City IT project managers net 20% rate increases

Organisations whose contract IT project managers are critical to their operations are being advised to factor in 20% rate premiums if they expect them to renew in London.                             

Issuing first quarter rate data, IT staffing firm Jenrick said that huge demand in the capital for freelance PMs meant it was up to clients to “ensure you are remunerating them appropriately.”

Premiums of up to 20% on national rates (£450 a day) were recommended for such City-facing PMs, as well as for London-based programme managers (£625 a day national rate).

“Equally, if your PMs have specific skills/sector experience, you will also need to pay a premium,” the staffing firm said, addressing hirers in the capital.

Due to the appetite for PMs, owing to “so many IT projects [being] planned throughout 2012”, also “be aware of the need to plan ahead,” the recruiter said, “to ensure you obtain the required skills and experience.”

Although easily covered by the City premium on PM hiring, investment banks eying Java and C++ skills should top-up such rates too, by 15%, as should any London-based client in need of SQL Server.

Jenrick further recommends pay bumps of 18% for Solutions Architects with valid Security Clearance, again assuming the client wants to secure or retain the candidate, while it also reports stronger demand for Architects with BI experience.