What clients look for
Freelance project managers are typically engaged to deliver a specific project, cover a vacancy or lead a scheme outside a team's usual sector. Hirers want evidence that you have delivered similar work: sector, value, procurement route, contract form and your responsibilities.
Professional memberships such as APM, CIOB or RICS, and qualifications like a project management certification, help, as does site safety training such as SMSTS where you will lead on site.
Choose your niche
Contractor-side project managers lead delivery for a main contractor. Client-side project managers represent the client, often coordinating designers and contractors. Picking a side, and a sector, makes your profile sharper and easier to find.
Set up properly
- Choose a business structure and register it.
- Arrange insurance: professional indemnity and public liability are commonly requested.
- Set up invoicing, expenses and mileage tracking.
- Prepare your PQQ evidence: insurance schedules, cards, qualifications and references.
Think about IR35 early
Project management roles can look like part of a client's own management team, especially on long engagements. Make sure the contract and the real working arrangements reflect a business-to-business relationship, with you controlling how you deliver the outcomes, and keep a record of each assessment. Medium and large clients will make their own determination.
Win and keep work
Your reputation travels fast. Keep in touch with former colleagues and clients, ask for testimonials when a project goes well, and keep your availability up to date so you are considered when the next scheme starts.