The primary role of a project manager in software development is to oversee and coordinate the entire project lifecycle, ensuring that goals are met within budget and on schedule. This involves defining project scope, organizing teams, setting timelines, and managing resources. A project manager facilitates communication among stakeholders, mitigates risks, and resolves any issues that arise during the development process. Effective project management is essential for delivering high-quality software products that meet user expectations and business objectives, while also adapting to changes in project requirements.