A Day in the Life of a Project Manager
A Day in the Life of a Project Manager: Tim Riksman talks about his work at Zwartwoud.
Plenty to do
“A day in the life of a project manager? They're all very different! I usually start the day by going through my emails. Then I pull up my to-do list, which outlines what needs to be arranged for each day. That can be anything: from registering transport, to calling the business owner about our arrival time, checking drawings, or making purchases, for example. I also have many meetings with colleagues, monitor the schedule, ensure invoicing is in order... One day can be completely different from the next; it just depends on where you are and what task you're working on."
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'Be warned: people here live and breathe their craft!'
I've been a project manager at Zwartwoud for almost a year now. Before that, I worked at Zwartwoud as a project assistant for a while. Currently, I'm the project manager for Primera, where we renovate an average of about 12 stores per year. In addition, I handle some smaller projects.
As a project manager, you oversee the project from start to finish, working closely with all colleagues. When we receive a request to renovate a store, we create a quote request. As a project manager, you take measurements and check the quotes and drawings. Once the order is actually in, I get to work: arranging everything with suppliers, production, installation; for that, I create the complete schedule. This way, I ensure the most time-efficient planning possible.
When I started as a project assistant at Zwartwoud, I quickly realized that project manager would be the role that suited me best. In my private life, I'm also clear about making appointments; I'm very much a planner. I find it difficult when someone doesn't keep their agreements. Furthermore, I'm quite direct and treat everyone equally: whether I need to discuss something with the director or with someone from the installation team, I address them in the same way. I like to say what I think or what I believe. And that comes in very handy in this role.
What I enjoy most about my work as a project manager is the diversity: getting in touch with different people. Primera is a franchise, which means I meet many different types of entrepreneurs. I enjoy being around people and creating something beautiful, together.
'What I enjoy most about my work as a project manager is the diversity.'
The work atmosphere and culture at Zwartwoud really appeal to me. Everyone is equal, and if you ask someone for something, they are always willing to help you. Everyone is ready to offer a helping hand, even if the request for help might not entirely fit their job description. You simply get a lot back here.
I also feel I have the freedom here to shape what I do each day. They don't strictly watch the clock to see if you're working; you just need to make sure you have things in order, and then they trust you to do what's necessary. And we are professional with each other when needed, but there's definitely room for a bit of fun here and there.
I think working at Zwartwoud is very good for your development. You get a lot of room to grow. Within this company, you can go in any direction: from design to realization. If your current role doesn't quite suit you, or you'd prefer to go in a different direction, they always look with you at the possibilities within the company.
Furthermore, there's always room for your opinion and/or feedback: you are taken seriously here. They look at what you can do and how your strengths can best be utilized.
But be warned: you really need to be interested in interior construction if you want to work here: the people who work here all love to create something beautiful and are truly proud of it together. People here live and breathe their craft!”
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