What is project management and how can you do it?

You might be wondering “What exactly does a project manager do?”

Unprecedented global events have caused delays and constraints on the construction of infrastructure projects worldwide. 

However, by being agile, managing expectations, and identifying viable solutions to challenges, strategic project managers have set themselves apart from the rest to lead the delivery of complex projects.

At AtkinsRéalis, we design, deliver, and operate some of the most complex projects across the world for clients in a range of industries. 

Our people provide strategic project management, dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people, creating sustainable project management solutions that connect people, data, and technology.

If you're in the early stages of your career, you might be wondering "What exactly does a project manager do?". We've broken down some insights into the role so you know what you can expect when starting your career with us.

What does strategic project management involve?

Project managers are vital members of multidisciplinary teams, they're experts when it comes to strategic project management. 

Project managers strategically plan and manage projects, from design to construction, ensuring they are completed on time, and to budget. 

They are expected to have experience with contracts (such as NEC and/or JCT) and established knowledge and understanding of component parts of a project and overall management techniques. This enables them to provide effective reviews of contract documents and familiarity with contractual obligations, breaches, and remedies.

By liaising with a variety of stakeholders, project managers learn how to communicate with lots of people in different roles, both on straightforward projects and more challenging ones. 

It is essential for project managers to have a comprehensive understanding of a client's objectives, the project scope, details, and the application of governance structure and processes. In this respect, strategic project managers will achieve success and win repeat business.

Experienced project managers add value and carry a great deal of responsibility for the team, an essential aspect of their role is recognizing everyone's contributions and encouraging them to collaborate to deliver the best possible results. 

What does it take to be a strategic project manager?

Project management involves the ability to make difficult decisions, sometimes under time limitations and within complicated circumstances - one of the essential skills in today's business landscape. 

To be successful, particularly in an engineering project management job, you will need a comprehensive understanding of decision-making across various areas and business segments, all of which you'll pick up in your training with AtkinsRéalis.

Some areas you'll influence with your strategic decisions include quality assurance, environmental management, and health and safety. 

Stakeholder engagement is also a key skill that you will develop and refine throughout your career in project management.

What does career development look like?

Strategic project management is a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy being organized, planning for the future, and making industry-defining decisions. There are plenty of transferable skills you can pick up too.

With no two projects or teams the same, you'll always be learning something new, expanding your skillset, and working with different stakeholders to discover the best possible outcomes.

You'll need a bachelor's degree to join either our  Project Management Graduate Scheme or our Management Consultancy Graduate Scheme but we also offer apprenticeships if that route is preferable. 

In a project management role at AtkinsRéalis, you'll be responsible for the coordination of engineering and construction work, constantly communicating with all project team members and identifying, planning, and implementing various scopes of work.

Career development in project management is fulfilling and you can navigate which direction you want to go in. In our agile and collaborative teams, everything is driven by possibilities. Our structured training programs put you in the driving seat.

Start climbing the career ladder and find your next opportunity with us

If you're interested in pursuing a career with a varied workload, plenty of progression opportunities, and where you actively use your strategic thinking skills, project management could be for you.

Surround yourself with recognized experts, never stop learning, and drive your career forward at AtkinsRéalis.

Sign up to our Talent Community today to stay in the loop. 

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