Illustration of a woman sittiing at a table with a computer holding a phone

What does a resource manager do?

A resource manager manages and optimises a company’s resources to ensure efficient operations and successful project delivery. The primary role of resource managers is to allocate and schedule resources, such as human capital, equipment and materials, based on project requirements and organisational priorities.

Resource managers collaborate with project managers, department heads and other stakeholders to assess resource requirements, develop plans and allocate resources accordingly. They assess project demands, analyse resource utilisation and make informed decisions to optimise resource allocation in the firm. They are also responsible for maintaining accurate resource records, tracking resource utilisation and identifying potential bottlenecks that may impact project timelines and deliverables.

These professionals ensure optimal resource utilisation, reduce costs and improve project outcomes. By effectively managing resources, they enhance productivity, streamline processes and maximise the organisation’s overall performance.

Depending on the context and the specific industry or field they operate in, resource managers are also called resource planners, project managers, asset managers or resource coordinators. As they progress in their careers, resource managers can take on senior roles like senior project managers, strategic planning managers or directors of resource management.

Job Description: Template

We seek a highly skilled and experienced resource manager to join our team at [Company X].

As a resource manager, you will oversee resource allocation and optimise resource utilisation across projects and departments. Your expertise in resource planning and management will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient delivery of projects and achieving organisational goals. The ideal candidate possesses a strategic mindset, strong organisational skills and excellent communication abilities.

If you have a track record in resource management and are passionate about maximising efficiency and productivity, we invite you to apply. We offer a competitive compensation package, comprehensive medical benefits and a supportive work environment that promotes professional growth. 

Objectives of the role

  • Analysing project demands, resource availability and constraints to develop effective resource allocation plans.
  • Collaborating with project managers, department heads and stakeholders to understand resource requirements and project timelines.
  • Developing and implementing resource planning strategies to align resource allocation with project demands and organisational goals.
  • Optimising resource utilisation by identifying and resolving conflicts, bottlenecks or imbalances in resource allocation.
  • Maintaining accurate resource records and documentation, including resource schedules, utilisation reports and allocation decisions.
  • Monitoring resource utilisation trends and making proactive adjustments to ensure optimal resource allocation.
  • Conducting regular assessments of resource performance, productivity and capacity to identify areas for improvement.
  • Providing guidance and support to project teams in resource-related matters, including staffing, skill requirements and resource acquisition.

Your tasks

  • Develop and implement resource management strategies and processes to optimise the firm’s resource allocation, utilisation and availability.
  • Collaborate with project managers and department heads to identify resource requirements for ongoing and upcoming projects.
  • Evaluate project timelines, budgets and resource constraints to ensure the efficient allocation of resources.
  • Maintain a comprehensive overview of available resources, including personnel, equipment and materials, ensuring their availability and suitability for projects.
  • Monitor resource utilisation, identifying and addressing potential bottlenecks or conflicts and implementing necessary adjustments.
  • Coordinate with human resources, procurement and other relevant departments to ensure timely availability of resources as per project requirements.
  • Conduct resource capacity planning to assess and manage resource demands based on project priorities and objectives.
  • Track and report on resource utilisation, analysing data and providing suggestions for resource optimisation.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve resource-related conflicts, negotiate resource sharing and balance competing priorities.
  • Implement and maintain resource management tools, systems and processes to enhance visibility, transparency and efficiency.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies in resource management, applying relevant knowledge to improve organisational processes.  

Required skills and qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, project management or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in resource management or a related role, preferably in a project-based environment.
  • Strong understanding of resource planning, allocation and optimisation principles and methodologies, preferably in the Indian context.
  • Proficiency in using resource management software and tools to track, analyse and report on resource utilisation.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to assess resource demands and optimise resource allocation.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
  • Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • A detail-oriented mindset to maintain accurate resource records and documentation.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
  • A strategic perspective, with the ability to think proactively and implement resource management strategies that align with organisational goals.

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Master’s degree in business administration, project management or a related field.
  • Professional certification in resource management or project management.
  • Familiarity with resource management in specific industries, such as IT, construction, or manufacturing.
  • Experience utilising resource management software or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
  • Knowledge of project management methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum.
  • Strong financial acumen and ability to analyse resource-related costs and budgets.
  • Experience in managing remote or geographically dispersed teams.