Just as how I’d always say a graphic designer and website designer is different. I found this article written by Heather Fox-Lawson of Jones & Palmer. She wrote the importance of project management and highlight there is a difference between the Account Director and Project Manager.
You will be mistaken for thinking that these two roles, the Project Manager and Account Director sound very alike, but they are not – there are differences;
- The Project Manager manages the project rather than the relationship between the supplier and the client, that is not to say that Project Managers do not care about their clients, they have the same objectives as the Account Director – providing the client we a defined product that meet requirements and stays within the budget. Their primary objective is ensuring the delivery of the project.
- The Account Director may be managing a large account that has several projects underway, it would be unfair to assume that anyone could single handily manage all the projects. It is therefore allocated to a devoted Project Manager to become their life over the coming weeks.
- Project Managers will put into place project management methods in order to assist in the delivery of the project.
- Whilst the Project Manager ensures that the project does not go over budget it is the responsibility of the Account Director to initiate and agree the budget from the client.
Now that you know. Get off your desk and walk to your boss and ask what really is your role in your company? :P