Linking figures, processes and technical procedures in a meaningful way – that’s what makes my work varied and exciting.

Mathies
Project Manager
Filip Warchalowski / ZÜBLIN
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Mathies is a project manager at ZÜBLIN.

As a project administrator, Mathies keeps track of the administrative processes involved in the construction project and ensures that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. In this way, he makes a vital contribution to the successful completion of the project. In this interview, he shares insights into his career path and his day-to-day work, and reveals which skills are essential in his job. 

Who are you, and what has your career path at ZÜBLIN been like so far?

My name is Mathies, I’m 23 years old, and I work as a project administrator at ZÜBLIN. I joined the company in 2021 to undertake an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk, which I successfully completed in early 2024. 

During my apprenticeship, I was able to familiarise myself with various areas of the business and gain my first experience in commercial project management. Following this, I started working as a project administrator in the engineering and infrastructure construction division on the ‘ARGE U5 Ost Lot 1’ project in Hamburg. 

What are your responsibilities as a project manager?

My role is to coordinate the commercial processes of a construction project and ensure that it can be completed successfully from a financial perspective.

I work in both accounts payable and accounts receivable, prepare reports and am responsible for managing suppliers and partner companies. I also assist with monthly and annual financial statements and support the construction/project management team in the financial management and control of the construction project.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

My working day usually begins with a quick scan of my emails and the tasks ahead. Together as a team, we prioritise what we’ll be focusing on that day. I then process accounting entries such as incoming and outgoing invoices.

Throughout the day, I’m in regular contact with colleagues from purchasing, controlling and site management. Internal meetings and coordination are also part of my daily routine. At the end of the day, I draw up my to-do list in preparation for the team meeting the following day.

What do you personally find fulfilling about your job?

Taking on responsibility, being part of a great team and knowing that others can rely on me gives me fresh motivation every day. The varied and often complex construction projects I’ve been privileged to work on are among the highlights of my career so far. They’ve given me the chance to take on new challenges time and again and to work alongside many different personalities. For me, working as part of a team means learning from one another and achieving more together than we could on our own.

What won me over was the combination of challenging construction projects, personalised development opportunities and a supportive working environment – and that is exactly what I have found with my employer.

  • It motivates me when I see that my work is making a contribution to the bigger picture – for the team, for the project and for the company.

You don’t just work in the office; you’re also regularly out and about on building sites. What do you do there?

On site, I get an overview of the progress of the build whilst deepening my technical understanding. I work closely with the site team – that is, the site managers and foremen – as well as our partner companies. I also support the procurement team in negotiations.

What qualities are particularly sought after in your job?

In my job, reliability and a sense of responsibility are particularly important – after all, it involves the financial management of large-scale construction projects. The ability to work as part of a team is just as important, as I work closely with various departments. My flexibility enables me to respond quickly to new requirements and last-minute changes. Technical expertise makes it easier to understand workflows and processes. 

What advice would you give to young people who are considering joining ZÜBLIN?

My career path so far shows that you don’t have to know everything right from the start, but that you can grow step by step through hard work, a willingness to learn and an open mind. For example, I have been studying industrial engineering part-time alongside my job since last September, and I am being supported in this by ZÜBLIN.

Through practical experience, taking the initiative and a willingness to take on responsibility, you can continually develop – perhaps this is exactly what can encourage others to set out on their own path with confidence and curiosity.

  • Make the most of the opportunities, ask questions, get involved – you’ll get a lot in return here if you approach your tasks with commitment and an open mind.

You can find out more about Mathies and his role as a project manager in the video:

A photograph of an employee at a desk in an office. Filip Warchalowski / ZÜBLIN
Keeping an eye on construction progress: Project Manager at ZÜBLIN