IT Project Manager
 

Hi all,

I got my PR I and will be going to Oz in January :) . I'm hoping to travel round all the major cities first to see the country and decide where to live but then I guess I'll have to settle back into work.

I was hoping someone else on BE had migrated to Oz and got work as a Contract/Perm IT Project Manager and if so how easy they found it, what qualifications they had (prince2, PMP, etc) and where in the country they got their job?

Any other advice on being a PM in Oz would be great.

Thanks all......

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Sydney is the place for IT work... depends if you want the sydney life

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Hi I am an IT Project Manager (Prince 2 practitioner). I am flying out on 12th November - doing the same as you - travelling for a few months and then looking for jobs so I'll let you know how I get on. From the job searches I've done it looks like you need to be near a big city for IT work.

Intially considered Sydney because of the job opportunities and have family there but house prices are so high so we are looking more at Queensland - possbibly work in Brisbane but live further out. However, I like the idea of getting out of the rat race and doing something less stressful so may even consider a career change! Anyway keep in touch and I'll update you in a few months time ;o)

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Thanks for replying, nice to know I'm not alone... I know what you mean about doing something else. I'm going to continue with Project Management until I can sort out (read: think of) something else too. It'd be great to hear how you get on - best of luck!

Re: IT Project Manager
 

I came out here (Brisbane) in June after 15yrs plus UK experience as an IT PM in both the perm and contract world.....My experience of the market so far is that it's not really that different to the UK....just smaller, with a cliquey feel to it....who you know is distinctly advantageous! Finding the right role takes just as long and just as much effort and frustration as the UK.

Most of the work is in the capital cities with a massive emphasis on Sydney and Melbourne, followed by Brisbane, Perth and Canberra ( although Canberra seems to be mostly Federal Government oriented roles). Work worth having outside the major centres is rare and usually poorly paid.

Prince 2 goes down very well, however a formal qulification in any recognised methodology seems acceptable. A very big plus is ITIL, particularly the Managers certification which is in big demand, and any exposure to Sarbanes Oxley is well worth highlighting on the CV.

Unfortunately you still have to deal with recruitment agents through whom many roles are advertised.....and many of them behave in the same unpleasant way as agents in the UK....applications are ignored, phone calls not returned, wanting to put you forward for roles you are not qualified for..etc...etc....you need to be persistient if you want to be submitted for an advertised role....get your face in front of them if you can. Having said that there are some good agents around who will work hard on your behalf.

Thers is also a tendency here for large companies to sub-contract PM work out to "specialist preferred supplier" companies ( e.g. there is a very large insurance company in Brisbane that has a relationship with a data network supplier and all PM's for their contracts are sourced by the supplier....and they source also PM's for non data related roles via the same company, effectively using them as an agency! )....so a good trick is to find those companies that specialise in doing whatever you are experienced in and canvass them direct.

As for earnings, don't expect to translate what you were on in the UK, especially contract wise! In Brisbane an experienced PM in a decent contract can look at $75+ per hour. Perm roles...anything from $80k to $130k+ per annum.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions..

Simon

Re: IT Project Manager
 

The sydney life is not for us, so we are hopeing that Brisbane will have a large enough IT market to get some work.

Any more info on IT in Brisbane ? I've been an oracle database developer / designer, working as a contractor for the last 12 years for large investment banks. Big stable databases are my thing. Hopefully moving to Brisbane spring next year.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

I am an IT Project manager too and we are looking at moving to the Gold Coast or maybe Brisbane. I'm hoping there will be these kinds of jobs around but I'm thinking of maybe doing something else any way.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

As far as I can tell (been here a year and a half) the IT market is pretty good at the moment (went from contract to permanent recently).

I've been doing DB stuff for about 15 years and if you're willing to do some networking rather than rely on the (useless) agencies I reckon you'll be OK. There's a lot of drinking involved in networking ... I like networking ...

Matt

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Hi,
I have literally just landed in Brisbane...there are a handful of agents and prospects look promising, so far so good. I will let you know how I go...

Rates are no where near as good in proportion but that's not why you come here...

Liking Brisbane so far...

Ray

Re: IT Project Manager
 

"There's a lot of drinking involved in networking ... I like networking ..."

I'm looking forward to this Networking lark :-) I'm an IT Project Manager with the Prince2 badge etc moving to Perth at the end of November. Thus far the agencies haven't been much help and the contacts I have, have expressed an interest but only want to really talk when I hit the ground.

