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 jobsworking 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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your area of responsibility
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Set project objectives: You have a new assignment. How wonderful, now the work can begin. For you, this mainly means: setting project goals, defining measures, and creating a realistic timetable.
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Budgeting for a project: As a project manager, you are also responsible for the financial planning. Therefore, you should budget for all activities before the project begins. Keep a close eye on your actual expenses to ensure you stay within the budget. If there are any deviations, you can either cut costs elsewhere or request a higher budget from management. However, in that case, you should be able to provide a clear and reasonable explanation for the discrepancies.
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Building and leading a team: How you assemble your team as a project manager is already half the battle towards success. You need the right staff for each sub-project. Ideally, they have already worked in project teams and know exactly what needs to be done. You guide them and offer support when issues arise. Your enthusiasm for the project is truly contagious.
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Keep an eye on the schedule: Throughout the project, you continuously monitor the progress. Is everything proceeding as planned? Are there any deviations? Might adjustments be necessary? If the timetable is at risk, you take action. You make quick decisions to resolve any issues.
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Check the quality of work: As a project manager, you are also responsible for your team's work quality. While you need to stick to the schedule and keep within the budget, the quality must also be up to standard. You review it regularly. If corrections are needed, you arrange for them. Only when costs, time, and quality are all aligned can your project be considered successful.
- Communicating project progress: You are living the project and know it best. Therefore, it’s down to you to keep everyone involved informed about the project's progress. Typically, you handle the communication with the management team, clients, suppliers, and stakeholders. If any issues arise, you propose a solution.
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who are your colleagues?
As a project manager, you work with many colleagues. Who they are depends on the project. For example, if you're involved in construction, you'll be in contact with engineers, architects, and site managers. Within the company, you'll communicate with your clients and the finance department. One thing's certain: as a project manager, you'll be in touch with a lot of people.
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.
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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how much do i earn as a project manager in a permanent position?
As a project manager, you earn between CHF 60,000 and CHF 150,000 gross per year. This translates to a monthly salary of roughly CHF 5,000 to CHF 12,500. The median salary is just over CHF 100,000 annually, or around CHF 8,300 per month. The range in gross pay reflects the varying requirements and industries. Project managers typically work more than 42 hours a week. The more experience you have as a project manager, the higher your earnings. The canton where the company is based also plays a role. Companies in Graubünden tend to pay their project managers the best, while salaries are considerably lower in the canton of Thurgau.
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in which industry do I earn the most as a project manager?
In the IT, energy, and mechanical engineering sectors, you earn above the median salary as a project manager. Here, over CHF 103,000 is deposited into your account each year, which amounts to around CHF 8,600 per month. Performance-related bonuses or a 13th month’s salary are not included in this figure.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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.
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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.
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.
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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1. find a position as a project manager
Search through Randstad job vacancies. If you can't find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally, without any obligation, or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as a project manager
The job advert continues: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete.✓ CV with photo
✓ employment references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet, or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as a project manager
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview as a project manager. Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the role of project manager.
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what does a project manager do?
As a project manager, you are responsible for the success of the project. It’s down to you to ensure that the budget and deadlines are met. Careful planning is a key milestone on the path to success. If things aren’t going quite to plan, you step in. You make the necessary decisions and ensure your team stays motivated. Find out more about your responsibilities as a project manager here.
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how much do I earn as a project manager?
As a project manager, you earn between 60,000 and 150,000 CHF annually. That’s a gross salary of between 5,000 and 12,500 CHF per month. However, you often work longer hours than your team. Working 42 hours or more per week is not unusual. Your gross salary depends heavily on the project requirements and the industry you work in. Your level of professional experience also plays a significant role. The highest earnings are typically found in the IT, energy, and engineering sectors. Read more on this page about the gross salary for team leaders.
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is being a project manager a good profession?
If you enjoy planning projects, thrive on challenges, lead teams, and can handle responsibility, you'll feel comfortable as a project manager. With organisational skills and a motivated team, you'll successfully steer your project to completion within the set timeframe. It's a responsible role that is fairly rewarded. Can you see yourself working as a project manager and want to know more about it? Just keep reading on this page.
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is the project manager difficult?
In your role as a project manager, you work with all kinds of different people. You lead, motivate, mediate, and keep everyone in good spirits. If you have the right expertise, being a project manager is challenging but not difficult. With empathy and know-how, you can tackle even major challenges. You’ll never find your managerial position boring. Here’s what you can expect as a project manager.
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do you need experience to become a project manager?
To get started as a project manager, you need both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. There isn’t a specific qualification for this role. Usually, you gain experience by working as a team member within a project group, which then qualifies you for more senior positions. If your qualifications don’t yet meet the requirements for a project manager, you can attend further training courses. Want to find out more? Read on to discover everything that qualifies you to become a project manager.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become a project manager?
Project managers require solid professional training. Large companies often even demand a university degree in construction or information technology. Several years of work experience will boost your chances of being considered for a project management role. Additionally, leadership skills, strong communication abilities, and resilience under pressure are important. If you meet these requirements, you'll likely find a suitable position. Explore our current vacancies on this page.
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how do I apply for a vacant position as a project manager?
Your application for the position of project manager is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job board for available roles in your area. Have you found an interesting opportunity? Then send us your cover letter, CV, and certificates straight away. Need help with your application? Our tips will guide you to craft a compelling and effective application.