The project manager, an agile orchestrator
A large-scale operation like a commercial building rarely unfolds as predictably as the passing of the seasons. Delays, technical issues and reassessed priorities are challenges that project managers face on a daily basis. Their role? To strike the right balance between anticipation, flexibility and coordination – so that each project can overcome the obstacles and achieve its objectives.
Two projects, two challenges
Unforeseen events on the construction site
Every day at GSE, we deploy nearly 180 project managers to our construction sites. They may be in charge of several sites simultaneously: a real challenge in terms of organisation and coordination. Their mission may not be simple, but it is clear: to ensure that our key objectives – meeting deadlines, controlling costs and guaranteeing quality – are achieved, even in the face of unforeseen events and on-site constraints.
Take a refurbishment project. On paper, the stages are clearly spelled out: demolition, construction, installation, testing… But on site, things change. There are unknowns. Yet the objective remains the same – and the project manager’s job is to handle the necessary adjustments.
«On a recent renovation project, we’d planned it all so that we could work in an area cleared of the operator’s activities. But a week before the start date, when all the contractors were lined up and ready, the Client informed us that an unexpected order was preventing them from clearing the area as planned. Our project manager had to react in real time, organising meetings with the operator and the subcontractors to find solutions. They adjusted schedules and created sub-zones so that we could both meet our commitments and allow the site to continue operating. In renovation, the project manager is a bit like a conductor whose score changes every day. »
Clément THEILLAY, Head of Renovation, GSE
Building under pressure
GSE introduced training programmes for Project Managers and Project Engineers. These courses prepare them for the demands of day-to-day work by providing them with the skills & tools needed to manage their teams and construction sites effectively. Through this training, they develop the essential competencies to deal with unforeseen circumstances, coordinate stakeholders and secure the targets relating to deadlines, costs and quality.
“Some projects have particularly tight deadlines, as is often the case with logistics construction (including so-called standard logistics, multistorey facilities, refurbishment projects, etc.). In these just-in-time environments, every day counts: interdependencies are critical and success requires swift decision-making. At GSE, we handle this pressure with total commitment and absolute transparency towards our Clients and our teams. Agility and dynamic management underpin our promise of professional, high-quality work.” The challenges are everywhere, whether it’s rolling out a new method, preparing a contractor’s arrival or transforming an internal process. Whenever several individuals need to work together to achieve a common goal while adhering to constraints, project management comes into play.
“In this demanding environment, GSE’s success rests on two inseparable pillars: the technical expertise and emotional intelligence of our teams. This is why GSE trains its engineering managers in personal development to give them all the tools and confidence they need to calmly face the stress in the field.” We find inspiration in the Toltec Agreements, including the principle of “Don’t take anything personally”.” This is crucial when you are passionate and proud to represent GSE.
“To provide a clear, logical and realistic framework, management focuses on specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound targets. Insisting on this clarity in relations between a project’s various stakeholders – Clients, suppliers, partners, contractors, etc. – ensures that everyone has a clear framework, a controlled schedule and reasonable deadlines to succeed together.”
Guilherme SCHWEDER Technical Director – Logistics
Driving customer satisfaction
In addition to our project managers (who oversee the operational aspects of construction sites), our in-house experts work alongside our clients to continuously optimise every aspect of their project.
For GSE, every construction site is unique. That is why we offer support right from the outset of a project, to ensure that we address and meet Client expectations perfectly.
Indeed, client satisfaction is the cornerstone of our strategy. To measure our performance – including adherence to deadlines, the quality of our services and project management – we have set up a client feedback system. Based on annual evaluations and ad hoc surveys conducted throughout the project, it continues for up to one year after completion of the works.
In 2025, 98% of our Clients said they were willing to do business with us again.
95% are satisfied with our work.
“We aim to stand out through the added value we create for (and with) our Clients. They are always on our minds – and at the heart of everything we do.” Roland PAUL, Chairman
