Key skills for project managers in engineering companies in Kenya

Project managers in engineering firms make sure that complex projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet all required standards. Whether it's a civil, mechanical, or electrical project, the role of the project manager is crucial. They need a wide range of skills to manage all the details involved in engineering projects. In Kenya, where engineering companies work on varied projects such as road construction, building infrastructure, energy projects, and manufacturing plants, these skills are even more important. Let’s look at some of the key competencies that leading engineering companies in Kenya look for in their project managers.

Technical knowledge

First things first, any good project manager in an engineering firm needs solid technical knowledge. They can't manage what they don’t understand. In engineering, projects are complex and involve a deep understanding of processes, materials, and technologies. They have to be able to speak the same language as the engineers and technicians on their team

Leadership skills

Technical skills are crucial, but leadership is what gets the job done. As a project manager, they are leading a diverse team—engineers, technicians, contractors, and sometimes even government representatives. In Kenya, large infrastructure projects often have many stakeholders, and they need a leader who can inspire the team, delegate tasks effectively, and keep everyone focused on the end goal. Good leadership also means setting clear goals, being there to resolve conflicts, and being approachable. Project managers need to motivate people, especially when times are tough, such as when deadlines are tight or when resources are scarce.

Communication skills

In Kenya, projects often involve a mix of local and international partners, which means communication can get pretty complex. As a project manager, it's their job to make sure that everyone is on the same page, no matter how many people are involved. Clear and effective communication helps to manage expectations and prevent misunderstandings. Project managers need to be able to explain the project's goals, timelines, and challenges to everyone involved. It’s not just about talking—it’s about listening too. Project managers also need to write reports, present updates, and negotiate with clients and suppliers. Whether it’s a meeting with your team or a call with a client, good communication skills are crucial to keeping things running smoothly. The better project managers are at communicating, the easier it is to keep everyone aligned and working towards the same objectives.

Time management

Time management is a major part of the job, especially when working on engineering projects with tight deadlines. Delays can be costly, not just in terms of money but also in terms of reputation and future opportunities. In Kenya, where many engineering projects are part of larger regional or national development plans, timely completion is especially important.

A successful project manager is someone who can create realistic schedules and make sure that every part of the project is completed on time. This means coordinating between different teams, keeping track of progress, and being ready to adjust plans if things don't go as expected. For instance, if there's a delay in getting materials from a supplier, they need to think fast and come up with a solution to avoid derailing the entire project.

Another important aspect of time management is knowing how to prioritise tasks. Some parts of the project need immediate attention, while others can wait. It’s a balancing act between dealing with the urgent tasks that pop up and keeping an eye on the bigger picture.

The best project managers are those who are always learning and adapting. They don’t just understand the technical aspects; they also understand people, processes, and how to make everything come together. With the right blend of skills, a project manager can lead their team to success, even in the face of challenges like tight deadlines or limited resources. For engineering companies in Nairobi and other cities of Kenya, these are the qualities that make a project manager truly great.

I am a professional engineer from Kenya. Sharing blogs and news from my profile