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Project Manager (M/F/D)

What is a project manager?

Project managers plan, coordinate and monitor projects. A project is a one-off, time-limited undertaking with a specific goal, e.g. the development of new software or the organization of an event. A project manager must meet the expectations of the stakeholders involved in or affected by the project and use the available resources efficiently. They may work in different industries and fields, such as IT, engineering, marketing, research or consulting, and need various skills and competencies, such as analytical thinking, communication, team leadership, conflict management, risk management and quality management.

Project manager tasks - What does a project manager do?

Competencies & skills of a project manager

Project managers are responsible for planning and controlling projects that are to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget framework. In order to successfully fulfill this task, project managers must have various skills, which can be divided into three categories: Hard Skills, Soft Skills and Technical Skills.

Hard skills are abilities that can be acquired through training, certification or experience. They include, for example:

  • Cost planning for an overall project
  • Resource planning
  • Digital transformation
  • Project risk management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Creating project roadmaps
  • Creating project plans, such as work breakdown structures
  • Management of a project team
  • Industry-specific knowledge

Hard skills are abilities that can be acquired through training, certification or experience. They include, for example:

  • Cost planning for an overall project
  • Resource planning
  • Digital transformation
  • Project risk management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Creating project roadmaps
  • Creating project plans, such as work breakdown structures
  • Management of a project team
  • Industry-specific knowledge

Soft skills are non-technical skills that reflect the social and emotional intelligence of a project manager. They help to become a cooperative and effective team member. They include, for example:

  • Good communication skills
  • Organizational talent
  • Social competence
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Personal initiative
  • Willingness to perform
  • Load capacity
  • Confident appearance
  • Flexibility
  • Adaptability

Soft skills are non-technical skills that reflect the social and emotional intelligence of a project manager. They help to become a cooperative and effective team member. They include, for example:

  • Good communication skills
  • Organizational talent
  • Social competence
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Personal initiative
  • Willingness to perform
  • Load capacity
  • Confident appearance
  • Flexibility
  • Adaptability

Technical skills are skills that require the use of specific tools or technologies. They often depend on the type of project or industry you are working in. They include, for example:

  • Knowledge of finance and technology
  • Mastery of methods and disciplines
  • Analytical thinking
  • Use of ...
    • Project management software, such as Asana4
    • Data analysis tools, such as Excel or Power BI
    • Collaboration tools, such as Teams or Slack

Technical skills are skills that require the use of specific tools or technologies. They often depend on the type of project or industry you are working in. They include, for example:

  • Knowledge of finance and technology
  • Mastery of methods and disciplines
  • Analytical thinking
  • Use of ...
    • Project management software, such as Asana4
    • Data analysis tools, such as Excel or Power BI
    • Collaboration tools, such as Teams or Slack

JOBS as a PROJEcT MANAGER

Are you looking for a job as a Project Manager (m/f/d)?

Do you have an eye for detail, can you plan and implement projects efficiently and always adhere to deadlines? If you would like to demonstrate your strategic and planning skills as a project manager in a new company, then we look forward to receiving your application.

Are you looking for a Project Manager (m/f/d)?

Do you have exciting projects on the horizon but no suitable project manager in your team? To ensure that your projects run smoothly, we can provide you with qualified project management specialists who can solve any potential problem and make your project a success.

Are you looking for an exciting project as a project manager?

Have you already successfully managed projects in various areas from conception to implementation or are you even specialized in a specific sector? If you are convinced that you can lead a team optimally, make good use of various resources and maintain a good relationship with clients and stakeholders, then apply for a new project. We'll help you find your next challenge.

The path to becoming a project manager

Project managers are sought-after specialists in many industries and sectors. They are responsible for planning, organizing, controlling and implementing projects that pursue a specific goal. In doing so, they must always maintain an overview of the course of the project, the people involved, the budget and the deadlines. Project managers often work in interdisciplinary teams and must be flexible, communicative and solution-oriented.

