A resource management plan template is a component of the project management plan that defines how project resources — both team members and physical resources — will be identified, acquired, managed, controlled, and released. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the resource management plan is the output of the Plan Resource Management process in PMBOK 8 and establishes the approach and governance framework for all resource-related decisions on the project. Without a resource management plan, teams operate with unclear role definitions, undefined acquisition strategies, and no systematic approach to managing resource conflicts.

What is a Resource Management Plan?

A resource management plan template describes how the team will be identified, acquired, developed, managed, and ultimately released, as well as how physical resources (equipment, materials, facilities) will be planned, acquired, controlled, and disposed of. In PMBOK 8, the resource management plan may be divided into a team management plan and a physical resource management plan depending on project complexity. It is closely linked to the schedule management plan because resource availability directly constrains the project schedule.

What's Included in This Resource Management Plan Template?

• Identification of Resources - Methods for identifying and quantifying the team and physical resources needed, including the resource breakdown structure (RBS) and the skills profile required for each role.
• Resource Acquisition Strategy - How team members and physical resources will be acquired — internal assignment, external hiring, contracting, or leasing — and the decision criteria for each acquisition approach.
• Roles and Responsibilities - Definitions of each project role (function), the authority level granted to that role (decision-making power), the responsibilities assigned (work expected), and the competencies required (skills needed).
• Project Organization Chart - A graphical representation of the project team structure showing reporting relationships, functional groupings, and interfaces with external organizations.
• Team Development Approach - The strategy for developing team competencies, building team cohesion, and improving individual and team performance throughout the project, including training plans and team-building activities.
• Recognition and Rewards - The plan for recognizing and rewarding team members for contributions and performance, reinforcing behaviors aligned with project success.
• Physical Resource Control - Methods for managing physical resource inventory, equipment maintenance schedules, tracking resource utilization versus plan, and managing resource shortages or surpluses.
• Resource Release Plan - How team members and physical resources will be released at project completion or when no longer needed, including the timing, process, and any transition responsibilities.

How to Use This Resource Management Plan Template (PMBOK 8)

1. Define roles and responsibilities before the team is assembled - Unclear role definitions are a primary cause of team conflict and performance gaps. Document what each role is accountable for before assigning people to the project.
2. Align resource acquisition with the schedule - Resources must be available when activities are scheduled. Build the resource acquisition timeline into the project schedule and track it as a critical activity — late resource acquisition delays the entire project.
3. Address the skill gaps in the team development plan - Identify the skills required for the project versus the skills available in the assigned team, and create specific development actions (training, coaching, mentoring) to close the gaps.
4. Plan for resource conflicts proactively - When team members are shared across multiple projects, resource conflicts are inevitable. Document the conflict resolution process in the plan so it does not have to be invented under pressure.
5. Link physical resource planning to the procurement plan - Physical resources that must be procured externally need lead time built into the schedule. The resource management plan must interface with the sourcing strategy plan for all externally acquired resources.
6. Plan the release of resources as carefully as their acquisition - An unplanned resource release can disrupt team morale and organizational planning. Document the release dates and transition process for each team member and significant physical resource.

When to Create This Document (PMBOK 8)

The resource management plan is created during the Plan Resource Management process in the planning focus area. In PMBOK 8, it must be developed before resource estimation and schedule development begin, as resource availability and approach directly constrain both the schedule and cost baseline. It is updated when significant changes to team composition, physical resource requirements, or the project's organizational context require a revised resource management approach.

Related Templates

• Resource Requirements Template
• Resource Calendars Template
• Team Charter Template
• Team Performance Assessments Template
• Project Management Plan Template

Complete Guide & Filled-In Example

Get the most out of this template with the two companion resources below:

• Resource Management Plan in PMBOK 8 - Complete Guide - Understand the purpose, key elements, and best practices before filling in the template.
• Download the Filled-In Example - Project Phoenix - See exactly how this document was completed for a real $72K website launch project.