The role of the Integrator (Manager of Project Managers) in a Mega Project

What is the Real Difference Between an Integrator Managing Project Managers in a Mega-Project and a Project Manager in Practice?

In complex and large-scale projects, such as mega-projects, there is often a need for two types of managers: a senior-level manager serving as the Integrator of the project, who oversees project managers—whether in thematic or professional domains across all scopes. While both roles involve project management, their responsibilities differ significantly.

Integrator: The Senior Manager Overseeing Project Managers

The Integrator acts as a "senior manager" responsible for the coordination and integration of all project managers involved in the mega-project. Their role is to ensure that all individual projects progress harmoniously and synergistically, contributing to the overall objectives of the mega-project.

Key Responsibilities of the Integrator:

• Coordination and Integration – Ensuring alignment between all project managers by maintaining continuous communication and collaboration.

• Risk Management – Identifying cross-project risks that affect multiple projects and developing contingency plans to mitigate them.

• Resource Management – Optimizing resource allocation across various projects while considering priorities and constraints.

• Change Management – Overseeing changes within the mega-project, assessing their impact on different projects, and formulating response strategies.

• Reporting and Oversight – Monitoring the progress of the mega-project and reporting its status, as well as emerging challenges, to senior management.

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Project Manager: The Executor of a Specific Project

The Project Manager, on the other hand, is responsible for managing a specific project within the mega-project. Their role is to ensure that their project progresses according to plan while meeting its goals, schedules, and budget within the broader framework.

Key Responsibilities of the Project Manager:

• Project Planning – Defining objectives, tasks, schedules, and budget for the project.

• Project Execution – Managing the project team, assigning tasks, tracking progress, and resolving issues.

• Risk Management – Identifying project-specific risks and developing contingency plans.

• Communication Management – Maintaining regular communication with the project team, stakeholders, and the Integrator.

• Reporting and Oversight – Tracking project performance and reporting status and emerging issues to the Integrator.

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Key Differences Between an Integrator and a Project Manager

• Scope of Responsibility – The Integrator oversees the entire mega-project, while the Project Manager is responsible for a specific project.

• Focus – The Integrator focuses on coordination and integration between projects, while the Project Manager is concerned with executing their own project.

• Level of Detail – The Integrator takes a high-level view of the mega-project, whereas the Project Manager deals with the fine details of their specific project.

• Authority – The Integrator has authority over project managers, while the Project Manager is responsible for their own project team.

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Conclusion

In mega-projects, the Integrator and Project Managers work closely together to ensure project success. The Integrator provides the overarching framework and strategic direction, while Project Managers focus on executing their specific projects effectively.