But how do you actually become a project manager? Is there a specific training path or can you get into project management as a career changer? What qualifications and skills do you need to be successful as a project manager? And what further training opportunities are there to specialize or improve in project management?

Project management lateral entry - what is possible?

Project manager is not a protected profession. This means that anyone can work as a project manager, regardless of their training. However, it is not so easy to get into project management without the relevant experience and knowledge. Most employers expect you to have completed basic technical training or a degree in a relevant field and have several years of professional experience. You should also have basic project management knowledge, which you can acquire through self-study, online courses or seminars, for example.

If you want to enter project management as a career changer, you should consider the following steps:

If you want to enter project management as a career changer, you should consider the following steps:

  • Analyze your previous experience and skills and identify your strengths and weaknesses in project management.

  • Choose a sector or area that interests you and in which you already have specialist knowledge or would like to gain further training.

  • Find out about the requirements and expectations of employers in your target area and adapt your CV and cover letter accordingly.

  • Apply for project management positions that match your profile and show your motivation and potential for the role.

  • Take every opportunity to gain practical experience in project management, for example through internships, voluntary work or side projects.

  • Expand your network and make contacts with other project managers who can give you tips, feedback or recommendations.

  • Continue your education and acquire recognized certificates in project management that prove your qualifications and increase your chances.

If you want to enter project management as a career changer, you should consider the following steps:

  • Analyze your previous experience and skills and identify your strengths and weaknesses in project management.

  • Choose a sector or area that interests you and in which you already have specialist knowledge or would like to gain further training.

  • Find out about the requirements and expectations of employers in your target area and adapt your CV and cover letter accordingly.

  • Apply for project management positions that match your profile and show your motivation and potential for the role.

  • Take every opportunity to gain practical experience in project management, for example through internships, voluntary work or side projects.

  • Expand your network and make contacts with other project managers who can give you tips, feedback or recommendations.

  • Continue your education and acquire recognized certificates in project management that prove your qualifications and increase your chances.

Project manager further training

  • Training courses: Training courses are usually short-term and practice-oriented courses that teach you the basics or specific aspects of project management. They can take place online or face-to-face and usually last between a few days and a few months. Courses are often inexpensive and flexible and are suitable for beginners or advanced students who want to refresh or expand their knowledge.
 
  • Distance learning: Distance learning is a long-term and theoretical further education program that enables you to obtain an academic degree in project management. For example, you can study for a Bachelor's or Master's degree in project management or a related subject. A distance learning course requires a lot of initiative and self-discipline, as you usually work through the course content independently and only have a few attendance appointments. Distance learning is often expensive and time-consuming, but also highly recognized and qualifying.
 
  • Certificates: Certificates are proof of your project management skills. They are issued by various organizations or associations that set certain standards and criteria. To obtain a certificate, you usually have to pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills in project management. Certificates are often valid across all industries and increase your credibility and reputation as a project manager.

Project manager training

There is no training to become a project manager in Germany. However, there are some training occupations that offer you a good basis for working as a project manager later on. For example, you can train as an office management assistant, industrial clerk, IT specialist or technical product designer.
In these apprenticeships, you will not only learn the technical basics, but also important skills such as organization, communication, teamwork and customer orientation, which you will need as a project manager.
You will also have the opportunity to work on various projects during your training or even initiate and manage your own projects.
If you have completed an apprenticeship in a relevant field, you can then qualify through further training in project management or start directly as a project assistant or junior project manager. With increasing experience and responsibility, you can then progress to become a project manager or even a project leader or project portfolio manager.

Project manager studies

Project manager studies

Studying is another way to become a project manager. There are various courses of study that will give you an academic degree in project management or a related subject. For example, you can complete a Bachelor's or Master's degree in project management, industrial engineering, business administration, computer science or civil engineering. On these courses, you will not only learn the theoretical foundations, but also practical applications of project management. You also have the opportunity to specialize in certain industries or areas, for example IT project management, international project management or agile project management.

