A technical project managers in China is like a translator and foreman, all rolled into one. They make sure that complicated projects – such as those involving the manufacturing of complex products – run smoothly.
If you’ve got a tech product being built in China, the technical project manager is the person who makes sure the factory understands the design, you understand what the factory can actually do, and everyone sticks to the schedule.
They sort out the snags, keep an eye out for mistakes, and report back to you in plain English. Think of them as the “glue” that links time zones, cultures and tech, keeping your project on track.
What Does a Technical Project Manager Do?
Chinese technical project managers wear many hats, but they’re most often hired by companies involved in smart home gadgets, IoT devices, and other complex tech. Here’s a quick overview of what they do:
- Project Delivery: Keeps the whole show on the road, making sure the project finishes on time, meets the required quality, and stays within budget.
- Resource Management: Makes sure the project has the right people, tools, and equipment it needs to get the job done.
- Risk Management: Spots potential problems before they happen and comes up with ways to stop them from derailing the project.
- Communication & Collaboration: Makes sure everyone’s talking to each other – engineers, factory staff, management – so there are no misunderstandings.
When Should You Hire a Technical Project Manager?
Consider the following scenarios:
- Complex Product Development: If your product is complex and involves tech, you need a technical project manager. Think: smart washing machine with an app, or a complex medical device. You can’t just order these from a factory. You must work with the factory. The technical project manager tells the factory what is needed and reports back on progress and problems.
- Communication Challenges: If your team don’t speak the same language as the factory, mistakes will happen. Approvals can be misunderstood. This leads to delays and wasted money. A technical project manager makes sure everyone understands, watches the work daily, and stops problems before they grow.
- No One Sees the Whole Picture: Often, with a complex product, the technical project manager is the only person who truly understands everything: the tech, the people involved, the goals and what’s really happening at the factory. No one else has that full picture.
What Should You Look For?
Okay, so you know you need one, but what makes a good technical project manager in China? Here’s what to look for:
- Engineering Chops: 5+ years in manufacturing, IoT or tech: You want someone who’s got experience in the trenches. They should have a solid understanding of the manufacturing process, the technologies involved, and the challenges that can arise. Ask them about specific projects they’ve worked on and what they learned. If they can’t talk specifics, that’s a red flag.
Are they READY for Management? Of course, hands-on experience is only half of it. They need to be ready to move up to management. Much like a young footballer wanting to keep playing, firmware engineers in China often prefer staying hands-on, especially early in their careers. However, by their late 30s, many are ready to “retire” from that and move into management roles. So, focus on identifying candidates at that turning point, actively seeking leadership opportunities.
- Language Skills: Fluent English and Mandarin: You need someone who can understand, but more importantly explain, complex technical issues – tolerances, specifications, quality control – fluently in English and Mandarin. Let’s be honest, doing this stuff in your own language is tricky enough, so expecting someone to do it well in a second language is a big ask.
- Diplomatic: A good technical project manager needs to be a skilled negotiator and diplomat. They’ll be dealing with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and they need to be able to build relationships and get everyone working together. Look for someone who’s patient, understanding, and able to find common ground.
Salary Talk: Want to know exactly what hiring a technical project manager in China will cost your company? Our free salary calculator factors in all expenses, from base salary to mandatory benefits and bonuses.
Where Can You Find One?
Finding the right technical project manager isn’t easy. It’s a tough role to fill anywhere, but it’s especially tricky in China, particularly in smaller cities where English skills might be limited and the pool of experienced candidates is smaller.
Here are a few tips:
- Don’t rely solely on job boards: While sites like Liepin and Zhaopin can be useful, you’ll likely be wading through a lot of irrelevant CVs.
- Network, network, network: Tap into your existing contacts in China. Ask for referrals. Attend industry events and trade shows.
- Use an Industry-Focused Employer of Record: Of course, another option is to use an Employer of Record (EOR), who can not only find you a great hire but also manage them effectively for you. We offer this service through The China Desk.
