing worker productivity. It works with computers and mobile devices alike.

Reading: Asana vs Monday: What is My Thought After Using Them?

Toggl Plan

The straightforward, vibrant style of this web tool makes scheduling resources and planning projects enjoyable. Create distinct left-hand columns to define project segments, and then use a timeline to drag and drop job durations for each section. Toggl Plan offers weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual zoom-out options so you may check against future demand. In this manner, you are more equipped to decide if you should increase staffing levels or reallocate resources while first adopting a strategic attitude.

Reading: Top 6 Toggl Alternative Tools for You to Choose

Mavenlink

Mavenlink is a well-rounded technology that connects the essential project planning, implementation, accounting, and analytic systems in a unified operating environment. It features modules for resource management, team communication, project management, accounting, and business intelligence. Additionally, it contains a wonderful documenting system, live time and expense monitoring features, and a dashboard system.

Resource Guru

A specialized tool for resource scheduling is called Resource Guru. It has a fantastic visual calendar-style interface that displays availability and what everyone is working on so you can make the most of your resources. With the help of technology, Project Managers can make reservations concurrently without worrying about stepping on one other’s toes. With Resource Guru, each employee has access to a resource dashboard that shows them exactly what they’ll be working on at any given time.  

The Bottom Line

Now that you are aware of what a resource manager does, what that role entails, how to become one, and what tools you might require, you can better understand what one does. Whether you want to be a resource manager or are trying to hire one, there is no problem for you.