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Programme manager

Also called program director, programme director, projects portfolio manager

Programme managers coordinate and oversee several projects working simultaneously. They ensure workability and compatibility among projects ensuring that overall, each one of the projects under the management of project managers, turn out profitable and leveraging one to the other.

Will there be jobs?Limited prospects18 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Administrative and commercial managersWhat does it pay?Well above averageFrom about €3,500 (Romania) to €12,800 (Italy) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Administrative and commercial managersWhat do I need to study?Usually a degree8 in 10 have a degree.Administrative and commercial managersWill AI change it?Very littleLevel 1 of 6. AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.Policy and planning managers · ILO

What you'd do

Policy and planning managers · ILO
  • Developing, implementing and monitoring strategic plans, programmes, policies, processes, systems and procedures to achieve goals, objectives and work standards
  • Developing, directing, administering and participating in policy research and analysis
  • Coordinating the implementation of policies and practices
  • Establishing activity measures and measurements of accountability
  • Planning and directing daily operations
  • Leading and managing the activities of policy development and strategic planning staff
  • Overseeing the selection, training and performance of staff
  • Consulting with senior management and with managers of other departments
  • Representing the enterprise or organization in negotiations, and at conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums
Follow company standardsLiaise with managersEnsure equipment maintenanceManage budgetsManage project information+ 16 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors
  • Sitting most of the day
  • Lots of contact with people
  • Good freedom to decide
  • Usually 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the similar US job "Project Management Specialists"

Will there be jobs?

Limited prospects

Fewer jobs than in most work will need filling by 2035.

People working as administrative and commercial managers in the EU
2.6m3.02m2.85m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
660,000 replacing leavers 115,000 jobs disappear
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Administrative and commercial managers18
All jobs29
Right now
4 of 27 countries report a shortage of policy and planning managers, 4 a surplus.
Policy and planning managers · EURES

What does it pay?

Well above average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €3,500 a month (Romania) to €12,800 (Italy), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among managers in the EU, women earn 27% less per hour than men. Managers · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually a degree

A degree in management and administration is the usual route.

Highest qualification of administrative and commercial managers (EU, 2025)
Degree 76%Vocational 14%General secondary 7%Basic schooling 2%
Field that teaches it
Management and administration
Vocational route, EU
3 in 10 trainees in this field
Business and law graduates in a matching job
66% in the EU

1,314 institutions in the EU offer business and law bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Very little

AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.36 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 9 tasks
Developing, directing, administering and participating in policy research and analysis0.41
Coordinating the implementation of policies and practices0.39
Consulting with senior management and with managers of other departments0.37
Developing, implementing and monitoring strategic plans, programmes, policies, processes, systems and procedures to achieve goals, objectives and work standards0.36
Establishing activity measures and measurements of accountability0.36
Planning and directing daily operations0.35
Leading and managing the activities of policy development and strategic planning staff0.35
Representing the enterprise or organization in negotiations, and at conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums0.35
Overseeing the selection, training and performance of staff0.28

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for policy and planning managers. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).