If you have completed a degree in project management or a related subject, you can apply directly as a project manager or start as a trainee or intern. With increasing experience and responsibility, you can then progress to Senior Project Manager or Project Portfolio Manager.

What does a project manager earn?

Project managers are sought-after specialists who manage and coordinate projects from planning to completion. They are responsible for adherence to time, budget and quality and must communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders. But what is the salary of a project manager? This depends on various factors, such as the industry, qualifications, experience and region. In this text, we will give an overview of the different salaries of project managers working in Germany.

The starting salary in project management

The average starting salary for a project manager in Germany is around 45,000 euros gross per year. This can vary depending on the industry and size of the company. For example, project managers in IT or engineering tend to earn more than project managers in marketing or education. The type of project can also have an impact on salary. For example, project managers who manage complex and high-risk projects earn more than project managers who manage simple and routine projects.

The salary as an IT project manager

Project managers are sought-after specialists who manage and coordinate projects from planning to completion. They are responsible for adherence to time, budget and quality and must communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders. But what is the salary of a project manager? This depends on various factors, such as the industry, qualifications, experience and region. In this text, we will give an overview of the different salaries of project managers working in Germany.

The salary as a technical project manager 

Project managers are sought-after specialists who manage and coordinate projects from planning to completion. They are responsible for adherence to time, budget and quality and must communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders. But what is the salary of a project manager? This depends on various factors, such as the industry, qualifications, experience and region. In this text, we will give an overview of the different salaries of project managers working in Germany.

Construction project manager salary

Project managers are sought-after specialists who manage and coordinate projects from planning to completion. They are responsible for adherence to time, budget and quality and must communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders. But what is the salary of a project manager? This depends on various factors, such as the industry, qualifications, experience and region. In this text, we will give an overview of the different salaries of project managers working in Germany.

FAQ

Project managers are versatile professionals who plan, organize and manage projects in different areas. They always maintain an overview of the entire project and ensure that the objectives, budget and quality are achieved. They have to interact with many people, collaborate and be creative. Whether it's building a bridge, developing software or launching a new product, project managers are always in demand.

Project managers are versatile professionals who plan, organize and manage projects in different areas. They always maintain an overview of the entire project and ensure that the objectives, budget and quality are achieved. They have to interact with many people, collaborate and be creative. Whether it's building a bridge, developing software or launching a new product, project managers are always in demand.


Many factors influence the salary of a project manager, such as the industry, the company, the experience, the responsibility and the location. On average, a project manager in Germany receives around 60,000 euros gross per year. The salary for beginners is around 40,000 euros, while project managers with a lot of experience can earn up to 120,000 euros.

Many factors influence the salary of a project manager, such as the industry, the company, the experience, the responsibility and the location. On average, a project manager in Germany receives around 60,000 euros gross per year. The salary for beginners is around 40,000 euros, while project managers with a lot of experience can earn up to 120,000 euros.


Project managers are not trained according to a specific educational path. Many of them have completed specialist training or a degree in business administration, technology, IT or civil engineering. However, there are also courses of study or further training that specialize in project management. In addition to specialist knowledge, these also teach important methods and soft skills for project work.

Project managers are not trained according to a specific educational path. Many of them have completed specialist training or a degree in business administration, technology, IT or civil engineering. However, there are also courses of study or further training that specialize in project management. In addition to specialist knowledge, these also teach important methods and soft skills for project work.


Project managers have various training options. A bachelor's degree in project management usually takes six to seven semesters, a master's degree another two to four semesters. Further training in project management can last from a few months to several years, depending on the provider, scope and level.

Project managers have various training options. A bachelor's degree in project management usually takes six to seven semesters, a master's degree another two to four semesters. Further training in project management can last from a few months to several years, depending on the provider, scope and level.


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