One thing I'm just getting my head around is you won't get rich in this role in Oz. Expect to take up to a 50% drop in wages compared to the UK. This isn't ideal but money is not a major factor in making our decision to move.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

At the risk of sounding smug, I managed to match my UK salary here ... that could of course mean I was vastly underpaid before ...

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Hi

I am a Prince 2 qualified I.T project manager who came to Melbourne about 15 months ago, and have been working for a major bank for 13 months.

The market for IT proejct managers is okay at the moment. Having professional qualifications is a definate boon to your chances. PMI is more common, but Prince2 is perfectly adequate and well known by agents. Government institutions ask for Prince2 just as in the UK.

The market is probably better for those wanting to move to consultancy firms at the moment. This does not always mean travel within the 'region' (for which read Tokyo, Chennia and Singapore - rather you than me), and can mean travel mostly within the metro area of your city - if your city is Sydney or Melbourne.

In terms of getting the jobs, well, I applied for about 20. I learned that I normally had to do a chase call to the agency and be ready with my 'sales pitch' well the inevitable happened - they hadn't read the CV. Be ready for potentially very long lead times before securing interviews and offers. Yes, some people are inundated with offers as soon as they get start job hunting, but many do not.

Neil

Re: IT Project Manager
 

We wanted to live in Queensland so looks like Brisbane is my best bet for an IT PM job - OH is also looking for IT job, he is a network engineer (mainly cisco). We don't want to live in a city though, we love the idea of the Sunshine Coast, somewhere like Buderim. Do you know if it would be feasible to commute to Brisbane CBD from the sunshine coast or is it just too far out?

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Way too far out to commute to Brisbane CBD everyday. A guy I worked with on a project stayed in the city during the week and went home only on the weekend, or occasionally mid-week if he could work from home for a day or two.

Mrs JTL

Re: IT Project Manager
 

There are plenty of previous threads on this subject and the majority come to the conclusion that it is too much of a pain. Having seen the streams of slow moving traffic heading north on the highway out of Brisbane from 15:30 onwards every week-day I would tend to agree with them. There are folks who do it though. Having spent 10 years struggling through the nightmare of the UK motorways I vowed not to do it here...one of the reasons that the Bayside is full of Brits, including me, I guess! :D
Simon

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Yes I'm with you on that one - we currently commute to Manchester and hate every minute of it so don't want to do that again.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Quite alot of us going to brizzy then...maybe we should join forces and set PM union lol

Re: IT Project Manager
 

And every PM needs good developer or System designer as the ACS calls me to make them look good ;)

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Well if the Brisbane area IT project managers want to PM me I'll save your details and organise a meet when I get to Brisbane if anyone fancies it?

I think the thought of a room full of project manangers is likely to put anyone else off wanting to come LOL ;)

Re: IT Project Manager
 

You people are making me worry now. I'm a full time mum at the moment but when I was working, I had 2 or 3 managers from different business units telling me what they wanted me to do, in addition to my own project manager, and there was only one of me to do the REAL work (analysis, design and build). So when you lot come over and assuming you all get jobs as project managers, every developer will have like 10 PMs to report to or something like that?! :eek:

I think I'll stay home and let JTL handle the IT project managers... :D

On a serious note, be prepared to take your time finding a project manager job - there aren't that many projects in Brisbane, comparing to Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. There are a lot of local PMs (some well qualified and some not so) and you'll be competing against them. However they have the advantage of having already been well networked locally.

Good luck to all,
Mrs JTL

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Brisbane IT is healthy and apparently booming. I got a job as Senior Analyst Programmer within 2 weeks and I went for 2 jobs and got offered both.

