A Career in Engineering Project Management

Project Managers are in great demand within the current employment market, and this demand is likely to continue to rise, with predictions of a need for more than 15 million more project managers by 2020. However, the skills required are specific, and within the engineering sector, they are even more specialised.

Engineers are being recruited across all disciplines, but recent studies by the Project Management Institute show that every type of engineering is in short supply, from mechanical engineering to software specialisation, civil engineering and electrical expertise. Engineering is one of the biggest areas of concern at present since the gap between demand and skills is growing. Project managers are particularly sought after, and this is not surprising when considering the practical and managerial skills needed.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

Project Managers plan and oversee projects of all types and sizes, regulating budgets, timescales and teams. All of the following fall within the remit of the Project Manager:

Talking with clients to establish their vision and how they see it being created.
Agreeing costs with the client and the contractors, negotiating with both parties and regulating expectations.
Discussing the resources required with the client and any contracted labourers, and knowing where to source these.
Drawing up plans to meet the goals of the project.
Choosing a reliable team to complete the project.
Negotiating with contractors and suppliers regarding materials and services while the project is ongoing.

What Qualifications Does an Engineering Project Manager Need?

Project Managers are usually qualified to a degree or postgraduate level, in project management or a specific engineering pathway. Some Project Managers may have worked as supporting staff and begun by managing smaller projects, developing their expertise through experience.

The Association for Project Management and the Chartered Management Institute offer qualifications in Project Management, and it is also possible to undertake NVQs in project management specifically for engineering.

What Jobs Are Available For Engineering Project Managers?

The roles for engineering Project Managers are diverse and varied, and are only limited by your imagination! Job vacancies overseas offer challenging opportunities for the right candidates, and many vacancies at this level offer good remuneration since the skillsets they require are so specific.

Project Management roles within the Engineering sector offer a huge range of exciting and reliable opportunities, and exploring these with a recruitment agency can help to find the right vacancy for you.

Looking For Engineering Jobs in Cork?

Whatever your specialist skills and experience level, CareerWise will be able to match you up with the engineering jobs in Cork, Limerick and Galway that suit you. Contact us online, or call today on +353 (0) 21 206 1900 for a consultation to find the ideal position for you.

Mike Morissey

(Director) MRGC, MRMC, MCIPD – Cork Office

Mike Morrissey has extensive knowledge of production, quality and engineering, having worked for Dell, Creative Labs and Tyco Safety Products /Sensormatic.

His expansive operational experience is grounded with training as a Six Sigma Black Belt.

As a lead auditor, he is very familiar with compliance and quality standards and has project managed the implementation of the environmental standard ISO14001. He has successfully utilised his project management and team leading skills in implementing numerous cost-saving and process improvement projects.

Since joining CareerWise Recruitment, Mike has graduated with a Diploma in Personnel Management from UCC and is a Chartered member of the CIPD.

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