Julia is a project manager at ZÜBLIN.

As a project manager at ZÜBLIN, you have a great deal of responsibility. How did you get to where you are today?

Even as a child, I was fascinated by building sites and construction machinery. After completing my A-levels at a technical grammar school specialising in ‘construction engineering’, my interest grew even stronger and I decided to study architecture. I then gained my first practical work experience during an internship at ZÜBLIN. This was followed by a role in site management, and I have now been working as a project manager for five years. In March, I celebrated my 10th anniversary with the company.

What project are you currently working on, and what makes it so special?

My team and I are currently constructing a unique 205-metre-high skyscraper in Frankfurt city centre: the Central Business Tower. Listed sections of the original base building are being integrated into the new structure. Rather than simply demolishing the building and rebuilding it from scratch, we are preserving what was created over 100 years ago with such attention to detail. It is precisely this aspect – building within an existing structure – that makes it so exciting. Even during the demolition phase, we managed – thanks to our collective expertise and commitment – to dismantle and store sections of the structure. We have secured the existing façade with a massive steel structure and developed a pilot project for façade monitoring. This shows once again that every construction site is unique and very special. 

That already sounds far more sustainable than a conventional new-build. Are there any other aspects of this project relating to sustainable construction?

Definitely. We’ve already used_low-carbonconcrete in our specialist civil engineering work, thereby_savingan amount of_CO₂equivalent to 1,178 return flights from Frankfurt to New York. In addition, photovoltaic modules are planned for the façade elements, which will enable a large proportion of the energy required to be generated within the building itself. 

What exactly does your job involve? What are your main responsibilities?

A key part of my job is coordinating the various parties involved in a project. On the one hand, I have to coordinate the planners – that is, architectural and engineering firms – as well as the authorities and all other trades on site. On the other hand, I am in direct contact with the clients to consult with them and make important decisions. I also often have to react quickly when new circumstances arise, so as not to jeopardise the overall plan. However, my remit also includes traditional tasks such as sourcing subcontractors, awarding contracts, reporting on work progress, monitoring deadlines and controlling costs. 

Which soft skills are important in your job?

As a project manager, it is important to be cooperative and work in a spirit of partnership. Having good interpersonal skills, being able to read between the lines when necessary, and establishing clear structures are valuable qualities in this role. To ensure everyone pulls in the same direction and to deliver the project to the highest possible standard, it is essential to bring all those involved together and foster a sense of community. In this role, I act as both a trusted confidant and a role model within the team.

What do you do in your spare time to recharge your batteries?

Yoga, the gym, going for walks and meeting up with my friends give me that sense of balance. My husband is my greatest source of support and the one who recharges my batteries. He’s always there to back me up and put a smile on my face. 

You can find out more about Julia’s day-to-day work in the video: