How to hire a project manager, lead developer

How to hire a project manager, lead developer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step project manager, lead developer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a project manager, lead developer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new project manager, lead developer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a project manager, lead developer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your project manager, lead developer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a project manager, lead developer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect project manager, lead developer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of project managers, lead developer and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Project Manager, Lead Developer	Description	Hourly rate
   Project Manager, Lead Developer	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device... Show more	$37-67
   Developer Analyst	A developer analyst is a professional who is responsible for building application requirements and develops database solutions that allow operational efficiency and user-friendly tools. Developer analysts are required to develop a detailed definition of business solutions that can include database design, data flow, and transaction processing requirements... Show more	$30-54
   Software Development Manager	A software development manager is a professional who manages teams of software developers that design and create software applications and web services for clients. Software development managers should delegate duties and establish development standards for the development team as well as create a budget and timeline for the project... Show more	$48-86

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Software Development
   • Java
   • JavaScript
   • Scrum
   • Application Development
   • Web Application
   • Architecture
   • HTML
   • CSS
   • PHP
   • API
   • MVC
   • PL/SQL
   • Microsoft SQL Server

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Configure and manage JGroup multicasting communication for apache tomcat web servers.
   • Create build and deployment process for continuous up-time java web application on Linux servers.
   • Deliver a complete JavaScript - base game with JQuery.
   • Add JavaScript menu system and ASP.net controls pulling from XML data sources.
   • Revamp multiple external websites to meet current web standards using CSS and AJAX.
   • Spear-Head the creation of a stand alone CMS using MVC model and PHP / MySQl.

   More project manager, lead developer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your project manager, lead developer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A project manager, lead developer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, project managers, lead developer' average salary in nebraska is 37% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level project managers, lead developer 44% less than senior-level project managers, lead developer.
   • Certifications. A project manager, lead developer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a project manager, lead developer's salary.

   Average project manager, lead developer salary

   $106,238yearly

   $51.08 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level project manager, lead developer salary

   $79,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 5, 2025

   Average project manager, lead developer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$119,365	$57
   2	Maryland	$114,757	$55
   3	California	$114,207	$55
   4	Connecticut	$110,716	$53
   5	Massachusetts	$109,048	$52
   6	Texas	$101,289	$49
   7	Virginia	$97,344	$47
   8	North Carolina	$96,135	$46
   9	Florida	$95,646	$46
   10	South Carolina	$95,641	$46
   11	Pennsylvania	$94,999	$46
   12	Illinois	$93,962	$45
   13	Minnesota	$92,667	$45
   14	Indiana	$88,701	$43
   15	Ohio	$88,676	$43
   16	Mississippi	$88,669	$43
   17	Michigan	$86,747	$42
   18	Georgia	$85,761	$41
   19	Iowa	$84,758	$41
   20	Louisiana	$82,536	$40

   Average project manager, lead developer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Robert Half	$107,124	$51.50	229
   2	Florida Power and Light	$98,522	$47.37	31
   3	Vestas Blades America	$95,989	$46.15
   4	Kimley-Horn	$93,892	$45.14	215
   5	TriZetto Provider Solutions	$93,717	$45.06
   6	Capgemini	$91,869	$44.17	242
   7	REC	$78,984	$37.97	1
   8	KPMG LLP	$69,390	$33.36	100

4. Writing a project manager, lead developer job description

   A project manager, lead developer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a project manager, lead developer job description:

   Project manager, lead developer job description example

   Land Development Project Manager / Department Manager in Englewood, CO
   
   Full Time
   Pay Scale: $90,0000-$110,000 a year
   Benefits Available - waiting period may apply (Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, 401(K) with company match, and Paid Time Off)
   
   Our Denver, Colorado team is growing fast so we are looking for a Senior Land Development/Project Manager/Group Leader to join our team! The ideal candidate will be responsible for growing our client base in the Denver area, and for propelling the company into a position as an industry leader in the area. If you think this role may be the next career move for you, please APPLY TODAY!
   
   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   Develops and Executes a business plan that supports the strategic plans for the Land Development Business Line and the company
   
   Manage Civil Projects
   
   Develop the Junior staff
   
   Drive business development opportunities, scope compelling solutions for our clients and prospects that contribute to the revenue growth goals.
   
   Coordinates with the Corporate Marketing Group and Business Line Business Development staff in the development and execution of marketing, business development and sales plans.
   
   Establishes sales goals by client and prospect, develops Action Plans in support, and monitor implementation of the plans.
   
   Creates and Maintains client relationships, develop a clear understanding of the client market place (market needs and client expectations.)
   
   Build on existing client relationships, anticipate future needs, identify and initiate additional sales opportunities.
   
   Prepare the firm's presence at practice-related trade, professional, or civic marketing functions.
   
   Participates in activities of local and national professional and/or civic organizations to establish, enhance, and maintain the presence of the company in the marketplace.
   
   Makes formal presentations and/or publishes articles for professional/trade/civic organizations.
   
   Assists Project Managers in negotiations or perform negotiation of project schedule, fee, scope and contract terms.
   
   Identifies, addresses, and resolves in coordination with Project Managers and other project staff, any project issues affecting client goals, objectives, and/or client satisfaction.
   
   Establish relationships with other consulting firms as necessary.
   
   Identify, attract, and assist in recruiting additional engineering staff.
   
   Collaborates with leaders in the office to coordinate business development efforts and work as a team to build the company's presence in the market.
   
   Professional development is woven into the fabric as we offer flexible career path options, in-house training programs, and incentives for professional certifications and public speaking
   
   Requirements
   
   EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
   
   B.S. degree in Engineering or a scientific area is required
   
   Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure in the State of Colorado
   
   10 + Years of experience in Engineering - preferably in the area of Land Development.
   
   We do not offer sponsorship at this time. U.S. Citizenship is required
   
   Capable of driving/operating a motor vehicle for company business and maintain a Valid Driver's License in the state of residence
   
   Civil 3D proficient
   
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find project managers, lead developer for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any project managers, lead developer they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level project managers, lead developer with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your project manager, lead developer job on Zippia to find and attract quality project manager, lead developer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with project manager, lead developer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   If your interviews with project manager, lead developer applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new project manager, lead developer

   Once you've decided on a perfect project manager, lead developer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new project manager, lead developer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a project manager, lead developer?