What is a resource manager?
Definition: A resource manager is a person responsible for managing the allocation and utilization of resources within an organization. Resources can include various things, such as personnel, materials, equipment, and budget.
They track the use of resources, manage the budget, coordinate the scheduling and availability of resources, and identify and address resource constraints or shortages.
Let’s take one resource – employees. A resource manager guarantees the right number of people working on every project. For example, a resource manager should forecast that the company needs to hire more developers on a specific project.
Resource managers can work with various stakeholders, project managers, team leaders, and other individuals or groups within the organization who require resources to complete their work.
They also work with suppliers and vendors to secure the resources needed to support the organization's operations.
What does a resource manager do?
Some of the tasks resource managers usually do:
- Monitoring project activities and ensuring everyone knows their tasks and can perform them efficiently.
- Forecasting hiring needs and participating in the process of selecting the candidate with the needed skillset for a particular project.
- Dealing with resource shortages if they occur, such as a lack of employees or equipment on a project.
- Deciding if the company has the capacity to accept new clients or projects, or if that would overload the employees.
- Documenting progress and updating project managers regularly.
When does a company need to hire a resource manager?
Teams are experiencing burn out
Scaling faster is good for the company but can be draining for the employees. A resource manager takes care of the employees' well-being by balancing workload and delegating tasks.
Difficulty tracking the progress of each project
In a fast-growing company, it’s easy to lose track of all the projects, so some of them may fall through. A resource manager overlooks all the projects and ensures they have equal chances to succeed.
With the help of productivity tools like Mindmesh, you won’t have a hard time keeping track of all the projects. This online desk will become an all-in-one space for your notes, todos, and events.
Resource conflicts and shortages
A resource manager deals with potential conflicts and shortages beforehand so that every project can run smoothly. Following the established resource plan will lower the risks of conflicts and shortages in the future.