With the current predicted growth rate in SE QLD I think that things have improved vastly for IT peeps, since about 18 months ago.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Typical from jobserve I get around 25 jobs matching oracle + brisbane.. a year ago it was 5 a day

Re: IT Project Manager
 

I'd be interested to know what a PM could typically earn in the UK (not London). Not wishing to boast, but my husband's salary is considerably more than we expected it to be, and currently 40% more than what he earnt in the UK, although that was four years ago. Hard to make comparisons now that we've been away awhile, can someone give me an idea of your average wage there now?
Hubby works in Perth and for his first job had to drop a few rungs down the ladder and start as a Senior Software Engineer, but that was at $78k three years ago, which was fine as we had no mortgage. He found the job too easy of course, but the important thing was to get a foot in the door, so don't stress too much if you can't find the ideal job straightaway. He works in C++ and .Net amongst others. It wasn't long before his skills were recognised by those "higher up" and he was promoted to Chief Engineer, until he was head-hunted and changed jobs. He had a massive pay rise and has been getting on ok in his new job, but with the passing of time, word has gotten around and last month he was head-hunted by no less than three firms! One job he turned down because it was based in Sydney. He went for interviews at the other two and today has gone in to meet with his new employer to formally accept their job offer. Have yet to hear what salary he has been offered, but I'm sure it's going to make a nice difference to our lifestyle!
My main point is, don't fret too much when you first arrive. It takes a while to build up your contacts again. The jobs are out there, even in Perth, you just need to let people know you are around, especially if you specialise in a particular field. Get networking! Join the ACS and attend their monthly meetings, see what local contacts you can make there. Don't sit back and wait for the recruitment agents to contact you; keep pestering them. It makes for hard work, but jiggle your CV around to suit each post you are applying for - whichever skills they are after, make sure these are the ones that jump out at them from the page. Really emphasise the jobs that you've done that are similar to what you're applying for, even if you only did it for a short while or you think the skill seems trivial - hubby got his first job because, out of over 120 people that applied, he was the only one that had worked on radio systems, a field that he had only ventured into once, for a short time.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

[QUOTE=Jacqui]I'd be interested to know what a PM could typically earn in the UK (not London).

Last year I was hiring "experienced and competent" contract PM's for IT oriented projects in Yorkshire for £325 to £375 a day, and permies for around £50k pa plus a car.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

[QUOTE=Jacqui]I'd be interested to know what a PM could typically earn in the UK (not London).

£400-£450 per day - Reading

Re: IT Project Manager
 

[QUOTE=Whitby Wanderers]I work within a team of IT PM's and salaries range from about 25K for a junior PM to roughly £50K for an experienced PM. My company is based in Manchester.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Thanks for replies. It's confirmed then - he's earning more here, in Perth even. Uprooting the family to Sydney would have realised a massive payrise to $200k+ but we're happily settled here. Have been through (and survived) one lot of emigration stress, I don't want to go through that again moving to the other side of Australia.

I mentioned to hubby last night that I had posted on here, and asked him about the IT prospects for Perth. He says there are 40-50 posts advertised daily on seek.com.au, no shortage of vacancies, just the people to fill them. When he starts his new job next month, he will be expected to lead a team of over 40 developers but as yet they have only employed 15 and are continually advertising. He will be involved in the recruitment drive as well as heading up the team. This is for a major international project with a multi-national company. Skills required include C++ and Java. Please PM me if you are arriving in Perth over the next couple of months and would like him to consider you. I can't give out further details on this thread obviously, but if you've got the skills and want to be put in touch, I'll see what I can do for you. This Saturday we are both going up to Perth to meet with some ex-colleagues of his - one of them is the recruitment manager for a Perth firm and I can pass your details onto him too. This guy will be keen to speak to you even if you are still waiting for your visa, because their company too has been struggling to fill jobs advertised locally.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Hi, I am an IT PM in Sydney. We moved out at the beginning of January and had 3 offers by the end of Feb, I finally started work on the 13th March. I did ensure I had Prince 2 practitioner before I got out here and I'm sure that helped.

Good luck with your move and in find the right job.

Debs

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Debs,

Thanks for the info.

I am an IT PM (and have been for years). Think that it makes sense to get some formal qualification behind me before arriving next year.

I am currently looking at PMI or Prince2.

What's your experience in terms of recognition of Prince2 in Oz?

Thanks in advance.

SG

Re: IT Project Manager
 

I did OK with Prince 2 and some job ads do quote Prince 2. However, I have been trying to recruit another couple of PMs for my team and I have seen a lot of PMI and PMBOK mentioned. I think PMI is bigger here than Prince 2 if that helps at all. I still don't think you can go wrong with any of the above. They will know that you have done what it takes to get qualified and understand project governance etc.

Debs

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Hi...

I have been working as an IT Project Manager in Perth for 18 months now and am happy to help if anyone wants advice on jobs or contacts in the industry here. I worked in London when we were in the UK so have experienced a significant drop in salary coming here, although it is slowly creeping up with the candidate shortages we have here at the moment.

PM me if you want any info on agencies or consultancies that would be worth getting in touch with.

Cheers

Paul

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Good on ya jacqui, a blast from the past.

B

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Ill just hook onto this thread since Im also in the IT business - Microsoft specialist with 15-20 exp. We're looking to go to Perth.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Hubby is still recruiting in Perth if anyone's interested. Two expats from this board are working for him so far and seem to be getting on ok. He is looking to recruit 30 or so developers and has been put in charge of the recruitment drive (as well as being a Project Manager). He is especially looking for people who are skilled in c# and c++. His company don't offer sponsorship, but if you have been issued your visa and are due to arrive in Perth in the near future or are already here and looking, please send me an email/PM with your CV attached and I'll forward it on. Telephone interviews can be arranged if you're still in the UK.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

457 Visas available and positions for holders of PR visas

I work for SMS Management & Technology (SMS) which is Australia’s largest listed local IT Management and Consulting Company employing over 1000 Business and IT professionals in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney. Visit www.smsmt.com.au for all the details.

I migrated to Melbourne over 18 months ago from Scotland and I work for them as an IT Programme Manager for the largest Telco

SMS are on a large recruitment drive for PMs both technical and business project managers but it is difficult to get good people at the moment. See http://mycareer.com.au/sms-consultin...-pty-ltd/jobs/ for four of pages of jobs they are recruiting for just now. They have positions for holders of PR but they will also sponsor people through 457. If you work for them you shouldn't have a problem working anywhere afterwards as they have a very good reputation

If you visit http://mycareer.com.au/sms-consultin...-pty-ltd/jobs/ and see any positions you feel you would have the experience for contact me to explain what position you are applying for and why you think you would be suitable and fit the culture of SMS

I will review email and the request your resume and visa details and planned arrival date if you are not already here. On receipt if I think you would be suitable to recommend for an initial interview I will arrange a time for us to have a chat quick 30 min chat. I can then decide if SMS will want to meet you and pass your resume onto them

If you are still in the UK, they are currently planning a week of interviews in London in August and are about to put adverts in the Metro over there. If you get in quick we can hopefully get you a slot in those sessions before the advert hits. If you are due in Melbourne in the next couple of months we can hopefully get into an interview as you step of the plane! If you are in Melbourne already we can catch up towards the end of next week.

The currently are paying up to $130k per annum, + share options (they have doubled in six months), free carparking in the city at your place of work - this can save me up to $30 per day in the CBD and up to 25% annual bonus.

I put a simlar post up last week in the jobs sections and already forwarded 10 senior PM/ consultants to the recuitment division. They will hopefully all be interviewed either in London in August or when they arrive in the next couple of months in Australia.

So please get in touch.

Re: IT Project Manager
 

I'd love to know where they are going to find the people to actually build/develop/implement these projects, never mind the project managers. At my last contract, the place was swarming with project managers etc. but actual experienced 'hands on keyboards' [for development projects anyway] were as rare as rocking horse poo.

Seriously, is the general consensus that the IT business in Oz is powering ahead at the moment ? Certainly in Perth, there is no shortage of jobs at the moment [although it always seems to be the same companies !]

Re: IT Project Manager
 

I think it is, if you get yourself a bit of a reputation and build up a decent network, this takes a bit of time obviously you shouldn't have and problem picking up good work for the next 3-5 years anyway. There is a lot of capital to be spent but there will be a turn the cycle as there always has been.

As for developers or as my BA calls them " the people who do the actual work" which is true, everything seems to be offshored for the big companies anyway - India, Israel etc. In my project 70% is offshored but they bring staff from India to Melbourne for the onshore component

Re: IT Project Manager
 

We are going to Perth in November (136 visa) and my husband is a IT (Prince 2) Project Manager. He worked for the same company for 16 years and has worked his way up from the bottom.

We dont know if he should start applying for jobs now or wait until we arrive. My husband has worked all his life with no breaks so I know he would want to work as soon as we where settled. We have had a look at seek and there are plenty of jobs but we just wanted some advice.

Thank you in advance.

Joy

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Hi...

I would say it would be worth contacting some agencies and/or consultancies now, particularly as things can get a bit quieter recruitment wise once you get into December and January.

Cheers

Paul

Re: IT Project Manager
 

Thank you very much for your help.

All advice is great. :)