Replaced by a Technical PM although I was hired as a PM

[PinkPoshRat]

I hope you're right

[northernladuk]

I hope you're right

Maybe I am maybe I am not but making a point of someone's gender in this situation isn't helpful or useful at all. It doesn't even say if the new PM was a woman or a man.

It doesn't say if the OP was replaced by a full time person. That means the contractors gender would have been even less important even if it was in the first place.

[AnthonyQuinn]

As harsh as this sounds, it's common. More often than not I see the female PMs being kicked off projects for not being technical enough - which is utter tulip. As the others have said, it's to be expected. I sympathise with you though.

when have you seen this? or are you simply winding people up?

[craig1]

I've had that before. The client doesn't understand project management and says they want a completely hands-off PM but the first time there's a problem they realise that they need someone who is essentially a techie who can organise a minor project. The gig I'm starting at today has the potential to be like that, the programme manager was a techie manager until last year with no PM experience.

Usually it's better just to walk on good terms, making them completely aware that the project is pitched at too low a level for you, and that you'd happily come back if they have any project that needs proper project management. Obviously worded in less sniffy terms

[cojak]

when have you seen this? or are you simply winding people up?

No need to be so combative there.

[Freamon]

There's obviously shades of grey when it comes to technical and non-technical, but what is the use of a largely non-technical PM on an IT project?

[inferno]

More often than not I see the female PMs being kicked off projects for not being technical enough - which is utter tulip.

So, kicked off for being female then?

[JamJarST]

There's obviously shades of grey when it comes to technical and non-technical, but what is the use of a largely non-technical PM on an IT project?

The best PM's I have worked with were non-techie. They were able to manage large and very complicated projects that covered the whole range of IT form hardware to infrastructure to software and systems.

[MCC7]

I fear that this might happen to myself, I am working as a BA in more of techie data role...through no fault of my own!

[Wanderer]

So my manager said to me that he will be replacing me with another Project Manager because he wants a Technical Project Manager for the project that I am doing. However I was never hired as a Technical Project Manager. Is there something that I can do to push back on that and get them to pay me till the end of my contract or something?

Read your contract. Is there provision for early termination? Does the client have to give notice? Have they given the proper notice? If they have done everything as per the contract then face the client smile and wave, thank them for the opportunity and tell that you look forward to doing business with them in the future...

Now as a contractor you have to ask if you got binned because you couldn't do the job or if the client wanted a (technical) skill that you didn't have. Was the client aware of this when they hired you or did you bulltulip your way into the job. If they were aware of your skills when they engaged you then it's just that the project turned out to be needing someone different and it's no reflection on you.

It's a tough job and things go wrong for all sorts of reasons. Either way, don't take it personally - chin up and move on. If clients couldn't hire and fire contractors at will then there would be no market for them. Certainly don't go looking to fight back against the client other than what for is clearly written in your contract (eg, notice period).

So, kicked off for being female then?

Sex, race, ethnic origin, skillset, politics, whatever. Clients don't need a reason to kick contractors off so it's a moot point, innit.

The best PM's I have worked with were non-techie. They were able to manage large and very complicated projects that covered the whole range of IT form hardware to infrastructure to software and systems.

Agreed, I've worked with some very good women PMs (and a few nasty ones) too.