Meet Tamara, Project Manager Data Centres

A booming market

“The very first project I worked on was for a big technology company that builds intelligent products and services, powered by machine learning. To have such a prestigious company as your first client was very exciting for me. And once I started working on Data Centre projects, I realised what a modern and booming market it is. Since data centres are complex buildings, you don’t just use your overall Project Management skills, but you really need to take a deep dive into the market and the design specifics. The variety of projects and clients that are located all over the world, combined with travelling and the challenges that come with the projects – that makes my work really exciting.

Every client is different

As a project manager you manage large-scale projects with lots of stakeholders. During the project you are in charge of the team, planning, costs, project administration, contract management and of course you are the first point of contact to the client.

“The clients are always different. Depending on location, building complexity and client’s standards, the level of required consultancy varies. However, there is one thing all the clients have in common: they want their projects to be done rather yesterday than tomorrow.”

Working as a team

Developing, leading and managing the team during all phases is also part of the job of a Project Manager. “A project team usually exists of around 30 people of which roughly 10 are Lead engineers. Of course, they don’t all work on the project at the same time, because not everyone is involved in every stage. The team members rotate from assignment to assignment, meaning that with each project, you will get to work with other colleagues. This allows you to get to work with the entire Data Centre group over time and this is a great way to get to know people in your group. Needless to mention, that people I have worked with are very professional and supportive. Regardless of you being a starter or experienced Project Manager, you can learn from their different approaches, styles and technical knowledge. Working in a such environment makes my job as a Project Manager a lot more exciting.”

A smooth move

“As an expat I was looking forward to the new step in my career, but I was also worrying about the immigration itself and leaving behind friends and family. I was positively surprised by how smooth and easy the entire immigration process went, and all thanks to my colleagues and to the opportunities the company provided. Royal HaskoningDHV took care of the paperwork and arrangements required for the move. I also took Dutch lessons to integrate better and over time I managed to build up my connections and friendships. The career development opportunities are also great: my managers are supportive when it comes to courses related to my personal development and professional courses such as IPMA. Looking back, I definitely don’t regret the decision to move to the Netherlands and join the Data Centre team.”