what is a project manager?

As a project manager, you are responsible for the success of a project. You ensure that the budget and deadlines are met and that the quality of work is up to standard. Accordingly, you assemble your team, manage the budget, and develop a timetable. You’re happy to invest time in careful planning to prevent chaos during implementation. You monitor the progress of the project and step in if things start to stall. It’s down to you to make all the necessary decisions. As a project manager, you are always the first point of contact. This role is primarily in the fields of information and communication technology, engineering, and construction. However, other industries also frequently rely on project managers. Can you see yourself working as a project manager? Then keep reading.

project manager jobs
1

working as a project manager.

As a project manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your project runs as smoothly as possible. Every day, you make decisions to guarantee the success of the project. In addition, you keep your project team motivated. Here’s what your role as a project manager involves.

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types of project managers.

Project managers are in demand across all industries. So, you get to decide which sector suits you best. Most opportunities are available as:

  • Construction project manager: Building is your great passion as a Construction project manager. You handle the technical aspects of your project and are responsible for it from the initial order confirmation through to final billing. You take measurements on site and, together with the architect, prepare detailed execution plans. Working alongside the construction workers, you turn every building site into a successful construction project.
  • Technical project manager: Technical project managers delve into the fascinating world of modern technologies every day. For instance, you might work alongside engineers to modernise technical systems. Project managers specialising in renewable energy are particularly in demand. This could involve planning solar power plants and energy systems. It’s the perfect role for you if you’re passionate about new technologies.
  • ICT project manager: You enjoy connecting with people and information systems as an IT specialist. As an ICT project manager, you lead technically complex IT infrastructure projects. This includes supporting the operation of cloud applications and managing release changes. The digital world is your opportunity to advance as a project manager.
Group of people having a meeting, in a room with glass windows
Group of people having a meeting, in a room with glass windows
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salary as a project manager.

Your gross salary as a project manager largely depends on the level of responsibility you hold and the industry you work in. The size of the company and your professional experience also have a significant impact on your monthly pay. Keep reading to learn more about the average gross salary for a project manager. Additionally, you'll discover which industry tends to offer the most appropriate pay.

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training and further education as a project manager.

For project managers, there is no traditional training programme. Typically, you start as a project assistant and take on parts of projects. With dedication and motivation, you then develop into a project manager. Since you mainly lead technical projects, a qualified vocational qualification is required. Most companies even specify a particular degree. Depending on the industry, this could be in construction, mechanical engineering, business studies, or information technology. Several years of professional experience will improve your chances. Your skills in project management are gained through training courses and seminars, where you learn a lot about the fundamentals of methodology and leadership skills. If you wish to work in international corporations, internationally recognised certifications are advantageous. One such example is the International Project Management Association (IPMA).

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positions as project manager.

As a project manager, you are in high demand across all industries. The greatest opportunities are in construction and technology companies. However, small and medium-sized enterprises are also looking for IT project managers to support them in their digital transformation. As a project manager, you play a vital role in every sector. It’s your responsibility to deliver projects on time and within the agreed budget. To do this, you need to rely on skilled team members. You must be able to motivate your team effectively. Only together can a project plan become a successful project. Want to showcase your skills as a project manager? You can find open positions for project managers here.

Zwei Männer arbeiten in einer Büroumgebung zusammen.
Zwei Männer arbeiten in einer Büroumgebung zusammen.
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positions for career changers as project managers.

Project managers are responsible for the success of the project. Therefore, they need to have the appropriate professional qualifications and leadership skills. As a career changer, your chances increase if you have already gained experience in related fields. With further training in project management, you will be well prepared for most projects. Large companies typically require applicants to hold a tertiary-level qualification. In smaller organisations, you can be welcomed with specialised knowledge and a proactive attitude. Continuing professional development brings you closer, step by step, to your goal of working as a project manager.

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career opportunities and development potential as a project manager.

You are already working as a project manager and are looking for more responsibility? A position in middle or senior management is a logical next step in your career. Instead of managing a temporary project, you will oversee a specialised department. In addition to budget responsibility, you will make strategic decisions. Your focus will be on your leadership role, and you will ensure the professional development of your team and your department. If you achieve above-average results, you will qualify for a higher position. You might even become part of the executive management team. Eager to develop further? Take a look at our tips.

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competencies as a project manager.

Your most important quality as a good project manager is, of course, good planning. Thanks to your organisational skills, you utilise your team effectively within the set timeframe. Additionally, you are able to prioritise tasks. To ensure the project's success, other qualities are also important, such as:

  • Leadership qualities: You always keep an overview, inspire your team members, and decide what needs to be done. As a project manager, you enjoy leading a team and handle responsibility well.

  • Strong communication skills: Calling clients, contacting project partners, and informing stakeholders – you know exactly how and when. You are the reliable point of contact for all project participants.

  • Stress resilience: There are days when everything just falls into place. On other days, nothing seems to go right at all. Fortunately, this doesn’t stress you out at all. Even in stressful situations, you stay calm and collected. You always manage to make the right decisions.
Four colleagues having a meeting in a meeting room. Financial charts in the background.
Four colleagues having a meeting in a meeting room. Financial charts in the background.
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benefits of being a project manager at randstad.

There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as a project manager:
✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies 
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice matters 
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits 
✓ training courses and opportunities for personal development 
✓ clear information available in the myRandstad app 
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? There’s often the chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad

your professional development budget as a project manager at randstad.

If you work as a project manager for Randstad, you have access to training courses. As part of the TempTraining programme from Swissstaffing, you can attend various training sessions. You will be reimbursed for the course fees later, provided you pass the course exam. Your consultant from Randstad is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge, all during your working hours as a project manager.

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application tips for project managers at randstad.

Have you found your dream job as a project manager? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalised documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances:

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frequently asked questions.

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the role of project manager.

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